Raiders release Marcel Reece after eight seasons

The Oakland Raiders released four-time Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece Monday, the team announced.

General manager Reggie McKenzie said via press release:

“I want to thank Marcel as a player and as a person for all that he has given to the Oakland Raiders. . … This was a tough decision. Not enough can be said about Marcel’s commitment to his teammates and his pride in the Raiders, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best.”

Reece was suspended for the first three games of the season due to violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances. The team signed fullback Jamize Olawale to a three-year extension over the offseason, which seems to have played a part in making the tough decision to release Reece.

Head coach Jack Del Rio said about Reece:

“Marcel was a great teammate and I appreciate him as a player on the field and as a man off the field. I wish him all the best moving forward.”

Reece was in his ninth season with the Raiders prior to being released. He joined the Silver and Black as an undrafted free agent in 2008, out of the University of Washington.

During his career, Reece amassed 844 rushing yards and 2,015 receiving yards, to go along with three rushing touchdowns and 12 receiving. He played in 92 games, starting 67.