Steelers release veteran Brett Keisel

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran defensive end Brett Keisel.

Keisel has played each of his 12 NFL seasons with the Steelers after joining the team as a seventh-round draft selection in 2002, playing a key role on the some of the most dominant defensive units in recent memory.

While it's unclear whether or not he intends to pursue opportunities elsewhere around the league heading into 2015, the 36-year-old has put together a highly impressive career to this point either way.

Appearing in 156 games, tallying 30 sacks and 408 tackles, Keisel was a marker of consistency throughout his time in Pittsburgh.