Brett Keisel and Cam Heyward talk on the sideline during the Dec. 21 win over the Chiefs. — GETTY
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
News: The Steelers plan to releaseBrett Keisel later today, the team just announced.
Views: No matter how much a follower of the franchise could have braced for such news, it still packs a punch, doesn’t it?
Under the circumstances, the team issued a statement from Kevin Colbert: “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.”
Keisel had been among the most upbeat storylines of 2014 — one sack, 17 tackles and five passes defensed in 12 games — before a torn triceps ended his season Dec. 1. At age 36, it appeared close to certain that the injury would end his career, as well, but one learns never to doubt No. 99.
The same undoubtedly still applies. It remains to be seen what he’ll want to do, independent of the Steelers’ intentions. I won’t write his farewell until then.
But focusing solely on the future of this team, there can’t be much question it was time to move on. Not just from Keisel but from all four of the key veterans this offseason. His release will save $1.5 million against the cap next season, but that’s not the motivation. Rather, it’s to allow Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Steve McLendon and Daniel McCullers to take over the front line, in whatever form that takes. Tuitt is key. He showed plenty this past season, at least once he finally gained the coaches’ trust. He looks like a fine bookend for Heyward. And once McLendon and/or McCullers shore up nose tackle, you could see size and strength up there at a level comparing to … well, Keisel, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith?
Now, someone, please, hurry up and dump Cam Thomas.
One last thing about Keisel: For another player, I’d show you football highlights. For this truly special individual, let’s go with this instead:
Best of luck, Mr. Beard. This isn’t something that should be spoken too often, but there will never be another quite like you.
What a great career. It's guys like him who make championship teams - the guys who don't rack up Pro Bowls but just do their job, day after day, better than most and set an example for everyone in the process.
I hope he stays in Pittsburgh, where he should never have to buy a meal. But I wish him the best in wherever life takes him next.
Exactly. He has set an example on and off the field. The video chosen by DK to accompany this article is proof of that. Even if he elects to play somewhere else (although I hope he doesn't), he is a Steeler for life, and will be loved as such by all of the fans.
jimmy streich
3-9-2015, 6:20 pm
Harrison, Kiesel, Troy -- have a feeling if they play this year they'll have a home with the Titans
Will miss da Beard big time. After losing Smith, Farrior and others, Brett was one of the last few veterans on the D who led by example. Going into the 2015 season, who comes to mind to provide that leadership role on defense? Has Cam Heyward earned the respect of his teammates to fill those shoes?
Watching all these guys play growing up has been such an honor especially Troy and Keisel. It really sucks but it's time to move on and best of luck to all of them
Usually find these types of videos a bit distasteful because of the fact that cameras were invited to the scene, but man, when that kid celebrates reeling in that fish...whew, that's sweet stuff. I hope I remember Marty next time I p*** and moan about some minor ache or pain or stuffy nose. What a wonderful moment.
All I know If Brett not injured he fishes here and Cam Thomas is rightfully cut. No instead seeing them in Blk and gold for a fial season we see the possible done another uniform.
Brett also had the key interception in the Texans game last year, which I think saved the season. In the first half of that game, before the rally, there was a truly funereal feel to Heinz Field.
March 9, 2015
News/views: Steelers plan to release Keisel
by Dejan Kovacevic • News/views • Steelers
Brett Keisel and Cam Heyward talk on the sideline during the Dec. 21 win over the Chiefs. — GETTY
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
News: The Steelers plan to release Brett Keisel later today, the team just announced.
Views: No matter how much a follower of the franchise could have braced for such news, it still packs a punch, doesn’t it?
Under the circumstances, the team issued a statement from Kevin Colbert: “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.”
Keisel had been among the most upbeat storylines of 2014 — one sack, 17 tackles and five passes defensed in 12 games — before a torn triceps ended his season Dec. 1. At age 36, it appeared close to certain that the injury would end his career, as well, but one learns never to doubt No. 99.
The same undoubtedly still applies. It remains to be seen what he’ll want to do, independent of the Steelers’ intentions. I won’t write his farewell until then.
But focusing solely on the future of this team, there can’t be much question it was time to move on. Not just from Keisel but from all four of the key veterans this offseason. His release will save $1.5 million against the cap next season, but that’s not the motivation. Rather, it’s to allow Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Steve McLendon and Daniel McCullers to take over the front line, in whatever form that takes. Tuitt is key. He showed plenty this past season, at least once he finally gained the coaches’ trust. He looks like a fine bookend for Heyward. And once McLendon and/or McCullers shore up nose tackle, you could see size and strength up there at a level comparing to … well, Keisel, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith?
Now, someone, please, hurry up and dump Cam Thomas.
One last thing about Keisel: For another player, I’d show you football highlights. For this truly special individual, let’s go with this instead:
Best of luck, Mr. Beard. This isn’t something that should be spoken too often, but there will never be another quite like you.