Brett Keisel released by Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL career over?
The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran defensive lineman Brett Keisel on Monday and his time in the NFL could be over as a result.
Brett Keisel, 36, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on the eve free agency starting, ending the 12-year career with the only franchise he’s known.
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Keisel was a seventh round pick of the Steelers (No. 242 overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft and started 114 of his 156 career games and was one of the bigger fan favorites in the Steel City.
“Brett has played a major role in our success during his 13 years in Pittsburgh,” general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement, via NFL.com. “We appreciate his efforts and we are grateful for what he helped us accomplish, including two Super Bowl Championships. We will always consider him an all-time Pittsburgh Steeler.”
Steelers released the beard, Brett Keisel.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2015
His long beard that made him look like a lumberjack endeared him to the blue-collar fanbase and the “fear the beard’ became a popular phrase in recent years. But after nearly signing with the Arizona Cardinals and returning to the Steelers on a one-year deal last year, is his time up in the NFL?
Keisel turns 37 on September 19 and fits best as a defensive end in a 3-4 front so his options will be limited because of his age, scheme fit and most importantly, his diminished skills.
Last year, Keisel produced one sack, his fewest since 2008 and only 17 combined tackles, the fewest total since he had nine in 2004.
If this is it for Keisel, he finishes with 30 sacks, two interceptions, seven forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, one Pro Bowl in 2010 and two Super Bowl rings on his resume.
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