Steelers release defensive end Brett Keisel

Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel was released Monday, per the team. 

“We have informed Brett Keisel that we plan to release him today,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. “We have had conversations with Brett over the past couple of weeks during which we communicated our intentions to him. Brett has played a major role in our success during his 13 years in Pittsburgh. 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.”

The former seventh-round draft pick spent 13 years with the Steelers. During his time with the team, Keisel's stats included 30 sacks, 36 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions.  

Keisel, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, played in 16 postseason contests. He recorded 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

His accolades include being named to the Pro Bowl in 2010 and winning the Steelers' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011.

The 36-year-old saw 2014 cut short due to a triceps injury and he was placed on injured reserve after 12 games.