Keeanu Benton

Keeanu Kyrie Benton (born July 17, 2001) is an American football nose tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wisconsin.

Early years
Benton grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin and attended Joseph A. Craig High School. As a senior, he made 75 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery. Benton committed to play college football at Wisconsin over an offer from Iowa.

College career
Benton played in 13 games and made six starts at nose tackle as a freshman and finished the season with 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. He played in seven games and made seven starts at nose tackle during his sophomore season. He was named second team All-Big Ten Conference as a junior after making 25 tackles with five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Professional career
Benton was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round, 49th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. As a rookie, Benton appeared in 17 games and started nine. He finished with one sack, 36 total tackles (16 solo), two passes defended, and two forced fumbles.