Steelers part with Keisel
Brett Keisel
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers have parted ways with veteran defensive end Brett Keisel on March 9, 2015 after he spent 13 seasons with the team. Brett Keisel as drafted in 2002 from BYU and became one of the most important pieces to Dick Lebeau's defense.
It was unclear if the Steelers would sign Keisel going into the 2014 season. After contract talks with the team looked to be going stale Keisel flew to Arizona to meet with the Cardinals. Keisel had the unfortunate task to explain to his children he might not be playing in Pittsburgh anymore. His daughter and son were distraught and wanted to know why their daddy would not be with one of the best teams in the league. Keisel was moved by his childrens' outcries so he decided to give the team a call and tell them Pittsburgh was where he wanted to stay because he loved the team and the city.
Brett "Da Beard" Keisel re-signed with the Steelers last August and went on to play with a revitalized James Harrison until he was injured. Keisel's beard is well known around the league. For 5 years the defensive end has grown out his beard in support of the Children's Hospital cancer programs. "Keisel has raised more than $250,000 for the Division of Hematology/Oncology, according to Children's Hospital," (http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/12356/brett-keisel-shaves-beard-for-charity). Keisel makes sure to take time to visit patients at the hospital often.
Brett Keisel's career accomplishments include 2 Super Bowl Championships, 3 AFC Championships and 1 Pro Bowl appearance in 2010. I have always loved watching him play because he always worked hard to break the offensive line to get to the opposing quarterback and make physical plays. Unfortunately his body has started to let him down at 36 years old. The muscle tear he suffered in 2014 sidelined him for the remainder of the seaon. The injury indicated he would not be back for 2015. The Steelers defense is going to miss Da Beard and his tenacity next season.
Brett Keisel played his heart out for the Steelers and gave back to the community with his Shear Da Beard events and so much more. Keisel was the definition of what Pittsburgh fans expect and love to see in a Steeler. He was physical, hard working, loved Pittsburgh and its fans. It is hard to say goodbye to a legend but Keisel has honored the Steelers tradition of hard nose football. It has been a pleasure and a joy to watch Keisel play in the black and gold over the last thirteen years.
