Steelers Add Former XFL, Western Michigan OL John Keenoy

The Steelers have signed former XFL offensive lineman John Keenoy, helping to shore up depth at a significant position of need ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, as one of four additions to the team announced on Thursday.

Keenoy, 23, has been listed as a center by the Steelers, but played guard for the Dallas Renegades in the spring of 2020.

A 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman, Keenoy is entering his second professional season out of Western Michigan. He initially signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft, but was released after training camp on Aug. 31.

Keenoy returned to Western Michigan, serving as a volunteer assistant during the 2019 season, before suiting up for the Renegades in the XFL alongside current Steelers linebacker and long snapper Christian Kuntz and former Steelers Winston Craig, Landry Jones, and Tegray Scales.

A Kentwood, Michigan native, Keenoy started 50 of 51 possible games at center while with the Broncos from 2015-18. He was a three-time All-MAC selection and was the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2015.

With the Steelers losing starting left guard Ramon Foster to retirement and top interior offensive line backup B.J. Finney to free agency, they have a significant need in the interior of their line, even after adding free agent Stefen Wisniewski. Returning practice squad player J.C. Hassenauer is the only other center listed on the roster.