For Miles Killebrew, the 2023 season might not have lived up to all of his expectations and hopes, but it definitely lived up to one that stemmed from a wish list years ago.
When Killebrew was in high school, he and his father made a list of things he wanted to accomplish.
Third on the list of five read: ‘Pro Bowl, as many as possible.’
That goal came true for Killebrew this year when he was selected to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career. Killebrew is in Orlando, Florida, this week for the Pro Bowl Games, selected as a special teamer.
“I made a list with my dad back in high school and the goal was always to start locally and to give everything I can to be the best locally,” said Killebrew. “Then collegiately, and eventually make it to the pros and do the same thing all over again. Start by being a factor on my team, a leader on my team. Then be recognized within the league and just keep going up. That’s been the goal. I just want to keep going up.
“So, it’s cool to reach this milestone of Pro Bowl. It’s a very cool thing. And it’s something that’s been in the works for a long time, but it’s never been the end goal. It’s definitely a nice little stop along the way.”
When he learned that he was selected to the Pro Bowl, it was his dad who reminded him of that list, texting him the copy that he has always kept.
“He sent me the picture of the list right after the news broke,” said Killebrew. “It brought me back because we had no business making that list in Henderson, Nevada, at Foothill High School. This was just such a long shot list, and it was really nostalgic to go back to that moment. It’s cool to have.”
While it wasn’t on the list, there was another major accomplishment for Killebrew this past season.
For the first time in his career he was selected Associated Press First Team All-Pro.
“I’m humbled. I’m incredibly grateful,” said Killebrew. “I’ll sit here before you and tell you I didn’t change my approach to this year from last year, though. I had an underwhelming year last year statistically. But you compare it to this year, and I can’t put my finger on any one thing that I’ve changed. I think that’s just the nature of the business. There are ups, and there are downs.
“It’s such a journey. I try to remain consistent through it all. Consistent with my approach. And it really makes me feel validated that’s the right approach. I have a year like this, and I can take a deep breath and say I am doing the right thing by maintaining my consistency, whether it be my walk with God, my home life with my family, the things that I do to train in the offseason. Things that I’m kind of leading my guys here on the team. It’s cool to have a year like this to just kind of say, okay, I’m moving in the right direction.”
