News

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo Steeler Nation! We know Mexico truly has a HUGE Steelers fan base, which the players greatly appreciate. Brett and some of his teammates went to Mexico City last year to host a couple fan camps. The turnout was amazing and the players were quite impressed and thankful for the experience.

Below are some of the fan remarks and photos we received after the players hosted the fan camps.

El Beardo goes to Mexico City

"Thanks to Steeler Nation in Mexico! Your enthusiasm and appreciation for our team is incredible. Gracias mi amigos!"-Keisel after his weekend in Mexico City hosting Steelers fan camps.

Today's news photo is from Francisco Guadarrama Garcia: "Respect El Beardo. Thanks Brett for a very fun day."— with Ely Leñero Reveles and Flaco 'tres Tres.

Keisel, Ryan Mundy, James Harrison, Charlie Batch and Emmanuel Sanders represented the Steelers in Mexico City this weekend for two fan camps. Steeler Nation Mexico could not have been more excited for the players to arrive and get the camps going! From the moment the camps were announced a few months ago, the site started receiving emails from excited fans waiting to meet Da Beard (or El Beardo as the WDVE crew refers to Brett).

A few messages and emails received through Twitter, Facebook and email:

It was a pleasure to have you here in Mexico. Thanks for all your kindness. See you in Pittsburgh.--Fernando Von Rossum

Brett, thank you for the fun weekend! It was awesome meeting you and for being so kind and willing with your time.--Alex S.

You are a beast on the football field and gentleman in person. So down to earth and outgoing. Thank you for giving me something to cherish forever! Go Steelers--Tomas Fierdo

I think that today is in my top ten better days of my life! Thanks Brett for coming to Mexico.--Hector E. Sanchez A.

Well, Mr. Keisel, I hope you're having a blast in my town, Mexico. I told you Steeler Nation is huge in Mexico. Thank you for taking time of your busy life to go and teach young Mexicans how to play the game I love!--Danny Arguelles

I met Da Beard! Have watched him on my TV for years and never thought I'd get the chance to shake hands with my idol. And to find out he's truly a great person and very classy! Thank you to all of the Steelers who took time to visit us. Will never forget it.--Edgar D.

Photos galore:

You can view some photos here.

April 27, 2013

Draft News and Fan Blitz

Too much stock in 40 times and drills. The GAME is about playmaking. Sounds like the kid can play. Welcome to the Steelers, Jarvis (Jones)."--Brett, after the Steelers drafted Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker from Georgia with their 1st round selection.

Brett also sent congrats to a fellow BYU player, Ziggy Ansah who was drafted by the Detroit Lions:

Congratulations to Ziggy Ansah! See you Nov. 17th in Da Burgh.

For more news on the Steelers draft picks, visit Steelers.com.

2013 Fan Blitz:

The Steelers held their annual Fan Blitz at Heinz Field today. Steeler Nation was out in full force to meet some of the new Steelers faces, and some of the vets and retired players.

Brett attended the event and had a great time meeting all the fans and playing with the children:

Fun times Heinz Field during the Fan Blitz. As always, Steeler Nation is amazing!

View photos from the event HERE.

April 26, 2013

Draft day-Looking Back (part two)

The post below is a look back at the 2002 draft, with notes and news from Brett's NFL draft time experience. It was originally posted on April 20, 2012 and we have had several requests to "repost" it, so we figured with today being draft day, it was a perfect time to take a trip down "Draft Day Memory Lane"...

THE CALL

And, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

...DL Brett Keisel.

On April 21, 2002 the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Brett Keisel late in the 7th round.

"I picked up the phone and the caller asked 'How would you like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler?'"

"As fast as I could say yes, I did.

It was just unbelievable. Pure joy. I can't even begin to explain it. It is just an exceptional feeling. It's a dream come true..a dream I've had since the third grade."

From Marlys Good's article, Steelers choose Keisel in 7th round: Greybull Standard, -April 25, 2002:

Sunday afternoon. Time running down in the football draft that had sports fans glued to their television sets all weekend. Then the magic words--"and the Pittsburgh Steelers select...DL Brett Keisel.

Just seconds before the news hit the screens, the phone rang in the home of Brett's parents, Connie and Lane Keisel, in Fairview Utah.

"I picked up the phone and the caller asked 'How would you like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler?' As fast as I could say yes, I did. It was just unbelievable. Pure joy. I can't even begin to explain it. It is just an exceptional feeling. It's a dream come true..a dream I've had since the third grade."

The Greybull High School grad said that when he was younger, he wasn't sure the dream would be realized, but, "Once I started playing at BYU, I knew this day would come."

Pro scouts had been looking at Keisel during his junior year, but when he was injured as a senior, his confidence waverled slightly.

"I wasn't so sure. You always wonder what is going to happen-injuries and things like that. You never know. I could have blown a knee and been all done. You just take everyday, don't think about it, and just go play."

He ended up having an outstanding senior year for the Cougars, played in the Senior Bowl, where he had another outstanding performance, then signed with an agent, and began working out in Phoenix through Jan. and part of Feb. From there he went to the Combine in Indianapolis. It was a wake up call.

"There were 32 teams, each with about 10 people and about 40 people from each position. It was huge. You always wonder, but it was so crazy. There were so many people and you think 'What are my chances?' but you just do the best you can."

It was originally thought that Keisel would be picked in an earlier draft, But Saturday came and went. "Then Sunday I kept thinking 'it will come this morning.' I thought the fourth or fifth round. It still didn't come, didn't come and didn't come. By the sixth round I started getting calls (from different teams) asking me if I wanted to come play there, what kind of a system I liked playing under, but no one was picking me up"

While Brett was on the phone, the 35 or so guests, which included his brother and sister-in-law, Chad and Jamie and their sons, Gabe and Zack from Greybull, youngest sister Kalli, who is attending BYU, and extended family and friends, that included Greybull grad Sarah Johnson, were trying to get information to see what was going on. "Then it came on the screen and our whole house cheered."

Lane Keisel was perhaps more nervous during the wait than his son. "He is undoubtedly my most intense-biggest fan, and he was having a harder time that I was I think," Brett said with emotion. "He kept going outside, coming back in, going back out."

In a statement follwing the draft, Steeler Coach Bill Cowher said, "And Brett Keisel, the last guy we took, defensive lineman, defensive end. Played opposite Ryan Denney at BYU. Good, tough, motor guy that, again, plays hard. He can grow into the 290 range. We love his speed. Just has to learn to work and play in the scheme."

Brett just laughs, "I can do that (gain weight)."

Surrounded by family:

Connie Keisel knew in high school that this was what he wanted, and that he had chosen football (college-level) over basketball because he thought he had a better chance of going to the next level. "But I honestly didn't think it would happen. You just support them, love them and help them."

Connie said that, "It is just a real thrill. So few get this chance. Looking on the web page, we saw about 25 signed as free agents, but they (Steelers) signed just seven or eight in the draft. I though, 'Wow. They chose Brett above all the others there!'"

The Keisel house was packed with about 35 people, down from the 75-plus expected originally until a full-blown blizzard kept some away. "We had a pretty good time Saturday," she said, but by Sunday the mood had changed.

"We were all exhausted; emotionally drained. All of us were tense and felt so horrible for Brett. There was so much emotion." Connie said her son would watch the draft, go downstairs to play some pool, come back up, then disappear to play Ping-Pong. But then came "the call" and all the suspense and waiting was over.

Brett leaves Fairview Thursday, but had to do a little shopping before making his Pittsburgh debut. There will be rookie camp, press conferences and a banquet, and "I have to get some 'rags' to wear," he said.

His mother explained that her son is not exactly a clotheshorse and his casual wardrobe would have to be expanded to include some dress clothes. But, she predicted, the first purchase will probably be a "new truck. He's been driving a little dumpy car for the past few years."

Always a Buff:

Brett might be a "Utahan" now. And he might have been a BYU Cougar during his college years, but he hasn't forgotten his roots.

He sharpened his teeth on opponents while playing for the Greybull Buffs, in football, basketball and track. And he knows he has a huge following in his home town.

'To my fans back there, I want to just say thanks for all the support-there is plenty more to come. I love Greybull. It will always be home. I'll always be a Buff."

Thank you to Connie Keisel for the photos (and articles) used in today's news post. The first one shows Brett receiving "The Call" from the Steelers (along with his brother Chad who was watching it all unfold on television). The second photo is of Brett with his adorable nephews, Gabe and Zack, as he waits to hear his name called in the draft.

Check back Sunday for some post draft reflections, and a current day reflection write-up on Keisel from Jim Wexell, author and publisher of Steelcityinsider.net.

Stay tuned!

April 25, 2013

Draft day-Looking Back (part one)

With Draft time quickly approaching, we thought it would be nice to take a trip down "Draft Day Memory Lane"..all the way back to the 2002 draft. You know..the one that brought Brett Keisel to Pittsburgh.

On April 21, 2002, Brett Keisel was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. How he ended up with the Steelers is an interesting story..but first let's take a look at the day before the draft. Before Keisel, from the small town of Greybull, Wyoming, knew if or when he would be drafted into the big leagues.

From Dick Harmon's article, All Keisel can do now is sit, wait. (The Front Row-April 20, 2002):

Brett Keisel comes from a real American family. His kin likes wide open spaces, horses, freshly baked pie, a good deer hunt, friends that don't lie and a fireproof flag.

On draft day, Brett will be at his parents' home located on a small ranch in Fairview. There he'll be relaxing with his older brother, Chad, who'll come down from Greybull, Wyo. They'll be pitching a few horseshoes and shooting pool as ESPN blares on and NFL draftees go down like solitaire cards.

Once upon a time, after Brett's father, Lane, retired as an Orem firefighter and moved his family and wife, Connie, to Wyoming, their son kept growing like a bull. He was the biggest kid in town, and in high school, nobody but skinny Matt Koeller was taller than Brett. It would take two of Matt to be as thick as one Brett.

After earning all-state honors in basketball and football, Brett did the natural things thing as the town's best athlete-he moved on to college, where he enrolled at BYU.

This weekend, it's uncertain if Brett will be drafted. If he is, he'll be the first player from Greybull drafted since Wyoming linebacker Jim Crawford ended up with the Raiders.

This week, Brett received all kinds of phone calls from NFL teams. Calls on Thursday alone were from the Redskins, Eagles, Dolphins, Jaguars Packers and Steelers.

Scouts wanted to know if he'd stubbed his toe; if he was healthy as the last time they saw him; if he pulled a hamstring, groin or calf muscle pitching horseshoes; and if all his numbers from the tests were on the level heading into draft day. Some wanted to know where he could be reached if he got drafted.

For Brett. who hobbled around much of BYU's 12-2 season with an ankle sprain and a hamstring pull, it's exciting. "It's a dream come true," he says.

Life has changed since he limped off the field at the Liberty Bowl. He's healed. He played well in the Senior Bowl. He's been through the NFL Combine where he was tested, jabbed, timed, probed and X-rayed. NFL gurus have toyed with his body and his mind. one question that he was asked was if he could kill little animals.

"It was weird," he says. "Some questions were goofy."

Now, Brett is a world apart from last December. His future is on the line. The next 48 hours, his life will be in a sort of suspended animation. He's at the mercy of ex-jocks, men with caps and grease pens and chalk boards.

"It seems like forever since I put the pads on and played football, " he says.

If he amounts to anything come Monday in the eyes of the NFL, Brett credits his coach, Gary Crowton, and conditioning coach, Jay Omer.

"They pushed us to the limits and it's been great," Brett says.

The next two days will seem even longer once the draft starts this morning. You can only toss so many horseshoes with big brother Chad. Shooting pool will also grow old.

He'll get the call or his agent will. Or there will be no call at all and free agency will call his number.

This is serious business now. Playing games is no longer for fun, but for money, and Greybull's once giant manchild is waiting like a hay field to be moved.

"I'm going to just relax. Whatever happens, happens. I did everything I could and I can't do anything more, " Brett says.

It's a simple approach and one that should work for this guy who could be happy in a wide open field or a crowded stadium.

Somebody just needs to call. Big Brett is waiting as well as a regular big guy can do.

Check back tomorrow for the story of Keisel's draft day experience, complete with interviews from Brett and his family, and a photograph of Keisel as he receives "The Call" from the Steelers. We will also have comments from Brett's first NFL coach, Bill Cowher, as he talks about the 2002 draft picks, and a great current day reflection write-up on Keisel from Jim Wexell, author and publisher of Steelcityinsider.net.

Stay tuned!

April 21, 2013

"Big Dude" Helps Battles Cancer

Linda Harper knows she needs to stay strong and positive in her fight against breast cancer. So, she decided to enlist the help of a few Steelers players, or their jerseys, while she undergoes chemotherapy.

From her email to the Ben Roethlisberger website last month:

“I am 46 years old and was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I will start chemo next week. That should last 4-6 months, then surgery and radiation. I have no doubt I will beat this. I do not want anything from this website, just wanted to let you know that I will wear my Big Ben #7 jersey to my first chemo treatment…Big Ben has overcome so many obstacles in his personal and professional life…what an inspiration.

I will take my next round in my Brett Keisel #99 jersey…big dude…will help me kick cancer’s a**.

And, the third testament will be in my Troy #43 jersey. We all need someone to pray for us and I know if he knew me he would say a prayer for me….then I will start the rounds all over again with Big Ben #7….GOD BLESS STEELER NATION AND GOD BLESS ME!!! All of this will take place in St. Vincent’s hospital in Jacksonville, Florida…Go Steelers!”

As she said, Linda wore her #99 jersey to her next round of chemo. Her husband, Lane sent this message:

"My beautiful wife, Da Beard & Jack Lambert."

View a photo of Linda in her #7 jersey, HERE.

Linda is a true inspiration to all! We wish her the best and ask you all to keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

Thank you to the Harper's for sharing their photos and to Erin, from BigBen7 for sharing the original post.

Evening update:

Ben Roethlisberger's website posted an update to Linda's story, so please click on over to read it. Your thoughts and prayers, and the power of Da Jersey's (and Jack Lambert) are working!

April 18, 2013

RIP Brandon Brawdy

Last February we brought you the story of young Brandon Brawdy's courageous battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Blue Cell tumors (DSRCT)- a very rare childhood cancer. He and his family vowed to "fight this thing like crazy", and that they did.

We are saddened to pass along the news of Brandon's passing with you.

From his father, Brett Brawdy today:

"Brandon, you have taught me and your ma so much since your battle started! We will always love you bubba! Your battle is now over and I can picture you with your wings! RIP my best friend! Love ya!"-Dad

Brandon was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation last summer. His wish was to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers and meet one of his favorite players, Brett Keisel.

From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:

As soon as the horn signaled the end of Steelers’ practice on Wednesday, Brandon Brawdy’s smile was a mile wide, but nonetheless the 15-year old looked slightly overwhelmed when he saw the entire team heading his way.

It was a moment he had been waiting for since his family contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer almost a year ago, sharing with them his love for the Steelers and wanting to find a way for him to meet some of his favorite players, in particular defensive end Brett Keisel.

“It’s an amazing honor,” said Keisel. “First off that they can have one wish in the world and it’s to hang out with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the day. That’s a remarkable honor for this organization. For him to want to meet me is incredibly humbling. It means a lot to me.”

"I can not say enough about what the Steelers and Brett Keisel have done for my son. It was a trip of a lifetime and every single player and coach took the time to talk to Brandon and sign a ball for him."

Please keep Brandon and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

You can visit their Facebook Page to leave your thoughts and condolences and to learn more about DSRCT.

April 15, 2013

Offseason program begins

“It’s great to see so many guys come out, especially after a disappointing year last year. Everyone is here on the first day ready to work and hopefully get back on the winning side of things.

I just wanted to show you don’t have to just be a young guy to want to be here. That is why I have been here 12 years. I made it a point, especially in my younger days, to be at all of these. It shows you want to work to get better and you want to keep your job. That is what it’s all about.”-Keisel, on the start of the Steelers offseason workout program.

From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:

The first regular season game isn’t until September, but football season got underway for many Steelers’ players on Monday with the first day of voluntary workouts. Players are permitted to do conditioning work at the team’s practice facility with the strength and conditioning staff, and there was a large turnout for the first session, including a mix of veterans and young players.

More from #99:

“A lot of teams would be happy to be 8-8, but we are not. We are looking at it as very disappointing. You have to find ways to correct the mistakes. You have to get guys who are ready to step up and play. We are a young team now. Everyone has said how old we are for a long time. We have a lot of young guys that have to seize this opportunity and play great ball.”

Steelers Country

Pittsburgh architectural illustrator and digital artist, Charles Ott Jr.(also known as the Steel City Artist) created this detailed sports art digital painting titled "Steelers Country", featuring our own #99.

From his website:

The Steelers art shown has garnered wide popularity amongst the fans of Steelers Nation in Pittsburgh and around the world. Every once in awhile, I donate my sports art for charitable events hosted by our Pittsburgh athletes at local charity fundraisers and summer golf outings. My sports art is presently on display in corporate offices, fitness clubs, sports bars and even in the private collections of some notable professional athletes.

Charles Ott has graciously offered to donate a portion of the sales for this print to the Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF). Brett and his wife Sarah are Advisory Board Members for HCEF and work closely with the cause to help ensure that children who are homeless have access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as their peers.

From Mr. Ott:

Steel City Artist will be auctioning off #100 signed & numbered limited edition prints of his detailed sports art digital painting titled "Steelers Country". The artist will be donating a percentage of the total sales from this painting at the end of April towards the Homeless Children's Education Fund in Pittsburgh which Brett and his wife Sarah proudly support. The painting can be viewed in the link provided below and is available in five different sizes. The full-color artist enhanced giclee paintings are reproduced onto Epson heavyweight acid-free photographic luster paper and look amazing. The Steelers art makes unique & collectible gifts for any Steelers fan to display in their sports game room or office. Be sure to check out Steel City Artist's other immaculate hand-drawn pen & ink illustrations and colorful digital paintings.

Click HERE for a closer look at the print and Mr. Ott's generous offer.

The prints are very reasonably priced, starting at $25.00 for an 8x10.

Click HERE to view more of his work, and to place an order.

Ott has many other Steeler players to choose from also, incuding Ben Roethlisberger, Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert and more. For this current offer, the donation to HCEF is for the sales from "Steelers Country" prints only.

Thank you to Charles Ott Jr. for his generous offer and for sharing his amazing artwork with us! Please share his link and work with your friends, family and social media pages.

April 1, 2013

The White House Easter Egg Roll

"Awesome day today at the White House! NFL Play 60 station was definitely a hit for kids at the Easter Egg Roll. Thanks for having us!"--Brett, after his day at the White House.

Brett was invited to participate in the 135th White House Easter Egg Roll today. He brought along his family and they had a great time with all the families attending the annual event.

From Steelers.com:

Keisel was there on behalf of the NFL’s Play 60 campaign, encouraging kids to stay active and play for 60 minutes a day.

“It was amazing,” said Keisel. “When we got there I couldn’t help but think about the last time I was at the White House, with my teammates celebrating the Super Bowl XLIII victory.

Keisel, along with 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin, Giants receiver Victor Cruz, and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, led kids in fun and games, but also got a treat of their own when they met President Barack Obama.

“It was awesome,” said Keisel. “It wasn’t just Mr. President but it was the whole first family we met. It was an honor for me. I told him Ambassador (Dan) Rooney said hello. I gave him some ‘Beard’ gear. He knew about the beard and who I was and that was an honor for me. I hope he goes out and drains some threes wearing the ‘Beard’ gear.”

Rollin' eggs & more

The 135th White House Easter Egg Roll:

Brett is scheduled to participate in the 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll today (April 1)!

This year's theme is "Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You!"

From The White House:

On Monday April 1, 2013, the First Family will host the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll. This year, more than 35,000 people from all 50 states will be joining us on the South Lawn for games, stories, and, of course, the traditional egg roll.In addition to all the fun and games, the day's activities — which will include sports courts and cooking demonstrations — will help educate families on smart ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise choices into their daily routines, which are key pillars of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative.

You can watch the live streaming of the Easter Egg Roll HERE.

WJ36Support:

This Facebook page was set up for Weston Johnson, a football coach from Brett's home state and a good friend of the Da Beard Gear Crew. Mr. Johnson is fighting a battle with Metastatic Melanoma.

His friends and family established the page to show their support to Weston and to announce an online auction which will take place starting today.

The auction will run from April 1-April 10. You can access it (beginning sometime April 1) at Sheridanmedia.com.

Be sure to check it out!

March 22, 2013

Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off

Alright Steeler Nation, here is your chance to set Keisel's taste buds on FIRE!

Brett will once again be a celebrity judge for the 4th Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off held at at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on June 8!

More celebrity judges to be announced soon.

Participants can compete in three categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa. You will compete for over $5,000 in cash prizes with a $2,000 prize to the 1st place Red Chili!

Ready to get cookin'?

Before you do, be sure to learn more about the event here.

Not a cook? Well, stop on by anyway to say hello, taste the chili and check out the gorgeous Nemacolin Woodlands Resort!

The event has no gate fee. Guests may choose to take part in any of the following event activities (fee involved): Chili Tastings, Beer Tastings and All-Access Passes. Information is available here.

100% of proceeds from the Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cookoff will go to the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department.

View photos of Keisel at last year's event here.

Thank you to the awesome crew at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for all their information and for linking to Brett's website. We appreciate it!

March 22, 2013

Jr. Genuis

Abby Keisel, Brett's niece put together a project for the Jr. Genius fair at her school. She chose to do a presentation on the Steelers, focusing on the team's history, what goes on at training camp, and what it takes to stay in shape to compete in the NFL.

As seen in today's news photo, Abby had a table set up complete with a poster of the Steelers history, including the year the Steelers organization began, the amount Mr. Rooney paid for the team, and the years and locations of Superbowl titles the team won (complete with scores). It is evident she did her research!

The table also included GameDay programs from the team, Brett's Whirl magazine cover, and various items from the Steelers and her Uncle Brett. There was information on "What Moves You, a program Brett was affiliated with a few years ago to get kids active, and a photo of Brett's teammate, Ben Roethlisberger. Of course, the presentation would not be complete without photos of Brett with Da Beard and without!

Great job by Abby on her presentation and we appreciate her sharing it with us. Many of you may remember, her brothers Gabe and Zack also did their Jr. Genius project on the Steelers and Uncle Brett a few years ago.

View some photos from Abby's presentation HERE.

March 17, 2013

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We hope Steeler Nation has a great St. Patrick's Day! It's great to see so many fans GO GREEN in their Da Beard Gear St. Patty's Day t-shirts!

Today's photo was sent by Randy Hyder, Lauren Hyder, Jesse Newcomer, Amanda Bach & crew. They were gettin' their green beards on at The Pony Grill and Bar in Sheridan, Wyoming.

View more photos of Da Beard Nation in their green gear HERE.

Thank you for the great response to the St. Patty's Day shirts. They are officially SOLD OUT!

Please have a fun, and safe St. Patrick's Day!

We also would like to wish Brett's mother, Connie a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!

March 6, 2013

Da Beard Gear World Tour

Da Beard Gear merchandise sure does get around! We've had photos sent from Wyoming, Utah, India, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Afghanistan and Peru...just to name a few.

We are glad to see the awesome response to the St. Patrick Day t-shirts. Get your orders in soon so your shirt will arrive by St. Patty's Day!

Today's news photo is from Joseph Mescia...lookin' good in green!

Click HERE to see fans (and Brett's teammates) sporting their Da Beard Gear.

Da Beard Nation has also been tweeting about their extra surprises they received when placing an order through Da Beard Gear. For the month of February, any online order was eligible for a free item, which could include merchandise (some signed) and autographed photos. Visit Brett's official Twitter feed to see the photos.

Champions for Children event:

"Always an enjoyable time at the Homless Children's Education Fund Champions For Children event. Met a lot of people making a difference for our community." -- Brett

The Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF) held their annual event this past Monday. Brett and his wife, Sarah attended as honored guests. They are past recipients of the HCEF Champions for Children award. This is an annual award given for having a significant positive impact on the lives of children and youth experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County.

Read more about their involvement with HCEF by clicking on the "Brett in the Community" tab above.

February 22, 2013

Steeler Nation Spotlight

We have seen Keisel's mug as a tattoo, on salsa, shirts and many have used the name Keisel for their children...but this fan took it to another level!

John Vosburgh can actually say Da Beard has his back...or his truck's back that is.

John's "Steelers" themed truck leaves no question of who his favorite NFL team is, or who is favorite player is. From the inside to the outside, there are signs of Steelers gear.

The most prominent is the rear of his truck where the vinyl graphic of "Fear Da Beard" is displayed.

The vinyl graphic of Pittsburgh Steeler Brett "Da Beard" Keisel was created from a photo of an original oil painting by artist Scott Spillman and produced by Signature Graphics, Tempe, AZ.

I am sure John's amazing truck garners a lot of looks, but Da Beard's scary stare may also prevent tailgating!

We loved seeing the Da Beard Gear sticker also!

Thank you to John for sharing his photos. Click HERE for a closer look of today's news photo, and at several other angles of the "Fear Da Beard" truck.

February 17, 2013

The Power of the beard

Brave the Shadow for Dave:

Bob Work (shown in today's news photo) contacted us several months ago about his event which was inspired by Brett's Shear Da Beard event.

He (and several others) would be shaving their hair to raise money in honor of a friend who lost his battle with cancer.

Here are a few details about our shave event. Inspired by 'Da Beard', we decided to hold our own shaving event here in Central New York. It was called: bravetheshavefordave. Money was raised in honor of our friend Dave Lennon, who passed away last year at the age of 43 from cancer. We had about 80 people who courageously came out and battled the snow to attend.

All totaled we raised over $3000.00 for Cancer Research and a Scholarship Fund for students graduating from Dave's High School. We had quite a few people jump in spontaneously the day of the event! We had 5 people shave their heads including one brave woman. One of Dave's friends, Paula, went without shaving her legs for 5 long months just to take it off for our event. And of course, quite a few beards were grown out to be shearred that day as well!

The event was a big hit and we are already getting requests to see if this is going to be an annual event. Every little bit we do, can hopefully, take us closer to finding a cure and maybe even irradicate cancer all together. Cancer is a terrible thing that has affected us all, and for one day we felt like we could do something about it.

So, thank you and Brett for your continued support. --Bob

Thank you Bob and all who attended and participated in Brave the Shadow for Dave! We hope the event continues annually!

Benjamin Beard

The following email comes from Holly Wagner:

I wanted to write you and tell you about our youngest son and the "Benjamin Beard".

Our son Benjamin was born on 12-27-12. He was born with congenital heart defects. He has been at children's since the day he was born. Today he finally had his repair surgery completed.

This is where the "Benjamin beard" comes in. My husband is not shaving his beard until we bring our precious Benjamin home. As you can see it has gotten to be pretty beefy over the past 6 weeks. He reminds me of Brett with the big bushy beard.

Holly also sent an update today:

I wanted to update you on Benjamin. He had his repair surgery last Monday. Since our little fighter has had 3 cardiac arrests and has kept fighting! He is on life support and we thing things are moving towards a transplant. But yet this tiny baby fights on. He is such a miracle!

Please keep Benjamin and his family in your thoughts and prayers!

We appreciate Holly sharing her story and photos with us.

"Benjamin Beard" is another example of the power of Da Beards!

February 15, 2013

We have a winner

We had over 5,000 amazing entries, so choosing a winner was tough. Scott Spillman helped us judge and he was so impressed that he graciously donated a second set of cards so we could have TWO winners!

The question: "What does it mean, to you, to be a Steelers fan?

The winning entries:

It was a late December game in the beautiful old ash tray that was Three Rivers Stadium. I was home from college on winter break and my pop scored two tickets to go to church together on a cold, windy winter day. I don't think the boys were in the playoffs that year, but it didn't matter. Nor did it matter that our seats were way up in the top tier of the 500's, literally the second to last row of the stadium. What did matter was that I was going to see the Steelers with my old man, and there ain't nothing else like that in the world.

The first half was relatively normal, albeit cold...the kind of cold that seeps right up through the black and gold blankets you have laid down on the ice cold plastic seats. At halftime we went to get some nachos and the like and returned to our upper echelon of football fantasy. Then, it began snowing. Hard. So hard that they brought out snow plows to clear the out of bounds lines around the field. Apparently the players could not see the hash marks. We could barely see anything either, save for the best uniforms in all of football blurring in and out of a cyclone of white.

I don't remember if we won, I don't remember if it ever stopped snowing. And I don't remember if my Dad knew I was sneaking sips of his Iron City or not. I do remember walking in the door to our house and greeting my Mom and Brother with a smile wider than the Monongahela. I remember looking at my lil bro and telling him that the next game was his.

Being a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers is about family, tradition, and roots.

It's about knowing where your friends and family are every Sunday in the fall, and knowing exactly what they are doing. It's about your loving, incredible girlfriend giving up those Sunday afternoons in the fall to a bunch of big, sweaty men.
It's about your Ma being around three boys on those Sundays and putting up with them whether they win or lose. It's not about rich or poor, or where you come from, or the color of your skin. It is about joining together as one, in support of one.

It's about having hero's who don't just leave their mark on the field, but off it as well.

It's about the Terrible Towel. It's about Myron Cope. It's about the Rooney's. It's about a city.
A beautiful city that was nearly uprooted with the fall of the mills. A beautiful city that saw a lot if it's inhabitants move away to find work, but continue to love their Steelers no matter where they are.

It's about Steeler Nation, and having representation and a place to watch the game all over the country. It's about realizing that seventy-five percent of your t-shirts have only two colors on them. It's about believing and winning and losing and team work. It's about learning some fundamentals of what it means to be a person, at a very young age.

It's about learning how to fill the void that is the offseason. It's about being in fear for your life from the long arm of the law. It's about being in fear for men who line up opposite from the law of The Beard.

It's about 20 division championships. It's about 8 AFC Championships. It's about 6 Lombardi's. It's about one team, and one city. It's about a countless Nation.

And then, of course, it's about that little part that's indescribable. That feeling that rushes through you when you see the boys in black and gold running out of the tunnel. It can only be described, for lack of a better term, as magical.

I believe Jack Lambert said it best... "If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler."

This is what it means, to me, to be a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. And I consider myself damn lucky to be born into this family.--Mike Mihm

Winner #2:

To me, being a Steelers fan is more than just rooting on the team and waving my terrible towel, its a lifestyle, a friendship, a passion, a family...a bond.

I cheer for the Steelers, pray for them, support the causes the players get involved in, wish them well, feel sad when they are down, stand up for them when people try to bring them down and I'm happy when they are being the best they can be. I bleed black n yellow!

I became a Steelers fan after listening to the games on the radio. I loved Myron Cope, I loved everything he was about and I could hear his love for the Steelers echo thru the radio speakers. I was just a young girl then, but he made me fall in love with football and the greatest team; the Steelers. One of the greatest feeling I've ever experienced was being at Heinz Field, surrounded by thousands of other Steelers fans, surrounded by what seems like family. Being a Steelers fan is about dedication, unity, and love..."Steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure and widens your world..."Jen Seal

Close contenders:

We had SO many worthy entries and we wanted to share a few with you:

What does it mean, to you, to be a Steelers fan." Its a lifestyle,its a seven days a week,24 hours a day 365 days a year obession.Good teams,bad teams and in between.Its going to camp to watch them and meet some players after.Its saving coins or mad money or selling what you need (short of selling my first born)to buy tickets for games.Its traveling all over for a chance for a autograph or giving blood to Central blood bank to be in their locker room. Its following the players on twitter and facebook.Its checking their fan sites like Brett's and Ben's.Its never getting enough.It never,never,never gets old.Its what I do,who I am.Its a lifetime thing.--Leslie S. Slack

It means:

Early fall goosebumps. Neverending watercooler discourse. Sunday morning nerves. Jerseys on casual Friday. Black and gold x-mas ornaments. Renegade on the iPad. Gameday rituals. Solitary fistpumps and city-wide celebrations. Everything.-- Drew

It's FAMILY. It's knowing no matter where you are in the USA or abroad, when you run into someone else wearing the Black & Gold, (and you ALWAYS run into someone..) it's an immediate smile, a hello and a Here We Go! Steeler Nation is an extension of the locker room- we support our guys by supporting each other. We're a big group of friends...that haven't all been formally introduced. --Annette Filippone

It means strength, blue collar ... The look in the eyes of your favorite players and know that on every game day, every series, every snap, that they are going to give you everything that they have. It means tradition ... that, win or lose, you can hold your head high, knowing you are a part of a fan base that doesn't fracture at the lose of a game or a down year. You know from history that nothing will keep them down and that they will learn from mistakes and come back stronger and that YOUR fan base will grow bigger as it has in my family not only from the hard work you have shown on the field, but for the lives you have changed off the field. Fear Da Beard!!!--Steven Gilmore

It means I am part of something larger than myself that stands for history, dedication, tradition, hard work, giving back, success, and a blue collar work ethic. Oh and cool guys with awesome beards.--James Angerett

Those were just a few of the thousands of entries. Every entry was different and wonderful and we wish we could post them all. They will be saved and may be used at a later date one the site, so thank you all!

Thank you also to Scott Spillman, Haydee Sampedro and Anne Cooper for assisting us in judging the contest.

If you are interested in purchasing the cards, or any of Scott's prints, visit his site here .

First photo was designed by HowlingWolf79.

February 12, 2013

Contest Time

To thank fans for all their support for Shear Da Beard, we wanted to hold a contest to raffle off a set of Scott Spillman's Game Face series cards. So many fans were not able to attend the event where the "Fear Da Beard" print was raffled, or they attended and did not win the raffle, so now is your chance to try to win a set of Steeler Cards (which includes a smaller version of the "Fear Da Beard" print).

Steelers "GAME FACE" collectors cards are a set of six high quality 5" x 7" collectors cards made from Scott Spillman's original paintings of many of your favorite Steeler players.

Please note..the cards do NOT come framed. I believe the frame you see in the photo can be found at places like Hobby Lobby.

How do you enter to win?

E-mail: trish@brett-keisel.com with the answer to this question:

What does it mean, to you, to be a Steelers fan."

There obviously is no right or wrong answer here. We're looking for a GREAT reason to give you this one-of-a-kind set of cards, so dazzle us with your answer!

The deadline to enter is 5:00 p.m. on February 13, 2013. No entries will be accepted after that time. Good luck!

Please only email the address of this site, which is listed above. You can also access the email by clicking on Contact at the top of this page. No entries will be accepted through any of the social media pages.

Please, one email per email address only (subsequent emails from the same address will be discounted).

Thank you so much to Scott Spillman for donating a set of cards to give away for this contest. Mr. Spillman has such a generous heart and donates to many Steelers events every year. He has been a great supporter of Mr. Keisel and his website for many years and we greatly appreciate him. Please take the time to visit Scott's website.

February 8, 2013

More from Shear Da Beard 2013

The event is over, fans have gone home, and Da Beard is gone.

However, Da Beard will live on forever as it helps cancer programs for kids at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC..

"The beard is becoming a symbol of hope for our kids in our cancer centers."--Christopher Gessner, president, Children’s Hospital.

Many parents, and children, who are or have been patients at Children's Hospital have also sent thank you emails and messages for all the work Keisel does to support them.

The children got together to send a special gift for Keisel to thank him for all he (and Da Beard) do to support them.

“To know one player in particular, and the Steelers as a whole organization, is thinking about them and doing something just for them not only helps with the financial impact, but it really lifts the spirits of all of the kids. The people here view his huge mammoth beard as a sign of his affection for Children’s Hospital and his support for all of our patients. They love it.

You see a lot of fake beards being worn by the kids for solidarity and team spirit.”--Dr. Jake Cooper, an attending physician in hematology and oncology.

Quotes courtesy of Steelers.com

A few more photo moments from last night:

Brett's 4-year-old son had the honor of being the very first to Shear Da Beard last night.

Jacob and his mother, Sarah were welcomed to the stage, and the crowd cheered Jacob on as he got the first swipe.

Afterwards the camera caught a touching moment between Brett and Jacob.

Brett also later commented that his daughter, Grace, did not recognize him when she first saw his cleanly shaven face. He said he had to talk to her a bit so she could recognize him by his voice.

Aaron Smith and his son, Elijah, attend the event each year. Elijah is shown here getting his turn to Shear Da Beard.

The idea to shave it the last three years to benefit Children’s Hospital’s cancer programs arose because of his friendship with former teammate Aaron Smith, whose son Elijah was treated for leukemia at the hospital.

"Aaron Smith taught me so much about being a man, football and living. Their family got a lot of help from children's hospital. I am giving back in honor of them and what they have done for me in my life." --Keisel

What does Aaron Smith think of Da Beard being gone?

"He'll probably shave it tonight, and tomorrow have half a beard back... he's like a Chia Pet!"--Aaron Smith

Ben Roethlisberger attended the event to help Shear Da Beard.

We noticed he wore a little something extra in addition to his "Shear Da Beard" t-shirt.

Ben wore elbow-length gloves as he cut a snippet of Keisel’s beard.

He joked saying the gloves were because he sits next to Keisel at team meetings and knows all of the food Brett has eaten that day ends up in his famous Da Beard!

I just loved this photo of Mr. Rooney with Brett.

You can see a larger version of it, along with all the others in the PHOTO GALLERY.

Video:

The Steelers put together a great video tribute from last night. Watch it HEE.

Special thanks:

We want to say thank you to Jergel's Rhythm Grille for providing the venue for Shear Da Beard III. They did an amazing job and everyone had a great time.

Also, thank you to WDVE and Randy Baumann, Eat'n Park, Da Beard Gear, SportClips, Diehl Automotive Group, The Pittsburgh Steelers, Children's Hospital UPMC and Head & Shoulders for Men.

Thank you to artists Scott Spillman and Denny Karchner for their generous donations of prints for the auction and to Brett's teammates and coaches, along with Dan Rooney, for their donations and contributions to the auction. Thank you to Chris Higbee, Donnie Iris and Randy Baumann for their performances.

We also want to give a BIG thank you to ALL who attended the event and all who donated to it. Without your support this event would not be possible.

As Big Ben said last night, "ONLY IN PITTSBURGH!"

February 7, 2013

Da Beard is Sheared

Da Beard is gone. Thanks to all those who participated!

For the third year straight, Brett sheared his beloved Da Beard to benefit Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC.

From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:

The classic rock song “Renegade,” the anthem of the Steelers’ defense, blasted over the loud speakers, fans were decked out in black and gold, and there was excitement and anticipation in the air.

It might sound like the atmosphere at Heinz Field on game day, but instead it was the crowd at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille on hand to watch Steelers’ defensive end Brett Keisel shave his beard. Yes, a packed house to watch someone shave their beard. “This is what makes Pittsburgh special,” said Keisel. “They have grasped on to this idea and really made it what it is today. If the fans didn’t respond to it the way they did, I wouldn’t do it.”

“Brett’s beard really has taken on a life of it’s own and Shear Da Beard has become a great annual event to support cancer programs and research at Children’s Hospital,” said Christopher Gessner, president, Children’s Hospital. “We’re extremely grateful to Brett, and more importantly to his wife Sarah for letting him grow the beard back each season.”

Keisel began growing the beard before the start of the season and promised to not shave it off until season’s end. The idea to shave it to benefit Children’s Hospital’s cancer programs arose because of his friendship with former teammate Aaron Smith, whose son Elijah was treated for leukemia at the hospital. Keisel knows what great care the Smith family received at the hospital and this is his way of giving back.

“I think it speaks to what team is and what this team is,” said Tomlin of Keisel’s reason for choosing Children’s Hospital to benefit from the fun event. “We care for one another and it provides avenues where we can share personal trials and learn from them and see the platform and opportunity we have to help others.”

Read Ms. Varley's entire article, complete with a picture of Keisel-minus Da Beard- here.

Brett had a few surprise, celebrity barbers stop in to help Shear Da Beard. HEEAATTHH Miller, Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward, Coach Tomlin, Coach LeBeau, Coach Mitchell, Charlie Batch, Aaron Smith and Mr. Rooney all got a chance to take a swipe at Da Beard. The cutest celebrity barber of all was Brett's son, Jacob who had the honor of being first to shear Da Beard!

Photo Gallery:

You can view some photos from the event here.

We will add more photos, news and hopefully video as they become available!

February 6, 2013

Less than 24 hours...

...Til Da Beard is sheared!

"The End is near."----Keisel

Brett will have Da Beard sheared by some awesome celebrity surprise barbers tomorrow night at Jergel's Rhythm Grille in front of a SOLD OUT crowd.

All proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC.

The crowd will enjoy great food, drinks, entertainment, and of course the LIVE shearing of Da Beard!

We could also be treated to Keisel joining the WDVE crew to sing their famous hit "Fear Da Beard"!

The Da Beard Gear crew will be there with merchandise so feel free to stop by to say hello!

We appreciate all who purchased tickets to help benefit such an amazing cause.

The event will have an auction for some great one-of-a-kind memorabilia. One item being auctioned is a print of "Fear Da Beard" by artist Scott Spillman.

"Chance to win a print of this Spillman original that resides in my house tomorrow at Shear Da Beard!"--Da Beard

Take a moment to visit the website of Scott Spillman .

You can order a "Fear Da Beard" print and more. He has a great Game Face Series of prints which include fan favorites such as, Hines Ward, James Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger. All are very reasonably priced.

Mr. Spillman graciously donates prints to many Steelers events to be auctioned for charity.

February 5, 2013

Da Beard says thank you

Da Beard launched a campaign to raise money for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. With the help of Northwest Savings Bank, their patrons and Brett's fans, Da Beard's campaign was HUGE!

From Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC:

Thanks to Northwest Savings Bank who presented a donation of $35,000 to Children’s Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology on behalf of their “Da Beard” campaign with Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel! In December and January, Northwest Savings Bank patrons donated $1 or more and had the opportunity to write their own name and message on the iconic image of Keisel’s beard. The beards were then displayed in the bank offices. Thanks again for your support!

And, from Da Beard:

Thanks to Northwest Savings Bank and all those who participated in the Da Beard campaign! 35K to Oncology/Hematology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC!

Steeler Nation and Da Beard Nation came through once again!

The Countdown is ON...

Brett is set to shear Da Beard at Jergel's on Thursday. Once again, all funds raised will go to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC.

The event is SOLD OUT!

The Da Beard crew will be on hand selling merchandise, so be sure to stop by and say hello!

January 30, 2013-evening update

Newest MANE MAN

Meet Head & Shoulders newest Mane Man, C.J. Wilson!

From Michael Sabbia, H & S Brand Manager:

This season Head & Shoulders launched the Troy Polamalu School of Deeper Learning, an online university with Troy, Brett Keisel and comedian Rob Riggle serving as instructors. Fans all season long have gone to Deepliketroy.org to gain insight on ways to get deep in their lives.

Super Bowl week serves as a “graduation” of sorts, where we will be finishing the semester/season as the “Official Shampoo of the NFL” and get started on our third season working with Major League Baseball as their “Official Shampoo.”

Da Beard welcomes the newest Mane Man:

This season I’ve had the pleasure to serve as Dean of Students and Professor of Facial Hair at the Troy Polamalu School of Deeper Learning.

C.J. Wilson is the latest Head & Shoulders Mane Man. I’m excited to have C.J. Wilson join Troy and me as the newest Head & Shoulders mane man. He has some great hair, but his beard needs some work!

Hangin' with Rod Woodson:

Keisel and Rod Woodson on Radio Row in New Orleans.

Photo courtesy of Chris Law, NFL Producer @TheEisenPodcast @NFLFantasy.

Da Beard's keys to a great beard:

Click here for Keisel's "three components of awesomeness."

Check out the post below for more news on Da Beard's adventures today!

January 30, 2013

The fun in NOLA continues

Brett and Da Beard continued their walk of Radio Row today as hair correspondents with Head & Shoulders for Men.

Brett talked about the upcoming Super Bowl, how tough it is to be there and not play..especially when his arch rival's are playing, and he spoke of his time with Head & Shoulders.

It's my second year working with Head & Shoulders and it's been deep. This season, Troy and I, along with comedian Rob Riggle, taught a series of online courses at DeepLikeTroy.org- Keisel

SVP & Russillo:

Brett joined Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo on air today.

He was asked who he wanted to win the Super Bowl this year:

"It's tough...we beat them (the Ravens) with Charlie Batch. They're bitter rivals for us. But, the 49'ers are goin' for a 6-pack..we like walkin' around sayin', 'Hey man, we're the only ones with the Iron City 6-pack.' So, I hope it's a 20-overtime tie."

He does feel the Ravens will pull out the win though 24-17.

Find out why HERE.

Brett also compares his beard to Troy Polamalu's hair, saying the "hair" is much more humble than the "beard". We encourage fans to visit Deepliketroy.org to earn their degree from the School of Deeper Learning.

If you have not watched Troy Polamalu School of Deeper Learning videos, then click on over to the website. Very entertaining (and enlightening)!

The Doug Gottlieb Show:

Brett spoke with Doug Gottlieb about what happened with the Steelers this season, saying they didn't make enough splash plays. He feels the team is very close to returning to the Super Bowl:

"We have a lot of great young talent."

Spies are everywhere:

Watch the mischief Da Beard got into while in New Orleans

Brett's time in NOLA is almost done. We'll post a photo gallery soon of his adventures.

January 29, 2013

Da Beard hits Radio Row

Da Beard had a busy day today hitting all the stops on Radio Row for Media Week. He is there as a hair correspondent for Head & Shoulders for Men.

I tried to keep up with all his interviews, but I may have missed a few. Below are some of the highlights with links to podcasts, if available.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd:

We know Colin is in awe of Da Beard, so interviews are always fun for Brett on The Herd.

Brett comments on his favorite memory from the Super Bowl (it's a good one), Pittsburgh's inconsistent season, what facing the Ravens is like, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis and more.

Click HERE to listen.

First Take:

Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith and Steelers DE Brett Keisel discuss Joe Flacco's contract status with the Ravens.

Click HERE to listen.

He also is asked to rate Ravens QB Joe Flacco and said " I don't think he's as good as Ben (Roethlisberger). "

The Rise, 95.7 The Game-with The Rise Guys:

Brett Keisel joined The Rise Guys and said that he wants the 49ers to lose the Super Bowl, so they don't match his Steelers with their 6th Championship ring.

Thee problem is, he doesn't want the Ravens to win either!

He also talks about being on Dib's Mount Beard-More.

And, Mount Beard-More...Da Beard made the list, but who else joins him?

Listen to where Da Beard ranks on Dib's Mount Beard-More HERE.

790-The Zone:

Brett talks about his legendary beard, Head and Shoulders for Men and of course about the Pittsburgh Steelers and what it's like to win a Super Bowl.

Click HERE to listen.

Fox Sports Radio with Jay Mohr:

What is the best thing Da Beard has had to eat since arriving in New Orleans? What question would he ask players during Media Week? Does he shampoo his beard with Head & Shoulders for Men? Also, what is the favorite sport of Brett's son?

Find out HERE.

Keisel also talks about wanting to get to another Super Bowl..and he gives a shout out to Greybull High School, Snow College and BYU.

Who is Da Beard rooting for in SB 47...

He said he can't root for Baltimore, but he doesn't want San Francisco to get a 6-pack. So, he said feels Ravens will win..but is rooting for a tie.

Brett had a couple more interviews today, and will have more tomorrow. We'll get podcasts posted soon!

January 28, 2013

Da Beard Tackles Media Week

My beard and I are headed back to the Super Bowl Media Day as Head & Shoulders “Hair Correspondent.

I’m looking to get to the root of Sunday’s deepest storylines, from pre-game hair rituals to stand out NFL beards. --Keisel

Brett... and Da Beard are heading to SB XLVII Media Week!

He will be there as a "Hair Correspondent" with Head & Shoulders for Men.

Brett attended Media Week last year and was a big hit on shows such as Mike and Mike, The Herd and more.

He will be appearing this year on numerous shows Tuesday and Wednesday. We will post podcasts and photos, when available.

Brett and the Head and Shoulders for Men team will be announcing a surprise also..so be sure to catch him LIVE from Radio Row tomorrow and Wednesday!

January 25, 2013-evening update

Fan lovin' Friday

An inspirational fan:

Meet Lupita Garcia, a proud mother, wife and member of Steeler and Da Beard Nation!

Lupita has been fighing ovarian, cervical and breast cancer for over three years.

From Lupita:

It's me, Lupita from Facebook. Thank you for responding to me. I feel blessed to just have you acknowledge me. I've been a Steelers fan forever and love the beard.

As you can see, I am batting an epic battle against cancer. It hasn't been easy, but I do my best. I hope to one day be cancer free..hopefully soon.

Lupita made a video (we'll see if she can post it on Facebook for all to see), with her daughter. She was asked what message she wanted to impart to others battling cancer:

To never give up..to never lose hope, because hope is unstoppable.

She credits her family, friends (including her Facebook fans) for giving her support, positive affirmations and feels cancer has brought her closer to everyone in her life.

Another thing which turned "bad" days into "good" ones, is her Relay for Life pillow.

It was a comfort to me when I was fighing chemo and I was feeling sick.

Lupita and her family would like to start a foundation to provide Relay for Life pillows to others fighing cancer or any battle. They need help naming the foundation and spreading the word. So, let's help her out Steeler Nation!

You can visit Lupita on Facebook: mrsgarcia6801, or email her: mrsgarcia68@yahoo.com. Send her some positive thoughts or ideas for her Foundation!

Please tell Brett that I truly love him as a person and a player. My goal is to meet him one day.--Lupita

Thank you to Lupita Garcia for her inspirational story and for reminding us to NEVER LOSE HOPE!

Respect the Beard, Fear the Diesel:

This photo was sent to Brett from Marc Crudgington, via Twitter.

His son, Jake (shown with Jake's brother Luke) is wearing the "Respect the Beard, Fear the Diesel" shirt.

Both boys look like they'll be ready to take on a few O-Lineman in a few years!

Thank you to Marc, Jake and Luke for sharing the photo.

January 25, 2013

Da Beard & crew say thanks

Da Beard and his crew want to say thank you Steeler Nation for all of your support...

So..they will be adding a BONUS in all orders placed during the month of February.

From now until the end of February we will be throwing in something for FREE with EVERY order that is placed in the online store! It could be anything from koozies, stickers, t-shirts, hats, hoodies or even autographed photos or t-shirts. It's just our way of saying, "Thanks" to #DaBeardNation for all of your support and business throughout the past year. Happy shopping!!!

No exchanges or returns on freebie merchandise.

Now is a great time to stock up on your beard gear!

Click the STORE link above to enter the online store.

Today's news photo is from Brett's lovely niece Kelsi, and her adorable family.

As for me and my family, we cheer for DA BEARD!--Kelsi

Keisel didn't have to look far for mentors:

We posted Brett's mentoring story a few days ago (check the January 22 post).

What was Aaron Smith's reaction to Keisel naming him as one of his mentors?

From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:

“I am honored and a little shocked. I always had a way of doing things and you always hope that someone catches on to doing things that way, what I would consider the right way. I think he has done that and expanded on it even more.

That is something professional athletes should always hold on to. You don’t know whose life you will impact. I always just tried to lead by example. I always felt you would get more done by your actions than just by saying words. I am a big believer in that. It’s nothing I was looking to do, I just believed there was a way to conduct myself and be an example, especially for the younger guys.”

Read the entire article, and learn more about Brett's other mentor, his uncle Ben Smith, HERE.

Stop back tonight for a Fan Lovin' Friday post!

January 22, 2013

National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month and the Steelers have partnered with The Mentoring Partnership to help shine a spotlight on mentoring.

Who mentored Brett Keisel?

Brett filmed a video with The Mentoring Partnership to discuss the person (people) who mentored him in his childhood and with the Steelers.

Click HERE to find out who mentored Keisel.

From Kristan Allen, with the Mentoring Partnersjip:

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to talk with Brett and learn more about his mentors. What a great story he shared! Brett was so gracious in participating and helping us spotlight mentoring during National Mentoring Month. It truly was an honor to meet and work with him...what a great guy!

More information on their goal

Mentoring is about providing extra support and encouragement to someone else. January is National Mentoring Month and we're highlighting mentoring in the 'Burgh. Did you know that more than 26,000 kids are currently being mentored by 140+ mentoring organizations in our community? That’s something to celebrate, but it's important to remember that there is still a need for mentors. 988 kids in Pittsburgh are currently on waiting lists for a mentor and now is the perfect time to volunteer with a program and help eliminate the wait for a mentor. Contact The Mentoring Partnership to learn more about mentoring and volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood.

You can also keep up with their work, and help them raise awareness of mentoring in Pittsburgh by liking their Facebook Page and following their journey on Twitter.

Thank you so much to Kristan Allen for providing all of the information and photos/video. Thank you also to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their assistance. The Steelers will be highlighting The Mentoring Partnership and Brett's involvement soon. We'll let you know once it's posted.

January 18, 2013

Catching Up

Playing catch-up on many news items today!

Good news...

Thanks to those of you who have purchased tickets to Shear Da Beard! Shear Da Beard is sold out. Da Beard Nation is strong and prompt!-- Keisel

For those who cannot attend, don't worry..we'll post photos here on the website.

Also, if you cannot attend, but want to still make a donation in honor of Da Beard, you can do so HERE.

Please remember, the event is for those 21 and older. Also, no outside autograph items permitted into the event.

Fan messages:

We wanted to share a few messages sent by fans to Brett over the last week or so.

Thanks Brett for making my grandsons day / year. He was #56 for the coin toss at the season finale and we got the picture from the paper today of you walking out on the field with him. You were looking at each other and we could tell he was in awe of you. He is a young 3 sport athlete and he looks for positive role models. Thanks for being that. You are a class act. He is a student of each sport. --Rick Lambing

Thank you to Mr. Lambing for sending us a great photo of his grandson with Brett.

Hey Brett, I just want to say, that I am a huge fan of the steelers, always have been, always will be. However, you and Heaaaathhhh are my two favorite players of all time. I work at the Omni William Penn and have made you guys dinner every Saturday (you were home) throughout this rough season, and served you breakfast several Sundays. It has been an Honor and privilege to say I cooked for and met guys as amazing as you and Heath. Keep up the hard work, and keep growin that beard, we love it!!!!-- Cody Emerson West

Brett, they say in life your occupation is what you DO...not who you are... In your case, I would have to disagree with that statement. There are all sorts of men that walk onto a football field on any given Sunday and they are there to perform a job just like everyone else. The passion you show for the sport of football on and off the field as well as the compassion you show toward the general public with the charity work you do exemplifies what a roll model and professional athlete is made up of and makes you who your are. Seeing the good that can come out of the game has driven me to coach Football for young boys and girls for the last 5 years to have the opportunity not only to make them good athletes on the field...but good upstanding members of the public by showing them the sportsmanship that you and your team mates show us every Sunday. I have been a Steeler fan since April 22nd, 1974 and because of players like you, the Rooney organization and the standards they set for their franchise....a Steeler fan is all I will ever be. Win, lose, or draw...its Steeler Nation all the way!! Come back in 2013 healthy and ready to win! Happy New Year!--Mike Drog

Thanks for all the hard work you put in everyday. I know fans like me appreciate the interaction with the players. Get well soon!-- Patrick Shushereba

Thank you for all the wonderful emails and messages!

Da Beard is happy hockey is BACK:

I LOVE that the Pens are back! This is amazing. Pittsburgh has packed Consol for the scrimmage. Not surprised.--Keisel, who attended the scrimmage on Wednesday.

Good luck this season to the Pittsburgh Penguins!

View their website and schedule HERE.

January 8, 2013-evening update

Archery Trade Association Show 2013

Brett joined Ben Roethlisberger and Merril Hoge today at the Archery Trade Assocation Show (ATA) in Kentucky. From the ATA website:

The ATA Trade Show is the archery and bowhunting industry’s LARGEST show. It’s also the industry’s MOST INCLUSIVE show. The ATA Trade Show is a member-driven event to promote commerce within the archery and bowhunting industry. Owned and operated by the ATA, the show is closed to the public and is an order writing event.

Tommy Troyer, of T.R.U. Ball Archery, tweeted today's news photo from the show saying:

Hanging with Big Ben, Brett Keisel, and Merril Hoge. #awesomeweek2013 #ifeelsmall"

Amy Hatfield, from ATA website tweeted a photo with Keisel, calling his beard the "baddest beard in football."

Brett also spoke with Matt Coffey, Archery Times, about his visit to the ATA Show.

He discusses why he attended the show, what type of gear he was interested in and when he finds time to hunt.

You can read some from his interview HERE.

Sounds like it was a good trip for Keisel and company, along with all who attended the show.

Keisel also stopped by to visit The Bowdudes where he took a photo with Brett Nelson.

From the Bowdudes website: The Bowdudes are just a bunch of average guys who love archery. We compete, hunt and work on our own equipment. We didn’t invent archery, everything we know we’ve learned from someone else…JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IN MODERN DAY ARCHERY!!!!

If you enjoy Archery and Bowhunting, be sure to visit the sites mentioned in today's post for all the latest news.

Thank you to all who posted and sent photos! Looked like everyone had a great day.

Shear Da Beard 2013:

Information on the event is listed below in today's earlier news post.

January 8, 2013

Shear Da Beard III

Mountain Man Makeover...

"We wanna pack Da House...so Pittsburgh let's rally...let's raise some money for Pittsburgh Children's Hospital UPMC.--Keisel, from an interview on WDVE this morning.

Yes, Steeler Nation...it's that time of year again. Da Beard's days are numbered!

Da Beard will once again be sheared to benefit cancer programs at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC.

Event information:

Date: February 7, 2013

Location: Jergel's Rhythm Grille

Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Shearing to commence at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: Purchase tickets HERE.

Entertainment: Provided by Chris Higbee and Donnie Iris. Also, Brett and the WDVE crew "hinted" we could hear a live performance of "Fear Da Beard"!

Tickets are $25, and include admission to the one-of-a-kind event, first drink and complimentary appetizers, courtesy of Jergel's.

The event will host a live and silent auction, which will include amazing items! There will also be surprise celebrity barbers appearing to SHEAR DA BEARD!

You won't want to miss this awesome chance to be up close with Keisel (and Da Beard), the GREAT cast of celebrity barbers, delicious food, huge array of auction items, incredible entertainment ... and of course the chance to witnesss ...THE SHEARING OF DA BEARD!

FYI:This is a 21 and older event. Also, no outside autograph items permitted into the event.

To view a larger version of the Shear Da Beard photo, click HERE.

Shear Da Beard sponsors include: Da Beard Gear, SportClips, WDVE, Diehl Automotive Group, The Pittsburgh Steelers and Children's Hospital UPMC. Also, special thanks to Northwest Savings Bank for their current promotion (along with Keisel): "Put on Da Beard for Da Kids." Information is on the right side of this page.

January 2, 2013

Looking in the rearview mirror

Well, 2013 is here and the Steelers are in the unusual position of not being in the playoffs.

The team still gave us a lot to cheer for throughout the 2012 season!

We decided to take a "look in the rearview mirror" to highlight some of the fun moments of the season that was 2012, as we start looking forward to the 2013 season.

Keisel had a really good season, and in case you missed any of it, we'll recap some of it.

This ranks among his best seasons with a team-high 40 quarterback pressures and 4.5 sacks.

Brett also led the defensive linemen with 46 tackles.

These are the official numbers listed by the NFL. Although, I counted a few more tackles.

Starting with...

Training Camp 2012:

Fans, teammates and media have discussed what vehicle Keisel would drive into camp this year. Not sure any of them guessed correctly.

Players have been arriving at camp in over-sized SUVs, luxury sports cars and the like, but defensive end Brett Keisel made the entrance of the day in a huge orange Kubota Tractor. Keisel pulled up behind the dorm then dumped his luggage from out of the front loader.--Via Steelers.com

Keisel also became a father for the third time at camp. He and his wife, Sarah welcomed a baby boy to their family.

Brett was a fan favorite at camp, signing autographs for kids, adults and he even had his own group of fans called, "Brett's Bearded Beauties"!

Da Beard, along with his Da Beard Crew held a free autograph signing to thank fans for their support.

Captain Keisel:

Brett was named a Co-Captain of the 2012 team, along with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

I am honored to be named a captain of a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m really excited about this team. We’ve got a lot of quick, young talent. --Keisel

Season highlights:

The Steelers defense did not start off the season as expected. There were many injuries and they were not causing the turnovers as they had in the past. After Week one the former #1 defense was ranked #15.

We’ve got some things to work on. --Keisel, after the loss to Denver.

And work on it they did...a few weeks later, the defense climbed to #5.

Finally a stack of hotcakes. Good team Win! Onward and upward. It was Steeler weather. So we had to play Steeler football.--Keisel, following the 27-12 win over Washington.

Against the NY Giants:

From George Bretherton, The New York Times:

This time the moment came less than a month ago, and it seemed very real. It can best be described as the annual notion that the aging Steelers are on the road to decline.

Guess what? That idea looks wrong again.

On Oct. 11, red flags shot up when Tennessee tight end Jared Cook caught a third-down pass from Matt Hasselbeck with less than a minute to play against the Steelers.

The stunning 26-23 loss came two plays later when Titans kicker Rob Bironas made a 40-yard field goal as time expired.

Guess what? The Steelers haven’t lost or allowed a fourth-quarter touchdown since their Music City Meltdown. In the Steelers’ 24-20 victory on Sunday, they dominated in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Giants, 14-0, while not allowing them a first down.

Brett Keisel (34), Harrison (34) and Ryan Clark (33) sparked the Steelers’ defense on the Giants’ second series, another three-and-out that yielded only 3 yards.

Against KC:

What a game for #99! From the start of the game it was clear #99 was ready to go. He sacked Chiefs QB Matt Cassel twice, had at least four quarterback hurries (Keisel leads the team in QB pressures) and eight tackles on the night. He was all over the field last night and looked to have tipped the pass from Cassel in OT, which Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons intercepted to seal the win for the Steelers.

From the Twitter page of CBSSports-PIT:

"On third down, Matt Cassell saw nothing but Beard, and bowed down before it."

Yes, for those who remember the penalty from the Bengals game, this is the SAME pose Keisel was penalized for..yet he's done the pose for ELEVEN years with NO penalty!

Batch takes down the Ravens:

Charlie Batch, filling in for #7 due to injury, did what many (excluding his teammates) did not think he could do...lead his team to a win over the Baltimore Ravens.

I'm proud of him (Charlie Batch). We all believed he could do it. We're a team in there....we trust each other..we beleive in each other.--Brett, following the win over Baltimore.

Back on top:

The Steelers defense, led by their beloved Coach LeBeau, climbed back on top at #1 by seasons end. They were eliminated from the playoffs after a loss to the Bengals, but the team did not throw in the towel. They went on to close their season out at Heinz Field with a "W".

Keisel injured his MCL in the closing game against the Browns, and had to leave before halftime. Coach Tomlin stated it was an MCL sprain which would not require surgery.

Keisel Chatter:

From Bleacher Reports: "Brett Keisel led all defensive linemen with 46 total tackles, and he was third on the team with 4.5 sacks. Keisel's play also forced most teams to run the other way and towards Ziggy Hood.

From Ed Bouchette, on being asked if the Steelers needed to get younger at the DE position: "Keisel is their best and most productive defensive end, so don't be in a hurry to push him out the door."

We 100% agree Ed!

There were many highlights in between what we've posted here. Feel free to scroll down this page, and hit the Archives page for a more detailed account of each game. You can also read about the amazing fan stories we received and Brett's charity involvement with his own causes and those of his teammates.

Thank you Steeler Nation for all your support, win or lose, every week. Your involvement with the social media pages has been amazing and very appreciated, along with all your kind emails and messages. If you want to try to keep up with Keisel, which is not easy to do but well worth trying, click on the FB and Twitter links above (in the banner) to follow and like him.

Be sure to check in with us here on the website over the offseason to see what is going on with #99 and the Da Beard Gear crew!

We will post some photos and news on the events Keisel attended to support his teammates soon.

December 30, 2012

Defense finishes #1

Steelers 24, Browns 10

For the fifth time, Coach LeBeau's defense finished with a ranking of #1.

From Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com:

The Steelers entered the final regular season weekend ranked No. 1 in pass defense and No. 2 in rushing defense, as well as No. 1 in total defense. In addition to that edge they enjoyed over the 49ers, the Steelers also were 30 yards ahead of the New York Jets in passing yards allowed, but 57 yards behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in rushing yards allowed.

They stayed ahead of the Jets in passing defense by allowing the Browns to finish with 182 net yards passing while Buffalo put up 225 net passing yards in its win over the Jets. But the Steelers were unable to catch the Buccaneers for No. 1 against the rush after allowing the Browns to finish with 138 net yards rushing while the Falcons were gaining only 65 against Tampa Bay.

"We talked about that (last) week. It would have been great to get it all around (rushing, passing, and total defense), but our defense played tough this year amid a lot of adversity and put us in positions to win games and that’s all you can ask for.

We really came together and that’s what it takes, everyone playing together, knowing their role, knowing their job. This is a physical game and you have to have a team that’s ready to play. Our defense played tough through the second half of the season.”--Keisel

Keisel's injury:

Brett left the game shortly before halftime with a knee injury. Coach Tomlin said it could be his MCL, but they are still running tests. No other information is available, at this time.

We appreciate all the emails and social media messages from Steeler Nation. Thank you for sending positive thoughts and prayers.

From Ken Laird (@Ken_Laird), via Twitter:

Steelers DE Brett Keisel enters last year of contract, talks about what changes might come to team:

"There's always changes, I don't know where it's going to be. We'll have a new team next year. Who knows if I'll even be there. It's always new, always fresh. With the frustrating season that it was, we've got to get some guys in there that can play. Hopefully we'll get some good draft players. We'll see what happens."

Today's news photo is of Jordan Miller. He sent a photo via Twitter thanking Keisel for the signed cleat. Brett brought cleats out during pre-game warm-ups to pass out to fans. Several teammates did the same with gloves. Many fans have emailed to say thank you.

December 27, 2012-update

All things Brett Keisel

Blue Cougar Football recently conducted an interview with Keisel to talk about his football career, his charity work, his future after football and his Monday Night Football intro.

Yes, I know many of you are interested in his explanation of the Monday Night Football introduction! I receive dozens of emails about it.

From the interview:

The grandpa of former Brigham Young Cougars in the NFL is Brett Keisel. He is in his 11th professional season—all with the Pittsburgh Steelers. BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL spoke with Keisel the Diesel recently to ask him about his NFL career, his abundance of charity work, and whether his Monday Night Football introduction is a sign that he is at odds with BYU.

Despite Keisel advancing in age, his production has not slipped. He has 45 tackles on the season, which is already good enough for fourth best in his career. With one game to go, he can conceivably eclipse his third best tackles total (48 in 2011). Keisel’s 4.5 sacks this season is just one sack behind his career high of 5.5 (2006).

When asked about his personal success on the field this season, Keisel used one word to sum up the way he felt about it: blessed.

“I feel blessed to still go out and get the job done,” Keisel said. “I have enjoyed the season. It has been up and down, but we can still make the playoffs. It is an exciting time.”- This interview was conducted prior to last week's game.

And..the question many have been waiting for...

Why does Brett not mention BYU in his prime time games:

On Monday Night Football the starting lineups are announced with a brief video of each player stating his name and where he played college football. In his MNF clip, Keisel doesn’t say BYU, but gives the name of his high school--Greybull High School.

When told that mentioning his high school has caused some Cougar fans to think BYU and he had a strained relationship, Keisel wanted to make it clear that, “That is not true.” He went on to explain, “That intro was filmed five years ago. I guess they don’t take the time to update their intros very often. They haven't asked me to do another one since. The one before was BYU. I thought I would switch it up to give my small town some love.”

Brett also discussed his love of Pittsburgh, his future and his charity work. Read the entire article HERE.

From the Blue Cougar Football Twitter page:

"Loved interviewing Keisel. Very humble. Always blows me away when guys who are so successful have such a down to earth perspective on life. "

Check out the previous site update from today in the post below.

December 27, 2012

News and notes

The Steelers revealed their 2012 Steelers MVP today. Each player voted and the winner was....HEEEAAATTTHHHH Miller!

"MVPEEEEAAATH HEEEAAATTTHHHH..Very much deserved my friend."--Keisel

Brett went on to say:

“I was teasing him a while back about being the team MVP and he was like, ‘yeah, right,’”. He doesn’t think that way. That is just the humble Heath Miller. That’s what we all love about him, his humility and the way he carries himself.

We all appreciate Heath for the way he goes about his business. He is the silent assassin, doesn’t say much but is always in the right place, doing the right things. He is one of the hardest working guys I have ever met. He definitely deserves this honor.”

For my ballot, I didn’t just put Heath, I put Heeeeeath.” We love it when we hear that at games. We love Heath. He deserves to be MVP.”

"We knew we needed to play tough"

"We knew we needed to play tough and we did that. I was proud of our defense today. We had some young guys step in there in the back end and play tough. Cortez Allen in particular. Those guys are gonna have a bright future, so I was happy to see the way they played today."--Keisel, from his post game interview.

The Steelers lost to the Bengals 13-10, which eliminates them from post season play.

From Ralph N. Paulk, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Steelers’ defense stands tall in defeat

The Steelers‘ defense wasn‘t perfect Sunday, yet it crafted a performance that defied a disheartening 13-10 setback to AFC North rival Cincinnati that erased the team from the playoff picture. The NFL‘s top-ranked defense crippled the Bengals‘ ground game at Heinz Field. Cincinnati averaged a dismal 0.9 yards per carry on 16 carries.

A defense that struggled all season to create turnovers finally snatched the ball away to give a fading offense chances at redemption. Cornerback Cortez Allen, manning the corner for injured Ike Taylor, intercepted two passes, and safety Ryan Clark recovered a fumble. The Steelers, with linebacker Lawrence Timmons blitzing and safety Troy Polamalu disrupting blocking schemes, tormented quarterback Andy Dalton. They registered six sacks, hammered Dalton to the ground eight times and flattened running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis behind the line of scrimmage six times.

The Steelers, who face the Cleveland Browns in the season finale Sunday, are likely to finish ahead of San Francisco as the league‘s top-ranked defense for the second year in a row. If so, it will mark only the second time since 1990 the Steelers will miss the playoffs with the best defense in the NFL.

“It‘s a shame that those guys played that well defensively and we lost,” receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. “They gave the offense so many opportunities to close it out, but the next thing you know they‘re back on the field because we gave it right back.”

The Steelers‘ defense surrendered only two field goals, including Josh Brown‘s game-winning 43-yarder with four seconds remaining. The Bengals‘ only touchdown was scored by cornerback Leon Hall, who returned a Ben Roethlisberger interception 17 yards to give Cincinnati a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Defensively, the Steelers appeared to make enough plays to prevent the Bengals from beating them for only the third time in 13 games. With the exception of receiver A.J. Green‘s 20-yard catch that positioned Brown for the game-winner, the defense tossed a net over Cincinnati.

“This is the most arrogant as I‘ll ever be: I‘ll take this defense — man to man — with any defense in the league,” said Clark, who later tweeted he had no words to “capture the disappointment.” “When it comes time to play, you give me my 11 against somebody else‘s 11, I‘ll take mine every time.”

I think Steeler Nation would agree with you Ryan!

Brett had a great game, and was nominated for Steelers Digest Player of the Week.

The honor went to Cortez Allen, who as Keisel said, stepped up big time. Brett had five tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Why the penalty:

#99 was penalized after sacking Bengals QB Andy Dalton. When Keisel did his typical shoot-an-arrow sack celebration, referee Mike Carey penalized him 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct “for going to the ground.” It was the same sack celebration Keisel has done for years but the first time he ever has been penalized for it. (Information courtesy of the Steelers).

Brett: " I've been doing it for eleven years. They told me i couldn't go down to a knee and shoot a weapon."

Listen to part of Keisel's post game interview HERE.

December 20, 2012

THANK YOU

We would like to say thank you to all who participated and supported the 65 Roses Sports Auction this year.

Your generosity helped to raise over $80,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

From Sarah Steele, Development Manager-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Western PA Chapter:

"We had a very fun time, and it was exciting to meet Brett, and we are so grateful to have him as our honorary chair!

We are able to let you know that with Brett’s help, we were able to net over $80,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!!! The live auction brought in over $9,000, our Silent Auction brought in over $11,000 and Bid for a Cure brought in just shy of $4,000. Bid for a Cure is an opportunity in which people donate money directly to our cause, Brett was gracious enough to sign mini helmets so that the first 10 people that bid received an autographed mini helmet. Our first bid was $1,000, which was absolutely wonderful!!

Brett brought along amazing players, and we were truly thankful for his participation!

Everyone was so impressed with the lineup that he brought for the autographs.

I hope he and Sarah were able to have some fun as well.

We had some other local celebs there as well, Pittsburgh Dad (Curt Wooten), Donnie Iris, Randy Baumann and Jory Rand.

We appreciate all of Sarah's help in sending information regarding the event and the totals raised!

Ms. Steele also gave thanks to artist Scott Spillman , who graciously donated prints from his Game Face collection to the event.

His prints alone raised over $1300!

Scott donates prints to many Steeler events, and he also sells the prints to fans. Stop by his website to view his amazing work.

Thank you again to ALL the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure the event went smoothly and everyone had fun. Thank you to Brett's teammates who attended which included, Heath Miller, Casey Hampton, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Stevenson Sylvester, Charlie Batch, Shaun Suisham, Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote just to name a few. Thank you to Pittsburgh Dad, Randy Baumann, Donnie Iris and Jory Rand, the fans who attended and the many others who helped to make the event spectacular.

And, a BIG thank you to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for all their research which will one day find a cure!

December 16, 2012

Overtime loss

The Steelers lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Cowboys. They needed the win to keep an edge in the crowded AFC North, but were not able to pull it off yesterday. All hope is not lost, as they face the Bengals next weekend in a division showdown.

From Dale Lolley, SteelCityInsider.net:

Unlike last week's disheartening loss to San Diego, the Steelers went toe-to-toe with the Cowboys. They showed up. They competed. They just came up short.

The Steelers made some big mistakes to be sure.

But down two of their top three corners - and later the top three - and with two rookies on the offensive line, the Steelers hung in a game on the road with a team whose strength is its passing game and pass rush. They certainly looked a lot better than Cincinnati did Thursday night or Baltimore did on Sunday.

And, Bob Labriola, Steelers.com: also pointed out a positive point:

Another situational win for the Steelers defense on the second Dallas series. On second-and-goal from the Pittsburgh 7-yard line, James Harrison punched the ball out of DeMarco Murray’s hand and Brett Keisel recovered at the 8-yard line. Dallas had seven first downs and 128 net yards of offense in the first quarter but only a 3-0 lead.

It was a tough loss, for sure, but the season is not over. The team has two games left, one against the Bengals and one against the Browns. Win and the Steelers enter the single-elimination-tournament!

Game photos:

Click here for game photos!

Help Da Kids:

Please check out the December 12 news below for information on a fundraiser for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC.

December 14, 2012

Busy night for Da Beard

"What a fun night! Got to read the Grinch with the lovely Martina McBride, and then rock out with my friends at the WDVE party."-- Keisel

Brett had a busy performance night on Thursday. He attended the Martina McBride concert at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, and was honored to be selected to read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

From Martina McBride via Twitter:

"Tonight our guest Grinch is... Drumroll please....Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End Brett " the Diesel" Keisel!"

Today's news photo is from Ashley Giugliano via Twitter. Her review of Keisel's performance:

"Martina McBride couldn't have picked a better person to read the story of grinch!! You had such enthusiasm!"

And, from Lauren via Twitter: "Brett Keisel really just performed at the Martina McBride concert..no words."

Get a closer look at Ashley's photo and another from singer, songwriter and pianist, Kira Small HERE.

DVE Christmas Party:

Keisel has been a regular attendee (and performer) at the WDVE Christmas Party, and this year was no exception. The event was held last night at Diesel in front of a packed house.

Keisel joined the DVE crew onstage to sing "Fear Da Beard"-which caused the crowd to go wild chanting "Keisel"!

Click HERE for photos and a video of #99 performing "Fear Da Beard" with the DVE crew.

View the WDVE Christmas Party Gallery HERE.

Loved seeing the Da Beard Gear logo in the background during the performance! Nice touch.

December 12, 2012

Da Beard is on a quest

"Children's Hospital does so many great things for our wonderful city and these kids."-- Keisel

Brett was on the WDVE Morning Show today to announce Da Beard is on a quest to raise money for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC.

PUT ON DA BEARD FOR DA KIDS:

Now through January 18, stop by any participating Northwest Savings Bank offices and donate from $1 and up, and your donation goes directly to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC!

You will receive your own Da Beard to put a message on, which will be displayed at the bank.

Please take time to stop by Northwest Savings Banks to fulfill Da Beard's quest to help Da Kids!

Click here for a closer look at the flyer and the sponsors.

Brett also announced he will, once again, make an appearance at the annual DVE Christmas Party, which will be on December 13 at Diesel Club Lounge.

We may see and hear Keisel chime in with the WDVE crew to sing "Fear Da Beard" LIVE!

December 9, 2012

“You have to respond"

"The whole game felt out of hand. It didn’t feel like we were in the game at all. That’s the tough thing. I feel like we have a good football team. It’s tough to go out and perform that way and try to figure out why.

“You have to respond, you have to. We have to have a good week of preparation and respond, show what type of character this team has. It’s just frustrating. It’s frustrating to see us make flashes, to see us have the makings of a good team and not be able to perform the way you know you’re capable of performing.”-- Keisel, from his post game interview.

Brett is right, this one was frustrating. The Steelers lost to the Chargers 34-24, in a game they really needed to win. It was fortunate for the team that the Bengals and Ravens both lost also.

The Steelers are tied with the Bengals by record, but would hold the tie-breaker over them, for now. The two teams will face each other one more time this season in what could determine a wildcard appearance for one of them.

Before the team can concern themselves with the Bengals, they will prepare for next week's game against the Cowboys.

We know they can bounce back and get things going in the right direction again!

Keisel Kam

2012 OTA's (Organized Team Activities).

Brett with a big smile on his face at OTA's last year. The Steelers will have their first OTA session beginning May 21. Scroll down to view the 2013 offseason workout schedule.

Scroll down for information on Da Beard Gear, Brett's new salsa, Fear the Beard prints, Events and Appearances, Ask the Diesel questions and much more!

Pro Bowl

Pro Bowl 2013

Vote for your Steelers players HERE.

This is the official Steelers ballot, so as you click each position, the eligible Steelers will appear first.

Thank you to Matt Solomowitz for creating the Pro Bowl slogan seen above!

Quick Updates & Interviews

Keisel on the Hines Ward Show:

Brett talks about Da Beard, 65 Roses Sports Auction and the loss to Oakland.

Watch here.

From September 7, 2012:

Keisel talks with Mike Prisuta, WDVE about the upcoming game in Denver and how he's excited to have lots of friends and family there.

Listen here.

From September 5, 2012:

Tall Cathy from 96.1 started her "Five Questions" Segment, which will appear weekly.

From Tall Cathy: When I first walked into the locker room, Brett Keisel immediately approached me to say hello and was kind enough to agree to be the first victim of my 5 question segment!

Brett will tell you about his favorite cartoon growing up, his itunes playlist, first car, favorite food and what's hiding inside of his beard! Thanks to Brett for being such a great sport & to Max Starks for the photo bomb.

Listen to the interview here.

From August 19, 2012:

Post Game press conference after win over the Colts.

From August 7, 2012:

Keisel's interview with NFL AM.

From August 3, 2012;

Keisel sits down with the WDVE Morning Crew for a training camp interview.

New Item

The Da Beard Gear crew has been busy making sure you stay warm this winter!

Three new items were recently added to the store.

One is a long sleeve Da Beard Football shirt: Our new "Da Beard Football" long-sleeve tee is Port & Company brand. The front reads "Da Beard Football" with "Da Beard" logo in the center of the chest. The back reads "Keisel 99" with a faux zig-zag stitch to replicate the numbers that are sewn on the actual jersey.

Next, is a winter hoodie: Stay warm this winter while sporting our latest "Da Beard" hoodie. The hoodie is black in color and brand is Port & Company. It features the "Da Beard" logo in camo on the center chest with "Keisel 99" on the right sleeve.

And, to keep your head warm, a visor: This visor beanie is Yupong brand. The "Da Beard" logo is embroidered and offset toward the left temple of the hat. The logo measures 3 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide. One size fits most, uni-sex.

Click the Store link at the top of this page to GET YOUR BEARD ON with Keisel's official Da Beard merchandise line.

Also, you can listen to the famous WDVE "Fear the Beard" song!

Watch #99 and the Steelers play while decked out in your Da Beard gear!

Visit Da Beard to GET YOUR BEARD ON!

The site offers fans a chance to purchase official Brett "The Diesel" Keisel beard gear. Brett's famous beard captured the national spotlight and was one of the most talked about topics during Media Week at Super Bowl XLV.

From Michael David Smith, PFT:

"Super Bowl week is when legends are made: Joe Namath’s guarantee. Lynn Swann’s catch. John Elway’s helicopter.

And now we can add one more..."

Brett Keisel’s beard.

“The beard — the beard is why we’re here.” -Brett Keisel, from a Super Bowl XLV press conference.

Be sure to purchase your Da Beard t-shirts and hats so you can wear them to games or wherever you cheer on the Steelers. The link to Da Beard Gear is above under "Store" or above under the Da Beard logo. Da Beard Gear is the official merchandise line of Brett Keisel.

The Da Beard crew has added larger sized adult t-shirts and kids gear! They also added some new t-shirt designs fans will love, along with drink koozies and stickers. Thank you for your continued support of Brett Keisel's official site and merchandise line.

Residents and visitors of Greybull, Wyoming (Brett's hometown) can now purchase Da Beard gear there. Stop by the Greybull Building Center atlocated at 617 1st Avenue South in Greybull to check out their selection of Da Beard merchandise.

Also, Hometown Sports in the Pittsburgh area now carry Da Beard Gear!

If you own a store, and are interested in carrying Da Beard Gear, please email us. The email address is at the top of this page, under Contact.

Fear the Beard Prints

This amazing painting was created by artist, Scott Spillman .

“Fear the Beard” is now available in a very special limited edition Giclee print. Brett owns the original, but Scott is offering fans a chance to purchase a print.

This print is of the highest quality and limited to a very small edition of only 500 prints. The prints are available in 16 x 20 inches. Each print is hand signed and numbered by Scott Spillman, the artist, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The cost is as follows:

For 16 x 20 signed and numbered prints - $55.00. Shipping is not included.

You can see a closer view of the painting here.

If you would like a larger size than 16 x 20, please contact Scott to discuss it.

Ready to add this one-of-a-kind print to your collection?

Click here to order and to visit Mr. Spillman's website.

Brett "The Diesel" Keisel salsa

Order online here.

It can also be purchased at Western PA Giant Eagle stores.

We are excited to announce the launch of BRETT "THE DIESEL" KEISEL SALSA!

From the PLB Sports website:

Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Geronimo Salsa are proud to present the BRETT “THE DIESEL” KEISEL line of salsas, which are available in 3 flavors: Mild, Medium, and Hot. Get your jar today! It is a must have for any Black & Gold tailgate party.

FEAR “DA BEARD”, LOVE THE SALSA!

It is available at Western PA Giant Eagle stores. Don't worry if you are not able to get to Western PA, PLB Sports has you covered! You can order the salsa directly from the from the PLB Sports website!

While on their site, be sure to check out the long list of other products they offer. PLB Sports is located in Pittsburgh, PA, and is the # 1 Website for Sports & Celebrity Endorsed Products.

Come on Steeler Nation, this is your chance to include Keisel at your next tailgate party or get together-Keisel salsa that is! This is a one-of-a-kind item, with Brett's face right on the label... makes for a great collectors item. Brett says the salsa is GREAT, and we know you will love it too.

Show your love for Da Beard and GET YOUR SALSA ON!

Click here to see a closer view of the salsa jar label.

Carol Maurin Photography-Fundraiser

Photographer Carol Maurin offers some unique photos of Keisel, with and without his legendary beard. You can order prints, mugs, photo key tags, mousepads, buttons and magnets with Keisel's image. All proceeds from the sales go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Homeless Children's Education Fund.

The prices are great and you will be helping out two worthwhile causes with your order.

Please click here and here to see the available photos.

To check on prices, click on the photo you are interested in. Next, click at the bottom right of the page on "Add to Cart" and the prices will appear. At the top right of the price chart you will see Prints and Products. The prints are the prices to order prints of the photo, and the products are the mugs, buttons and other novelty items.

Pro Bowl

Pro Bowl 2013

Vote for your Steelers players HERE.

This is the official Steelers ballot, so as you click each position, the eligible Steelers will appear first.

Thank you to Matt Solomowitz for creating the Pro Bowl slogan seen above!

Worth repeating

Aaron Smith talks with WHIRL magazine about #99:

Brett is my wingman. I can't say enough about him. He's a great guy, but a great competitor, too. As good of a football player he is, he is an even better person."

Casey Hampton talks with WHIRL magazine about his teammate:

"Brett is a cool cat. He is a country guy with a little swagger--And you rarely ever find that."

Coach Mike Tomlin talks about signing Keisel to a new deal-2009.

“He’s ridiculously competitive. He has a mean streak, something that is necessary to play the position that he plays,” Tomlin said.

“He takes a great deal of pride in his work and he doesn’t care who gets the credit. A lot of times when you play defensive end in our scheme, it’s a lot of dirty work, occupying blocks, playing with great pad level, creating opportunities for others, such as James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, who benefit greatly from the work of our ends.

He embraces all of that and does it with a smile on his face. He embodies the things that we value as a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

NFL analyst Troy Aikman talks about Keisel:

"Brett Keisel, in my opinion, is really one of the great players in this league. I mean, this is a guy, an emotional leader, who missed some time, and him being back has really given this defense a lift. He's not a guy who you see with alot of sacks, but someone who is very disruptive. He runs sideline to sideline; an extremely versatile player. "

Keisel talks about how the team didn't let numerous injuries define them:

"It's testament to the character of this team and the players we have waiting to come in and play. When they get their opportunity and they come in and play and we win, it says something about this team."

Teammate Aaron Smith talking about Keisel:

“I think Brett’s really coming into his own. I think this is the chance for him to have a Pro Bowl year.” “He’s feeling more comfortable, more confidence. He’s a great player. It’s just a matter of him maturing.”

He had an unbelievable camp in practices. There aren’t too many guys who can block him in practice.”

Events/Appearances

Brett and Cameron Heyward judging the chili at the Nemacolin Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-off last year.

Photo from Matt Stark.

Brett will once again put on his "judges" hat to help vote the winner of the Nemacolin Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-off.

Event details:

4th Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off

Date: June 8, 2013

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Event information: here.

2013 Offseason Workouts

The Steelers’ 2013 offseason program will begin on Monday, April 15, and it will conclude with a three-day mandatory minicamp scheduled for mid-June.

OTA Dates:

May 21-23

May 28-30

June 3-6

Mini Camp:

June 11-13

For more information on offseason workouts, please click here.

2013 Schedule

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TBA	New York Giants	7:30 p.m.
8/19/12	vs. Redskins	8:00 p.m.
TBA	KC	7:00 p.m.
TBA	vs. Carolina	7:30 p.m.
9/09/12	@ Denver	8:20 p.m.
9/16/12	vs.NYJ	4:15 p.m.
9/23/12	@ Oakland	4:15 p.m.
09/30/12	BYE WEEK
10/07/12	vs. Philadelphia	1:00 p.m.
10/11/12	@ Tennessee	8:20 p.m.
10/21/12	@ Cincinnati	8:20 p.m.
10/28/12	vs. Washington	1:00 p.m.
11/04/12	@ NYG	4:15 p.m.
11/12/11	Kansas City	8:30 p.m.
11/18/12	vs. Baltimore	8:20 p.m.
11/25/12	@ Cleveland	1:00 p.m.
12/02/12	@ Baltimore	4:15 p.m.
12/09/12	vs. San Diego	1:00 p.m.
12/16/12	@ Dallas	4:15 p.m.
12/23/12	vs. Cincinnati	1:00 p.m.
12/30/12	vs. Cleveland	1:00 p.m.

Ask The Diesel

Kids (and adults)...got a question for Brett "The Diesel" Keisel?

Well, The Diesel himself wants to answer your questions! Email them to us and we'll send them to THE DIESEL. My email is at the top of the site under CONTACT.

Please include your name and where you are from (if you wish).

Depending on the number of questions we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to every question. Please be considerate, and refrain from any personal or offensive questions. This is a great way for fans to get to know Mr. Keisel a little off the field so let's keep it clean and fun!

Q & A:

I live in central Pennsylvania and love to kayak and fish. My question is: Brett I know you are an outdoorsman but have you had the chance to fish for any PA smallmouth? If so, what's your personal best? Secondly you are in PRIME musky country In Pitt. Have you got a chance to hunt any muskies? You are my favorite player on and off the field. Thank you for your time man!- Rob Swann

I haven't had the chance to fish for either. Todd Haley says he knows a good place for Musky and agreed to take me sometime.

Does the added weight of da beard give his neck and delts more of a workout? - Connie-- long time Steelers fan in Arizona

DaBeard is light as a feather and strong as a Bull.

I was wondering if there's any kind of crazy things/ adventures ( like a bucket list) that you'd like to do?- Dan, NYC

I would like to sky dive one day.

What has been your favorite game so far in your career?- Bob Simmons, Hudson, NY

Hard to pick a favorite. Tough to beat 2 Super Bowl victories.

I know that Mr. Keisel is an avid hunter but I am not sure of his shoe size. I wear a size 15 and cannot find hunting boots in that size. If it were possible in passing to find out what outfitter he used to have boots made, it would be greatly appreciated. - Justin Doty

I wear a 14. Cabela's has some large sizes as well as Gander Mountain.

Any advise for a young DE player?- Michael Jablonski Worthington, Ohio

Don't let anyone outwork you.

I am always wondering what does it take to be a professional football player? What is your motivation to step on the field and be the greatest of all? And one completely irrelevant question, what genre of music do u listen to?- Sina Talebian

There is a lot of work that's involved in being a Pro. You have to handle business when nobody is watching. Do all the little things that will help you succeed. I have a strong desire to win, and I love to compete. I listen to everything..depends on what mood I'm in. My favorite band is Pearl Jam.

Where can I find your jersey, man? I have checked Steelers.com and NFL.com. Any idea where to find adult and youth sizes. I see fans on message boards & all over social media looking for them so I know they would be a big seller! - John Timmons Chicago, IL

Thanks. I'm working on getting jerseys to sell on my website. Stay tuned.

What is your favorite childhood memory?-- Haydee S. -New Mexico

As a young boy my favorite memory was camping with my parents and brothers and sisters.

Brett, what is the name of the company that make those wrist guards/braces that you and alot of players wear. Been trying to find them everywhere with no success for my son who's a D lineman. Any help would greatly be appreciated! Thanks!-- Scott Kramer

Donjoy makes the wrist rockets I wear. They work great.

What is your favorite food?-- Gabe Johnson, Pittsburgh PA. (By the way I love my Da Beard Gear. Getting ready to order some more!).

My favorite food is Meat and Taters.

What is your recommendation for a great dinner spot for a first time Burgh visitor? --Ashley Meade

There are several great places to eat but if you come to Pittsburgh you have to try Primanti's. (Click here for locations and menu.).

What is one of your favorite vacation spots?-- Brandon M., Chicago, IL.,/b>

The Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming.

One place we must visit when coming to Pittsburgh for the first time-besides Heinz Field? --Sarah Evans

Mt. Washington. Incredible view of the city.

I know you love to hunt. Do you eat the wild game and if so, what is your favorite? I like deer meat. - Submitted by Emily Cooper (Age 11).

I do love to hunt. And yes, I enjoy venison. My favorite is probably moose or a young elk.

Do you get on the net much ,and if so, what are your favorite sites (besides your own)? -Submitted by Becky Miller (the amazing artist who created several of our Keisel Kam designs and the Pro Bowl logo used last year on the site. Check out her artist page on the Links page above.)

I don't get on the internet much. I like brettkeisel.com, dabeard.com , and Steelers.com.

In a street fight, who would you pick to win: Troy's hair or Keisel's beard? - Submitted by Anne Cooper.

Troy's hair and Dabeard are best friends. They would never fight.

Would you consider dying your beard pink for the Breast Cancer Awareness Game? - Submitted by Sarah Swenson.

No, but I do wear shoes and wristbands for breast cancer awareness. I also support the Bid for Hope event that my friends Heath and Katie Miller host every year.

Bid for Hope is an event that benefits breast cancer research and will be held on October 17, 2011. You can read more about it on the "Brett in the Community" page (the link is under the banner above).

How many brothers and sisters do you have? I have 4 sisters and I like them but would really like some brothers because sometimes they drive me crazy! - Submitted by Jeremy Stephens (age 8).

I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

What is your favorite dessert?
Ice cream and cake.

What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Hawaiian pizza with cracker crust.

Last movie you went to theatre to see?
Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Diesel gives this 3 out of 5 stars.

If you were not a football player, what career would you choose?
Pro Basketball player.

Who is your favorite super hero?
Batman.

FYI-Be sure to go see the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises" when it comes out...Keisel, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller and other teammates filmed a scene for it!

Keep the fun going by emailing your questions for #99 to answer. And, keep checking back to see when we post new questions and answers. This may be a good place to get contest questions from so keep up with your Ask the Diesel fun facts!

Steelers Basketball

I will post any games I locate here, but it is not the full Steelers Basketball schedule. Please be aware...I have no information as to which players will appear at each game.

March 15: Poland Seminary High School.
For information click: here.

March 16: Bethel Park HS Gym.
For information click: here.

March 22: Washington, PA.
For information click: here.

March 23 and March 24: West York, PA.
For information click: here.

At home with Brett

Brett loves to spend time at home, relaxing and being a dad. He is also an outdoorsman whose hobbies include fishing and hunting, things he did while growing up in Wyoming.

Your favorite home-cooked meal: Meatloaf.

Your cooking speciality: Pot roast.

Three things in your refrigerator: Milk, water and snacks.

What's on TV: The Outdoor Channel.

Your TV-watching snack: Popcorn.

What do you do to relax at home: Play with my son.

More to come..so check back!

Keisel Causes

Brett works with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation each year by hosting the 65 Roses Sports Auction. The event raises money for CF.

This annual sports spectacular features a live auction with autographed memorabilia from every sport imaginable! Join the Pittsburgh Steelers, national and local celebrities for this evening of fun, food and fantastic sports items. You can own your own piece of sports history by bidding on items from the legends of the game and enjoy autograph opportunities.

For information on Cystic Fibrosis and the foundation, click here.

Annual information about the 65 Roses Sports Auction will be in the Events and Appearances section, when available.

The Keisel's work with the Homeless Children's Education Fund.
Their Mission: To serve as a voice for the homeless children of Allegheny County and to ensure they are afforded equal access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as their peers.

For more information on Homeless Children's Education Fund, click here.

Tellman Knudson is running barefoot across the country to raise money for youth homelessness in America.

Knudson is trying to raise $100,000,000.00 to aid homeless youth in a project called RunTellmanRun.

From Tellman:
"Sounds crazy, right? I get that a lot. But I live by a guiding principle: If you don’t set yourself extremely ambitious goals, nothing great will ever be accomplished.

Brett and Sarah Keisel have long been involved with charities for homeless youth, so Tellman's cause was right up their alley. They met with him in Pittsburgh, and visited The Hub Outreach Center. Brett graciously signed two footballs which will be auctioned to raise much-needed funds for The Hub.

To read about their visit, and about Tellman's amazing journey, click here.
You can also donate money or leave comments about his wonderful cause through the link.

Keisel Covers

Keisel Cards

Keisel Photos