Pittsburgh Steelers” defensive powerhouse Keeanu Benton has a full-throttle approach both on and off the field. The nose tackle, known for his relentless energy and strong play, takes the offseason as his time to unwind and prepare mentally for the challenges ahead.
During a recent interview with Overtime Heroics Senior Editor Reggie Roberts, Benton revealed some personal insights and his plans outside the football field. “I fish all the time. Bass. Pan fish. Blue gills. Perch,” Benton shared. “Caught some walleyes. Really good eats.” It”s clear that fishing isn”t just a pastime for Benton; it”s a passion.
The gridiron star also discussed how he spent his recent offseason. “I did take a little time to travel right after the season. I went to Orlando and watched a couple of Magic games. And then I went home for a little bit to Wisconsin. And then I spent some time in Hawaii which was kind of a vacation for the first week and then I got back to work,” Benton explained. His travel itinerary reflects a blend of relaxation followed by prompt returns to training, showing his dedication to maintaining peak physical condition.
When asked about his ambitions for the upcoming 2024 NFL season, Benton”s goals were clear. “First thing I want to prove is that I’m not just a two-down guy. So, getting after the passer is a thing that I tried to get better at this offseason and just also improving on my strengths that I had last season in stopping the run so I can get those chances to rush the passer,” he stated. His commitment to evolving his game underscores his desire to contribute more dynamically to his team.
His current music choice? Bob Marley, inspired by the recent movie about the legendary artist, and some tunes from Rod Wave. If he were a baseball closer, he’d pick “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC as his walkout song.
“You know the Bob Marley movie just came out, so I’m in my Bob Marley phase right now. But Rod Wave you can never go wrong with,” he said, sharing his current playlist favorites.
As for a superpower he”d choose?
“Teleportation, so after a long day of work, you can go to the beach and chill wherever you like and be back for practice the next day.”
Nate Herbig, who played with Benton at Wisconsin and now shares the locker room at Pittsburgh, couldn’t hide his admiration.
“Keeanu was a beast, man. He was unblockable,” Herbig stated. “I thought he was the best player in the 2023 Draft, to be honest.”
For Benton, legacy is about resilience and determination. “I want to be known as one of those guys who never gave up, who started from the bottom and ended up in one of those gold jackets.”
As Benton gears up for another demanding NFL season, it’s clear that whether on the field or by the fishing pond, he’s making the most of every moment.