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Brett Keisel is one of 13 players to play on all three Steelers' Super Bowl teams. His two Super Bowl rings stand as a testament to his contributions to this franchise.
His teammates aren't forgetting that.
I sure am gonna miss my uncle beard next season! I mean uncle Brett! A true class act and hell of a teammate @bkeisel99 will be missed!
— Mike Adams (@Channel75live) March 10, 2015
Offensive tackle Mike Adams joined the team in Keisel's twilight years, and even though the two didn't share time in meeting rooms and generally would have only gone after each other in practice, the respect he has for him is obvious.
Same for Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who played with Keisel since Pouncey came into the league in 2010.
That's the kind of mark Keisel left on the team. For 13 years, through multiple different variations of beards, Keisel has been a bedrock - one of the last few remaining members of an excellent period of Steelers football.
Farewell, @bkeisel99 [#99 Gameday Poster] pic.twitter.com/yCWoyGYfIm
— Benstonium (@Benstonium) March 10, 2015
One of Benstonium's best movie posters, it depicts a shadowy figure known just by his No. 99 jersey. Keisel operated without a spotlight - well, until he decided to grow a beard for an entire season and became the most popular player during media day before Super Bowl XLV. He can't be blamed for trying to stir up a little publicity.
It's been awesome for us too @bkeisel99 : http://t.co/mlLdum7FEl. @DaBeardGear @SteelersArt @steelers pic.twitter.com/BhLVyWWF9h
— Brett Keisel Fans (@brettkeiselfans) March 9, 2015
It makes one wonder what the popular Brett Keisel Fan Club will do now. It's only right they follow him to another team, should Keisel get that opportunity. It wouldn't be a surprise. Yes, the narrative is to head to Arizona, where Keisel nearly signed last year before returning to Pittsburgh. It's also easy to suggest he join Dixieland Steelers and head to Nashville with Dick LeBeau and the Titans. If Keisel gets one more year somewhere else, so be it.
When an all-time list is compiled of the great people in the #Steelers lockerroom, Brett Keisel is at or near the top. Great guy. True pro.
— Alby Oxenreiter (@albyox) March 9, 2015
Outstanding 13 years in Pittsburgh for @bkeisel99 . Not bad for 7th round pick who produced 30 sacks & part of 2 SB Championships #ClassAct
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) March 9, 2015
Many in the media share the same feelings as WPXI's Alby Oxenriter and KDKA's Bob Pompeani. You hear the term "pro" used to describe the athletes who work well with the media and conduct themselves in a responsible manner. There's oftentimes a combative relationship between media members and athletes, and it can be difficult building a healthy level of respect. By most accounts, Keisel has done that with the local media.
We have released defensive end @bkeisel99.
READ: http://t.co/73aXAbufY1 pic.twitter.com/YFnDhoUsel
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 9, 2015
He may have been released Monday, but he'll never be removed from the heart and soul of Steeler Nation.