PITTSBURGH — Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel has been added to the 2011 AFC Pro Bowl, announced today by the NFL. Keisel was a first alternate and is invited to replace Indianapolis Colts’ defensive end Dwight Freeney, who is unable to participate due to injury.

This marks Keisel’s first trip to the Pro Bowl after he helped the Steelers lead the NFL in a number of different defensive categories, including rushing yards allowed/game (62.8 avg.), scoring defense (14.5 avg.) and total sacks (48). Keisel finished the season with three sacks and an interception, which he returned 79 yards for a touchdown in the Steelers’ Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Keisel joins outside linebacker James Harrison, safety Troy Polamalu and rookie center Maurkice Pouncey, who were all selected to the 2011 AFC Pro Bowl team announced last month. Harrison and Polamalu were named starters in the NFL’s annual All-Star game.

The Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii and televised by FOX in prime time at 7 p.m. Eastern. The Pro Bowl squads were selected by a combined voting of fans, players and coaches.