NewsMay 16, 2012 Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off
Alright Steeler Nation, here is your chance to set Keisel's taste buds on FIRE! Brett, along with Cameron Heyward, Phil Bourque, and Arron Asham will be the celebrity judges for the 3rd Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off held at at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on June 9! Participants can compete in three categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa. 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. Hat, hats..and more hats: Brett is wearing the official Da Beard Gear Flex-Fit Hat. It's a hit with both men and women (and kids have been known to wear 'em too)! The hat comes in S/M and L/XL. You can check it out here. Click here to view Keisel sporting the camo version of the hat and also the 2012 Steelers New Era hat.
May 7, 2012 Mother's Day...
...is May 13--which is rapidly approaching. Are you ready? Sure, flowers and candy are nice, but how about a gift that will bring your mom's inner beard out? Something fierce, yet feminine, like the Da Beard Ladies Burnout Tee shown here. Show mom you thought about her gift...stepped outside of the "routine" gifts and bought her what she really wanted: Da Beard Gear! If your mom is a ballcap kind of gal, Da Beard has you covered with the Da Beard Flex- Fit Hat (which also comes in camo style). If she is a beach, pool or boat kinda gal, how about a Da Beard drink koozie to keep her drink nice and cool on those hot summer days! Click on over to Da Beard Gear to view all of their items. We know you will find something to put a big smile on mom's face...or a ferocious Da Beard growl! Make mama happy this Mother's Day with a gift from Da Beard Gear! Da Beard is heading to Mexico City: Brett, James Harrison, Ryan Mundy and Emmanuel Sanders will be hosting two Steelers fan camps in Mexico City, Mexico. From Steelers.com: The one-day Fan Camp for adults will take place on Saturday, June 23, in Mexico City at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Santa Fe. The fan camp will include individual drills directed by Steelers’ players. The one-day Youth Camp on Sunday, June 24, will introduce the kids to a number of individual drills needed to participate in the game of football. Registration: Click here to register. For those who are attending the camps, feel free to send us your photos. We'd love to post them on the site. May 2, 2012 News and notes
May is here and we know what that means...time for OTA's and mini camp! The Steelers will hold mini camps on May 22-24, May 29-31 and June 4-7. Mini camp dates will be May 4-6 (rookies) and June 12-14. Da Beard is heading to Mexico City: Brett, James Harrison, Ryan Mundy and Emmanuel Sanders will be hosting two Steelers fan camps in Mexico City, Mexico. From Steelers.com: The one-day Fan Camp for adults will take place on Saturday, June 23, in Mexico City at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Santa Fe. The fan camp will include individual drills directed by Steelers’ players. The one-day Youth Camp on Sunday, June 24, will introduce the kids to a number of individual drills needed to participate in the game of football. Registration: Registration will begin on May 4. The article on Steelers.com includes the link to register. Event reminder: Alright Steeler Nation, here is your chance to set Keisel's taste buds on FIRE! Brett, along with Cameron Heyward, Phil Bourque, and Arron Asham will be the celebrity judges for the 3rd Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off held at at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on June 9! Participants can compete in three categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa. 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. April 24, 2012 Hard work pays off
From Steelers Digest, December 2011: Though not highly drafted, Keisel didn't need much time to become highly regarded by his new employers. "This guy has so much athleticism," said John Mitchell, then and now the Steelers D-Line coach. "He's a guy who could have played at a major college basketball program if he wanted to. He could run. He could have been a track athlete." Keisel almost immediately became a game changer as a member of the Steelers special teams. "He was a demon," remembered Mitchell. "Here's a guy who's 6-foot-6, close to 300 pounds, flying down the field and taking the heads off people. That's where he got his chance. Then when some guys left, Brett stepped in, and he never looked back. He's such an intelligent player. He's one of the best technique players I've ever coached." By the start of the 2006 season, Keisel was ready, and the team allowed veteran DE Kimo von Oelhoffen to leave as a free agent. Brett Keisel was a starting DE in the NFL, for the defending Super Bowl champions. To read the entire article, click here. #99 was making a name for himself with the Steelers organization and with Steeler Nation. He harassed quarterbacks with pass deflections and his sacks became well known by fans and teammates. He was known for his athleticism and and smart play. From some of Brett's teammates on the D-Line: Aaron Smith:"There's no doubt in my mind that he's the most athletic. The way he can run, move and the things he can do-there's no more of a complete athlete than him on this team." Ziggy Hood:"There isn't anyone he can't run down. That shows a lot about his character. We never think we don't have a chance to make a play, because there's always positive energy coming from him." Cam Heyward:"He's a beast. Sometimes he's the most athletic player on the field, for either team. He's a great leader. He always wants to be better in practice." 
A few of #99's accomplishments: Two-time co-winner of the Hard Hit award. Co-awarded the “Chief Award”, given annually to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of cooperation with the media. Two Super Bowl victories..three Super Bowl appearances. 79 yard interception return for a touchdown. Selection to the Pro Bowl (he was unable to play due to a Super Bowl berth). Named Steelers 2011 Man of the Year Award. The above is not his entire list of accomplishments, but just a few. You can read more about Brett's Bio by clicking the link below the banner. Keisel is not only a great person on the field, but off the field as well. He works closely with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and with the Homeless Children's Education Fund. You can read more about his work with them, and others, by clicking the link to "Brett in the Community" above. 
Legendary Beard: Not many players have double identities. Keisel has been known for several nicknames: The Diesel and Mountain Man to name a few. A few years ago, Keisel decided to grow out his beard. He would stop shaving in the summer, usually before training camp, and then "let it go" until the end of the season. The first year resulted in a Super Bowl berth. "I think it just came from Pittsburgh. We've got a great hockey team and they grow their playoff beards out and I saw those guys looking burly and thought, ‘You know what? After mini camp in June, I've got seven months until the Super Bowl and we're trying to win our seventh Super Bowl, so I'll see if I can let this thing (grow) for seven months and this is the result." Keisel called it "Da Beard" and the name grew to epic proportions. Fans were enamoured of Brett Keisel and Da Beard. His beard had its own Facebook and Twitter pages and there is a "Beard Yourself" site where fans can upload their own photo to see how they would look with a legendary beard. The media caught on and Brett and Da Beard gained a national following. He filmed a national commercial for Head & Shoulders for Men with teammates Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward, and they (Brett and Da Beard) attended Media Week for Super Bowl XLVI. Everywhere they went fans (and the media) wanted a piece of Da Beard. "Fear the Beard" became a hit slogan. At the conclusion of the last two seasons, Keisel has shaved his beard for charity in an event called "Shear Da Beard." Fans could attend to watch the legendary beard be shaved to benefit cancer programs at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. After this past years event:"Even though Da Beard is no more, its legend will live on forever. All proceeds raised during the event, and through donations for those who could not attend, will be donated to cancer programs at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. Da Beard will be fighting cancer for years to come!" Each event raised over $40,000 for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. 
Da Beard Gear: In 2011, Brett and two close friends, Michael McGuire and Will LeDoux, launched Da Beard Gear-a place for fans from all over the world to GET THEIR BEARDS ON! From the Da Beard Gear site: You have just discovered the OFFICIAL gear of the beard voted by NFL Network as the greatest in NFL history! Grown by 2 time Super Bowl Champion and 2011 Pro Bowler, Brett "The Diesel" Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers. DA BEARD has an identity all its own. From the rugged Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming to the Three Rivers of the Steel City, DA BEARD gear will leave you looking savage while showing your support for DA BEARD! So wherever you may be in the world... GET YOUR BEARD ON! Da Beard was already well known, but the launch of Da Beard Gear propelled the name worldwide. Fans from all over the world wanted to get their beards on. In true Keisel style, he and the Da Beard Gear crew made sure to launch the gear with an autograph signing in Wyoming-Brett's home state. Keisel's fans, friends, family and teammates helped to spread the word, and Da Beard Gear became a huge success. Click here to see photos of them in their Da Beard Gear. Yet another venture turned into success by hard work from that kid from Wyoming. Not bad for a guy drafted in the seventh round (242nd overall)! Fans... training camp and the new season are just around the corner-be sure to stock up on your official Keisel Da Beard Gear so you're ready! Have a suggestion for new merchandise you would like to see Da Beard Gear offer? Let us know! April 22, 2012 Draft day-Looking Back (part three)
Brett Keisel's dream since the third grade had come true on April 21, 2002 when he was drafted into the NFL. Now, it was time to do what he had done his whole life...work hard and prove to the Pittsburgh Steelers that he belonged on their team. From an interview with Steelers.com: "I am just still in shock and glad I can come out to Pittsburgh and hopefully get a spot." You can read the whole interview here. Coach Cowher talks about drafting Keisel: 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." Proving some wrong... An excerpt from a blogger who gave a Steelers Draft Day Analysis: Draft Day Impressions: The Steelers really wanted Keisel's linemate, DE Ryan Denney in the 2nd round, but Cower nemesis and Buffalo GM Tom Donahue traded up with the 49ers to steal him away. So instead, the Steelers settled for Keisel in 7th. He probably will never start a game for the Steelers, but you never know until you put the pads on and play the game, as Hall of Famer Chuck Noll used to say. Grade: C, predicted grade after 3 years: D The blogger certainly called that one wrong! Not only would Keisel become a starter, he would become a key player in two Super Bowl wins, a number 1 rated defense, and he would be selected to the Pro Bowl, which as Steeler fans know, is very difficult for a Defensive End in the Steelers system. In fairness to the blogger, he did update his "Draft Day Impressions" to say he was both surprised and impressed with Keisel's play year after year. If you are wondering about the "talk" of Ryan Denney, and how we ended up with Keisel instead of him, Jim Wexell explains it in his current day reflection of Brett's career. For those not familiar with Mr. Wexell, he is an author and a publisher at Steelcityinsider.net.. If you are not a subscriber to his site, you are missing out on great draft, player and game analysis. It's worth a visit (or several visits) to his site. I asked Mr. Wexell if he had time to write a little something about what he remembered from when Keisel was drafted. I knew he was busy with draft analysis, so I just expected a quick quote, but he provided so much more. This is one of my favorite write-ups on Brett, and I know you will enjoy it also! From Jim Wexell: When I look back into my notes from draft weekend 2002, I'm reminded that Brett played opposite Ryan Denney on the defensive line at BYU. I remember that Denney was supposed to be the Steelers' second-round draft pick that year. That information came out after the Bills had drafted Denney right before the Steelers' turn, and Bill Cowher hit the roof because his nemesis Tom Donahoe -- fired two years earlier by the Steelers -- was the Bills' GM. Cowher ordered a phone dump of the premises and found out one of the secretaries had called Donahoe that day, and so she was fired (she maintained innocence of Ryan Denney throughout, and those who knew here believe her). But anyway, the Steelers were "stuck" with Antwaan Randle El and, as I like to say, Brett Keisel in the 7th round because Cowher had scouted Denney so extensively that he had to take a BYU DLman. Isn't that typical of Cowher's dumb luck? I don't even know what became of Denney's career but we do know that ARE and Keis were key players in the run to Cowher's Super Bowl title. Of course, the Steelers had been scouting the BYU DL since 2001 when they added Chris Hoke after the draft as a free agent. Hoke obviously was still with the team in 2002 and I asked him about that BYU DL with him, Brett and Denney. "We were all real close and we played a lot of pranks on each other," said Hokie. "Me and Hans Olson (Colts) were always pulling jokes, and Keisel, a great guy, was always in on them." Who was usually the butt of the jokes? "You know Ryan Denney, the guy who was drafted by Buffalo? He was the butt of a lot of jokes. He couldn’t handle it. Either could (Simanli) with the Patriots. We’d take their helmets, hide their helmets. They’d get pissed. We had a lot of good times. "At BYU, when we won a game, the following Thursday our Dline coach had us all over and his wife made homemade donuts and homemade ice cream. And on Halloweeen once we all dressed up. We had fun times. We pulled a lot of jokes on each other and sat around and laughed. Keisel’s a great guy. I’m really excited. He’s the first guy I really know out here, and it will be good for him, especially on the field. I remember when I first came in, it was crazy. I’m giving him a little edge." Why are so many of you BYU D-linemen landing in the NFL? "I think it’s a tribute to our (retired) Dline coach. In the last two years he has five guys in the NFL. He taught us a great deal." Are the systems similar? "No, we ran a 4-3. I don’t know how it works out. Keisel’s real athletic, too, so I think that once he gets the defense down and gets more comfortable he’ll do really well." At the time, Keisel was lauded by draft analysts for his athletic ability, but was criticized for his change-of-direction skills and hand usage. Obviously he's overcome those negatives in a sound, bordering on spectacular, 10-year career. And he still has some great years ahead. He's been durable and still seems fresh. I see no signs of wear or tear, and he's moving up into a true leadership role with the team. I've heard that Mike Tomlin intends to name him defensive captain this season. It's funny that Brett's taking on the Aaron Smith persona of consistent, reliable team leader, and that we in the media are always asking him about Smith's affect on him as a mentor, and Brett, ever the humble, gracious man, falls right in line and gives great praise to Smith as a mentor, but I think it's time we all give Brett his due as his own man. He's different than Aaron. Maybe he's not the run-stopper Aaron was (who is?), but Brett is probably a better pass-rusher and might just be a better playmaker. He's also a more vocal leader, so he's not just Aaron Smith II, no matter how much that title may honor Brett. You know, sometimes we all believe the humility stuff that's spewed by classy people, and I just hope we're not all buying in completely because Brett is a great player and leader in his own right. So here's to 10 more years of Brett Keisel, and then to 15 years from players like Cameron Heyward and those Brett has and will continue to influence. It's a circle of success, this Steelers Way. Well said Mr. Wexell and thank you so much! Read more on Brett's career, including statistics from his first year with the team, here and here. Scroll down for parts 1 and 2 of the Draft Day Look Back series. Thank you for all the great comments on Facebook and Twitter wishing Brett a Happy Anniversary and thanking him for coming to Pittsburgh! They are appreciated! April 21, 2012 Draft day-Looking Back (part two)
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 tomorrow 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 20, 2012 Draft day-Looking Back (part one)
With the 2012 Draft Day 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 16, 2012 Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off
Alright Steeler Nation, here is your chance to set Keisel's taste buds on FIRE! Brett, along with Cameron Heyward, Phil Bourque, and Arron Asham will be the celebrity judges for the 3rd Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off held at at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on June 9! Participants can compete in three categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa. 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. April 4, 2012 News and notesThe Steelers released their 2012 Preseason Schedule today. The team will have one nationally televised game on August 19 against the Colts. The away games are against Philadelphia and Buffalo. The home games are against the Colts and the Panthers. Nike unveils new uniforms: The Steelers released photos of the new Nike uniforms yesterday. You can click here to take a look. Fans comments via email, Twitter and Facebook have been positive in regards to the new uniforms. From the Da Beard Gear crew: "We love em, cuz they didn't change the Steelers much! Best uni's in sports!" What does #99 think? “The Pittsburgh Steelers are a storied franchise. It’s built around a winning tradition. Part of that is black and gold. I can’t imagine the Rooneys switching to a new uniform. But we’ll be looking sharp out there in our new Nike uniforms and hopefully they will help us win a lot of games and bring that seventh Lombardi Trophy we are all looking for. I am one of those guys that are really superstitious about my jersey,” said Keisel. “I used to tape underneath my pads. They are telling me I don’t have to tape anymore. It’s form-fitted. I am excited to wear it. Nike has the best product out there. It’s time for a change and we are looking forward to our new Nike uniforms.” Update on Coach Kirby Wilson (via Steelers.com): Kirby Wilson, badly injured in a Jan. 6 fire at his home in a Pittsburgh suburb, visited the Steelers practice facility this afternoon. Wilson’s appearance was a visit and not a return to work, but it still marked another milestone in the significant progress he has made in his rehabilitation. Great news! And, for those of you who have asked if the new uniforms will have any Da Beard accessories...I doubt it BUT you can get your beard fix at Da Beard Gear! They offer official Brett "Da Beard" Keisel tee's, hoodies, hats, stickers and more! Get your gear before training camp and the new season starts! Keep up with Keisel this offseason via his official Twitter and Facebook pages. The links are at the top of this page. Brett just posted a few photos from his recent fishing trip on the Green River. |
Keisel Kam
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! 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! Shear Da Beard photo sale: Scroll down to Carol Maurin Photography-Fundraiser for information on purchasing prints from Shear Da Beard I and II! All proceeds benefit HCEF and CF! Quick UpdatesUpdate from Brett: He said he's healing well and for now no surgery will be needed. He appreciates all your well wishes and support! Da Beard Featured Item
Get your paws on this koozie and Get Your BEER'D On!!! Koozie will fit both cans and bottles of your favorite beverage. One side has DA BEARD logo while the other side reads, "Get Your BEER'D On." Would make a great addition to your summer parties! Sticker is 4 inches in diameter and would look great on a bumper, window, guitar case, fridge or anywhere! Click here, or the Store link at the top of this page to order either item and to see what other items are available. Also, you can listen to the famous WDVE "Fear the Beard" song! The Da Beard crew will be adding new merchandise soon, so be sure to keep checking their site. 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 2012 Click here to vote. Voting is underway for the 2012 Pro Bowl! The NFL returns to Hawaii for the 2012 Pro Bowl. The annual contest of the AFC and NFC’s best will take place Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 at Aloha Stadium. Steelers on the ballot from the offense include Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Hines Ward, David Johnson, Heath Miller, Marcus Gilbert, Max Starks, Ramon Foster, Chris Kemoeatu, and Maurkice Pouncey. Defensive players include Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood, Casey Hampton, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, William Gay, Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu, and Ryan Clark. Balloting is open until Monday, Dec. 19 at the conclusion of Monday Night Football (Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers, 8:30 p.m.). The Pro Bowl teams will be announced at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 on a special NFL Total Access 2012 Pro Bowl Selection Show on NFL Network. Voting is easy, free and unlimited! No registration necessary and you can sort the ballot by position or team. You will locate Keisel under the defensive ends. We thank you for voting for #99 and all of his teammates. Let's send all the black and gold we can to Hawaii! Just imagine watching Keisel's signature bow and arrow sack celebration Aloha-style! Thank you to Matt Solomowitz for creating the Pro Bowl slogan seen above! Worth repeatingAaron 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/AppearancesShear Da Beard II Date: February 9, 2012 Time:Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The shearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. Location:Diesel Club Lounge (1601 East Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA) Tickets are $25.00-the price includes admission to the one-of-a-kind event, your first drink, appetizers, opportunities to win lots of prizes, and live entertainment provided by Donnie Iris and the Chris Higbee Project. Attendees will also be able to purchase limited edition items, such as a framed before and after photo of Keisel-which comes with or without a lock from his famous Da Beard! Click here to order your tickets. Hurry, before they are all sold out. The event is sponsored by: WDVE, PITTSBURGH STEELERS, HEAD & SHOULDERS, SPORT CLIPS, PNC, DIESEL AND LOCAL BAR + KITCHEN. EVENT IS 21+ ONLY. For those who cannot attend the event, but wish to donate to it, please click here. 2012 Schedule
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 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 BasketballI 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
|