Keeanu Benton Credits Nick Herbig for Pushing Him to New Contract
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has revealed how his college teammate and outside linebacker Nick Herbig pushed him to earn a new four-year extension worth $72 million.
Benton and Herbig, who were drafted by the Steelers in 2023, relied heavily on their bond to navigate the high-stakes offseason. In an interview on "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward," Benton explained how his relationship with Herbig fueled his drive to earn his extension.
"We do everything together," Benton said when reflecting on signing extensions in the same offseason as Herbig. "You got to compete, man. I think that's what drives our relationship, our friendship, you know, the competition aspect."
Herbig secured his four-year, $100 million extension first, which sharpened Benton's focus during training and preparation. Benton revealed that the competitive spark between them made him work even harder, knowing that his turn was coming.
Benton received the call from his agent late one evening, and Herbig was involved in the celebration. "I was in bed actually and then my agent called me, then added Nick to the call and Nick came busting in my room like, 'Oh, dog,'" Benton recalled.
The Steelers' decision to extend both players' contracts is a testament to their commitment to building a strong defensive unit. By fostering internal accountability, the team has locked in two vital pieces of their defensive future.
The Steelers' 2023 draft class has shown promising signs, and the extensions of Benton and Herbig are a significant step towards solidifying their roster. As the team looks to build on their success, the bond between Benton and Herbig serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork and competition in driving individual and collective success.
The Steelers will now look to build on their defensive strength, with Benton and Herbig set to play key roles in the team's future. The extensions of both players are a significant boost to the team's morale and a testament to the impact of their bond on the team's performance.
Source: Yahoo Sports