Archives

August 6, 2008-morning update

Keisel returned to practice Tuesday

Ed Bouchette, of the Post Gazette, reported that Keisel did return to practice yesterday. As did many of the veterans who sat out the day prior.

And...

the story to go along with the funny Brett and Ben camera picture from yesterdays's practice....

James Walker, of ESPN.com said,

"During some down time in practice, Roethlisberger asked a photographer if he could borrow their camera to take some live shots of special teams.

Teammate and defensive end Brett Keisel then jumped in front of the tri-pod.

"Oh, no," Roethlisberger said as he jumped back from the lens. "That is waaaay too scary."

I found a close-up of the picture which is shown above. The full picture can still be seen in the photo gallery.

August 5, 2008

The defense prevails again

For the second time, the defense won the goal-line drill during practice.

Meaning they are undefeated!

To read the article about the goal-line drill, click here.

I have added some new camp photos to the photo gallery.

Be sure to check out the picture showing what happens when Brett and Ben take over camera duties!

The photo is in the training camp section of the Photo Gallery .

Also...

I want to send a very special thank you to Mrs. Keisel for sending us some photos of Brett.

Check out the Greybull/BYU and Miscellaneous Photo albums for the pictures!

She also sent some magazine covers Brett was featured on, and a BYU football card. They are displayed on the right side of this page.

I will be adding an article from the magazine soon.

One more thing...

I have received numerous emails regarding the story from July 29-Who is the better fisherman?

All here say Keisel definitely won-but I am sure Ben's fans on his site may not agree!

August 4, 2008

Second week of training camp underway

Week one of camp is over, and now we are looking forward to the first pre-season game on August 8.

News out of camp today stated that Monday was a day off for some veteran players.

Some reports stated the players sat out due to minor injuries, but also to give the veterans a well-deserved break.

Keisel was reported to be one of the veterans who did not practice today.

I added a couple pictures from training camp to the photo gallery-click here to see them.

I also added some great pictures taken by a fan who attended training camp last week.

Ryno allowed me to post them here. They are in the photo gallery under Fan Pictures so be sure to check them out.

August 3, 2008

Keisel happy being the underdog

Brett Keisel is not worried about those who say the Browns are the team to beat in the AFC North.

He told the Herald Tribune, "We like being the underdog. When you're the underdog, you've got something to prove," ... "We're happy where we're at; we're happy with our team."

Sounds like being called the underdog suits Keisel just fine!

Teammate Aaron Smith summed it up by saying,

"Predictions don't mean anything, until you line them up."

To read the entire article, click the Herald Tribune link above.

I have added some more camp pictures. Click here to view.

Also..

Tomlin gave Keisel and many veteran players the morning off from practice Saturday!

And..

Chalk one up for the defense! Check out the Team News from today to find out why.

August 1, 2008

Keisel's 2008 official photo

The official Steelers individual photos are out for 2008.

And, the Steelers had their first night practice tonight!

Tomlin promised it would be a great practice for the fans.

I will update the photo gallery, and any other Keisel news from camp when it becomes available.

July 31, 2008-late edition

Big Ben News site update and new pictures added

I know many visitors here also visit Big Ben News.

Erin and I are friends, and I wanted to let everyone know that the site program for Big Ben News has been experiencing some problems recently.

She is unable to do any updates, but is working on the problem and hopes to have it corrected by the weekend.

Luckily, she can still update the photo gallery. So, you can still view all the latest training camp photos, or any other photos in the gallery.

Erin appreciates your patience while she works to get the program fixed, and I will update you when I hear anything else.

Click here to visit the Big Ben photo gallery.

And...

I have updated the Keisel photo gallery with training camp pictures from today.

July 31, 2008

And...the picture blitz continues!

I have updated the gallery with more photos from day 3 of training camp.

I also added a photo Lexi from Big Ben News sent. She was able to attend training camp today, and snapped a photo of #99 for us.

Thanks Lexi!

To view photos from training camp and fan pictures, click here. Then click on Training Camp 2008 to see the pictures from camp, or scroll down to Fan Pictures to see the photo Lexi sent.

I also added some news from day 3 of camp. Click here to read the article. It mentions a TD scored by Nate Washington, but contested by Keisel.

FYI...

There will be no morning practice thursday.

Also...

Since the Steelers are taking a break from practice this morning, I thought I'd add some non-football news and photos.

Guitar Hero Championship?

No, the guys are not participating in a Guitar Hero championship, (although it looks like they know a thing or two about the game).

Keisel and teammates appeared on television in November 2007 on CMT.

They sang "Are You Ready for Some Football?" as a tribute to Hank Williams Jr. who was being honored on CMT.

I am not sure their singing skills would make it on American Idol, but they definitely entertained everyone-including themselves!

To see screen captures from the show, click here.

Then click on T.V. Guest Appearances.

Thanks to Erin for the screen caps!

I will add photos from the afternoon practice when they are available.

July 30, 2008

Who says big guys aren't fast?

Mike Prisuta with the Pittsburgh Tribune reports:

"Keisel easily won the "big guys" heat of Sunday's conditioning test, sprinting past quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had opted to run with the linemen, and outdistancing most of the rest of the field by half the football field on his eighth and final 100-yard dash."

WAY TO GO KEISEL!

To read the entire article, which also talks about Brett's possible return to special teams, click here.

Also,

I added more training camp pics to the Photo Gallery.

July 29, 2008-late edition

So, who is the better fisherman?

John Shumway, of KDKA attempts to determine just who is the better fisherman...Brett or Ben?

He starts off by asking Brett about his offseason workout schedule.

Keisel said he usually works out 2-3 hours daily.

Shumway goes on to say that Keisel and his family spent alot of the offseason in Wyoming (where Brett is from).

Keisel said he always enjoys going home and being with his family and friends..and forgetting about football for a little while.

Shumway had spoken with Roethlisberger during the offseason after Ben's football camp. Ben said he was heading to Wyoming to go on a camping trip with Keisel.

Shumway said Ben had been low key about the trip, telling him they caught a couple fish.

Anyone who knows Keisel or Roethlisberger knows of their competitive spirit on the field...and off.

When Brett was asked about the trip he said, "We did catch several fish and rode some horses, saw some beautiful country. It was a blast. "

But, the question we all want to know...WHO WAS THE BETTER FISHERPERSON (as Shumway put it)?

Keisel's reply, "I am, of course! I'm always better..I'm better at fishing, better at shooting hoops, I'm better at everything."

John Shumway asks if Ben would say the same.

"No"... is Keisel's reply (said while laughing).

To listen to the interview, click here.

I will also add some screen captures from the interview to the training camp Photo Gallery.

It will be interesting to see what answer Ben gives when asked about the camping trip! Somehow I doubt we'll ever know for sure who caught more fish, but my guess is Keisel!

Thanks so much to Jackie, one of Keisel's biggest fans, for sending me the interview!

July 29, 2008

Brett Keisel not bothered by the heat

KDKA reports that on day two of Steelers training camp the players are in for a very tough workout especially with the mix of the heat and the humidity with the twice-a-day practices.

Players were going for the water as temperatures climbed into the 80s today.

When Brett Keisel was interviewed about the heat he said, "It's gonna get hot today it feels like. But, so far it's been great. I mean I looked at the forecast and it was around the 80's all week, so we'll take that anyday."

To read the entire article and listen to the interview, click here.

I also made some screen captures from the interview and will keep adding pictures from camp as they become available.

Click the Photo Gallery to view the training camp pictures.

Also today, the team unfortunately lost punter Danny Sepulveda for the season due to a torn ACL.

Read more news on the team here.

July 28, 2008-late edition

Welcome to the Keisel picture blitz!

Well, the Steelers, fans, and media have officially taken over Labrobe.

Camp was swarming with the media and fans trying to capture every moment of training camp.

Brett had several interviews, and I have posted the links to each one I found. Two are in today's earlier news.

Click here for an interview with WTAE.

I have also updated the Photo Gallery with training camp pictures and screen captures I made from the WTAE interview.

Click here to get to the pictures, and then click on Training Camp 2008.

Enjoy the photos and interviews!

July 28, 2008

Additional roles for Keisel?

Steelers training camp 2008 is in full swing!

The players reported July 27, 2008 and completed their annual run tests.

While there were a few set backs, the players all were reported to be in good condition and ready to start camp.

Mike Prisuta, of the Tribune-Review reports that Keisel may be taking on an additional role this season.

According to Prisuta, Keisel revealed that he was told to report to camp in great shape (which he did) because his presence may be required, once again, covering kickoffs.

I recall an interview last season where Keisel said he would volunteer to go back on kickoff coverage, and analysts and fans agreed they would love to see him there.

So, we just may see it this season!

For the Prisuta interview, click here.

Prisuta's interview also discusses some surprises that happened at camp today.

For information on the first practice, visit the Team News section.

Also today,

WPXI interviewed Keisel regarding Casey Hampton.

To watch the video, click here.

Keisel also spoke with KDKA telling them,

"He (Casey Hampton) just had a couple too many marshmallows, he’s alright – it’ll be fine.

Today I saw him over there- he was running the whole practice so I’m sure the weight will just come running off."

Then, on a serious note, Brett added, "Casey will be ready to go when the season starts, we all know that. We're all supporting him and he'll be fine."

Thanks so much to Jan from Steelers News Network for sending over the screen capture and interview of Brett from KDKA!

July 24, 2008

Couple new pics added

I added a new section to the photo gallery, which displays a couple Keisel football cards. To view them click here. Then click on Football Cards.

I also added a new pic of Brett from his BYU days. It is on this page on the right hand side (it's also in the Photo Gallery under Greybull and BYU). I have received some emails from BYU fans asking why there are not many pics from his college days, so I will see what else I can find!

Again, I want to thank everyone for all the great emails I have received! Brett certainly has a great following!

I also added a new article to the team news page. Click here to read it.

Some of the previous news stories have been moved to the archives.

You can find the archives page link at the bottom of this page, or just click here.

July 17, 2008

Offenses better watch out for Keisel this season

James Pete, from MVN, discussed the Steelers defensive line in his latest blog.

"A case could be made that the front three of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense are one of the best units in the NFL."

Defensive Tackle Casey Hampton, and Defensive Ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel form a perfect Dick LeBeau front-line. They are staunch against the run, but can break free and make plays in the backfield if the blitz is working correctly."

In regards to Keisel, Pete says:

"Brett Keisel signed a new deal before last season, and many speculated that he was going to be placed in a role similar to former Ravens end Adalius Thomas.

That didn’t happen as much as Dick LeBeau would have liked, but look for things to change this season.

Already this year, there’s been more speculation that Keisel, LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison and in some cases, Lawrence Timmons and Bruce Davis, will all have opportunities to move around.

Keisel is truly solid against the run, and consistently leads the Steelers in hurries, even if he doesn’t get to the quarterback. He can overpower linemen, but his strength is the speed into the backfield.

He uses his mobility and speed to beat the linemen to a spot in the backfield, and disrupting the action.

The typical Steelers defensive linemen absorbs the offensive line (see Casey Hampton) to allow the linebackers through in blitz-schemes. Keisel can absorb, but is best on the move. Look for more of that this year, with a better group of linebackers behind him."

Pete goes on to say, " I think Keisel is primed to have a break-out year. This year’s version of the Steelers linebacking crew should give him more opportunity to move around. If he can play in that Thomas, Vrabel mold, he could be dangerous."

To read the entire article, click here.

Keisel will definitely be exciting to watch this season! Unless you are a fan of the opposing team, of course.

July 4, 2008

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!

The Brett Keisel fan site wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Training camp is just around the corner, so be sure to stop back to check out the latest pictures & updates from camp!

Also...

June 29, 2008

Announcing the newest Steelers rookie.....

AKEEM HAVENS!!!

ESPN aired their first My Wish segment for 2008 today.

Akeem's story is in both the May 29 and June 26 news.

I have included screen captures of Brett meeting Havens, and of Brett and the Steelers defense attempting to stop Havens from scoring his first TD.

The defense tried their best, but were unsuccessful, as Havens scored.

This will be the only time Coach LeBeau is ok with his defense allowing a TD!

To view the pictures of Brett with Akeem, click here.

Then click on the My Wish 2008 gallery.

To read more, and to watch a video of the My Wish segment, visit ESPN.

The smiles on Akeems's and his families faces conveyed how special this day was for them. The Steelers organization gives us yet another reason to be proud Pittsburgh fans!

I want to say a special thanks to Erin, at Big Ben News, for doing the screen caps for me! Visit her site to view pictures of Akeem with Ben Roethlisberger!

June 26, 2008

Must-See TV

From Scott Brown's column, View from the Press Box:

Steelers fans (or even just jaded sports fans) should do themselves a favor and watch SportsCenter on ESPN this Sunday at 11 a.m.

ESPN is airing the first segment in its latest “My Wish” series, and Sunday it will feature 14-year-old Akeem Havens, who spent a day with the Steelers last month.

Havens is a quadriplegic, and the Flowery Branch, Ga., resident got about as raw a deal as life can deliver. He was in a car accident when he was 7 or 8 years old and even though he had been wearing a seat belt Havens still ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Somewhere along the way Ben Roethlisberger became his favorite athlete and Havens got more than he could have dreamed for when he requested, through Make-A-Wish Foundation, a chance to play video games with the Steelers quarterback.

Roethlisberger and his teammates treated Havens as if he were one of them for a day -- the Steelers even staged a press conference to announce his signing to the team -- and I can only imagine what a thrill it was for Havens to experience something like that.

Reporters here that day weren’t privy to everything Havens did with the Steelers, but I’m sure ESPN will do a good job of taking viewers through the day that Havens will never forget as well as capturing how much it meant to him and his family.

Programming note: The date for the airing is listed as June 29th, but the times vary. ESPN is reporting that the segment will air at 6:00p.m.-but other places are saying it will air in the morning. The only consistent news is that the segment will air June 29th!

I posted an article about Akeem's day with the Steelers (located in archives-May 29 news), along with a picture of Brett and Havens.

June 24, 2008

The end of the OTA pictures.....

I added the last of the Offseason conditioning/OTA pictures today.

Don't worry.. training camp will be here soon-ending the photo drought!

To view the new pictures, click here.

Then click on the Offseason Conditioning 2008 album.

Enjoy!

June 17, 2008

Keisel wants more sacks in 2008

In an interview with Pro Football Weekly, Keisel said he would like to improve on his sack total from last season.

Steelers DRE Brett Keisel knows that defensive linemen in the Pittsburgh defensive scheme aren’t judged solely on their statistics.

“All of us know our defense is not made for us to make a lot of plays,” Keisel told PFW.

[DL coach John Mitchell] tells us, ‘I don’t care if you don’t make one play. Do your job.’ ”

All the same, Keisel wants to improve upon the two sacks he posted a season ago.

“I got close a lot last year,” he said. “I want to finish those plays.”

Keisel, 29, enters his third year as a starter after four seasons as a reserve.

Picking up Dick LeBeau’s defense, he said, is easier said than done, noting that he's seeing some of the Steelers' young defensive linemen having to work hard to pick up the scheme.

“His defense is awesome,” Keisel said, “but it can be complex. It took me about three years (to get comfortable).”

As a whole, the defense is looking to bounce back after struggling somewhat in the final weeks of the ’07 season. “We’ve learned from it,” Keisel said.

Also...

Brett talks about Aaron Smith's progress after his season-ending injury last year.

The article is in the Team News.

And...

I have added a few more pictures from the Hines Ward celebrity softball game Brett played in recently.

They can be seen in the Hines Ward celebrity softball game album.

June 15, 2008

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day!

Enjoy the day!

Also...

The Steelers finished up their last OTA this week. They will resume practice at training camp. Players report July 27.

To view training camp dates, click here.

For detailed training camp info, click here.

The latest OTA pictures of Brett can be seen in the Offseason Conditioning 2008 album.

June 10, 2008

The Steelers show off their bowling skills

Coach Tomlin decided to hold practice "off" the field on Tuesday.

The coaches, players, and Steelers personnel, hit the bowling lanes instead of the practice field.

The group showcased their bowling skills, and enjoyed a buffet lunch.

Evidently, the guys are just as competitive bowling as they are playing football!

They all looked determined to win as they took to the lanes.

Punter Danny Sepulveda had the best score, a 237, which was a big improvement from last year.

Danny admitted he was a bit upset with his poor score the year before, so he's been practicing so he could beat out this teammates. He even carries his own bowling ball and shoes with him!

To view a slideshow of the team bowling, click here.

Also, I have moved some of the previous news stories to the archives page.

You can find the archives page link at the bottom of this page, or just click here.

June 9, 2008

Steelers, Local Celebs Play Softball For Charity

The Steelers and local celebrities turned out to play a Pittsburgh Celebrity Softball game hosted by Hines Ward.

Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Keisel, and other players were on hand for the event held at North Allegheny High School.

The event raised money for the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation and Pittsburgh city schools.

Brett played on the black team (Team Hines). They lost to Ben Roethlisberger's gold team 15-13.

I vote for a rematch!

To view more photos of Brett at the game, check out the Photo gallery

For a slideshow of the game, click here

June 6, 2008

New photos added!

I have added some new pictures to all of the football season albums. I have also added a couple new albums, so check out the Photo gallery!

I really appreciate all the positive emails I have received from Keisel fans regarding the pictures and articles!

I am still adding content, and will update as quickly as possible.

Special thanks to Erin for sending more photos my way-including the Keisel Kam pic shown this week!

June 4, 2008

Kudos for Keisel

Rich Briggs, of the Weekly Recorder, mentioned an encounter with Brett during a basketball game this past winter. Mr. Briggs was announcing a game where Brett and some Steeler teammates were playing basketball for area fundraisers.

The Steelers play basketball games for charities at local schools during the offseason.

Briggs had this to say regarding Brett:

"On the heels of my two columns regarding manners and looking out for young people, my school hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers basketball team last Saturday night in a fundraiser, despite the snowy conditions.

At halftime, one of the players, Brett Keisel, decided to sit next to me, as I was announcing the game at our scorer’s table, while signing autographs for some of the fans in attendance.

I will go on record as saying that Brett Keisel is one of the nicest guys to wear the Black and Gold. He was very personable and was great with the fans.

However, I noticed one thing that bothered me. There were a number of young people, with their parents, or a parent, who asked Mr. Keisel to autograph an item. He did so without hesitation, yet I rarely heard a thank you from these young people, and even from some so called adults.

I blame the adults in this instance for not telling these young people to say thank you to Mr. Keisel for signing their items.

He was most gracious no matter the situation, but I had a hard time with these people not even saying thanks, saying it half-heartedly, or not correcting their children for not saying thanks.

It was the least they could do, especially since the players did come out in such horrible conditions, even though the event had been planned for two months.

To Brett Keisel, I say thank you for being warm, generous, and friendly. The Steelers are fortunate to have you, as we all are in the Pittsburgh Region."

***I also attended a game where Brett played basketball to support his teammate Ben Roethlisberger's hometown athletic department.

The story is further down on this page-April 5, 2008.

I noticed how gracious and friendly Brett was with the fans. They surrounded him every time he came to the sidelines. He signed as many autographs as he could before the break ended. He also signed autographs after the game ended.

And, this was not a regular Steelers basketball game, where the players are supposed to stay after and sign autographs. There was no formal autograph session, yet he stayed anyhow.

***Many people around me commented on how impressed they were with how well he interacted with the crowd. He joked around and really seemed to be enjoying himself. And again, this was all to support his teammates charity, not his own.***

May 29, 2008

Keisel and teammates help Ben Roethlisberger fulfill a teen's dream.

Ben Roethlisberger always has the help of his teammates on the field, but today they helped him in a different way.

Brett and teammates helped Ben grant Akeem Havens wish of becoming an honorary member of the Pittsburgh Steelers team.

KDKA gives an account of how Havens spent his day:

Akeem Havens, of Georgia, spent the day with Big Ben at Steelers Headquarters on the South Side.

He was also signed on as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Class of 2008 and attended practice with the entire team.

"It's just one of the best things I've done," said Havens, "probably one of the 'funnest' days of my life."

Havens was paralyzed and is suffering from kidney failure from an accident that he was in at the age of 7.

On Wednesday, Havens was treated to a tour of Heinz Field and a visit to the Sports Museum.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia is celebrating 25 years of making the dreams come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Ben's teammates took pictures with Akeem and spent time talking with him.

To view other pictures of Brett with children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation click here.

Then click on the Make-A-Wish album.

To see pictures of Akeem with Ben Roethlisberger, please visit Big Ben News.

May 28, 2008

Keisel helps tackle the childhood obesity epidemic

Brett Keisel and teammates helped children stay in shape by teaching them how to punt, pass, and kick recently.

The children were able to watch how the pros do it, and then show off their own skills for the players.

Keisel has been part of the What Moves U campaign for awhile now.

WHAT MOVES U is a curriculum-based activity program designed to fight the childhood obesity epidemic by motivating middle school students to get up and move. Under the program, teachers incorporate physical activity into their lesson plans to help children become more fit while they learn.

The WHAT MOVES U program was developed by the NFL and the American Heart Association to encourage children to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The statewide program is sponsored by the departments of Health and Education, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Keisel is a firm believer in keeping in shape, and has donated his time over the last couple years to helping kids learn how to exercise and stay in shape.

“As a player I need to eat well and exercise, and using these tools to be a role model and inspire our children to be healthy is a great passion of mine,” said Brett Keisel. “This program teaches students that they don’t have to be a professional athlete to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives.”

You can visit the Articles and Photo Gallery sections to view more on Keisel's involvement with the program!

For more photos from the Punt, Pass, and Kick event click here.

They are located in the Punt, Pass, and Kick album.

May 27, 2008

Proud daddy

If Keisel seems to be walking around with a permanent grin on his face these days, it is not due to his latest sack or tackle.

It's too early in the offseason for sacks and tackles, but Keisel certainly has reason to be happy.

Tribune-Review writer, Scott Brown, in his column, View from the Press Box, reported that Brett, and his wife Sarah, welcomed to their family a baby boy in March.

Brown wrote, "Defensive end Brett Keisel is a daddy.The glow on Keisel's face when he talked about his son, who was born in March, is all you need to see to conclude that fatherhood agrees with him."

Could this bring another Keisel to the Steelers in 2030?

Too soon to tell at this point, but it sounds like Brett is definitely a proud daddy!

Congratulations to the Keisel family!

May 20, 2008

No rest for Keisel

Keisel talking with Coach Tomlin during Organized Team Activities (OTA's) on May 20, 2008.

Today was a return to off-season voluntary training, and many players attended. It is more for the rookies, but many veterans (Brett included) practiced also.

To read more about today's practice, visit the Team News.

To view pictures from offseason workouts, mini camp, and this weeks OTA's, click here. They are located in the Offseason Conditioning album.

May 19, 2008

A LUCKY fan!

I received this picture from Jennifer Gralak. She and her husband attended a Monday night football game last season.

As you can tell, she had a great location to meet and greet the team.....

And, she was lucky enough to see Keisel coming by. In this picture he is actually giving her his arm band!

Very lucky woman!

Jennifer had a couple other pictures of Brett from the game, and they can be seen here.

Click on the album entitled, Monday Night Football-Jennifer Gralak.

** Jennifer also shared some pictures of Ben Roethlisberger from that game. They can be seen at Big Ben News in their photo gallery!**

Thanks so much to Jennifer for sharing her photos!

May 18, 2008

Keisel "struts" to benefit Animal Welfare

Brett and his family took part in the Mighty Mutts Dog Show on May 18, 2008.

He was the lead dog walker for the Mutt Strutt, and joined many other dog owners in a walk to benefit Animal Welfare.

The weather did not seem to dampen any spirits as everyone had a great time with their families.

To see a larger view of the picture above, and others of Brett at the event, click here.

May 17, 2008

Before he became a Steeler...

This photo is from 1997- Brett's senior year at Greybull High School, in Greybull, Wyoming.

Brett mentioned in an interview that their team went 8-2 his senior year.

Wonder if Brett had any idea that he'd go on to win a Superbowl?

If he listened to the people in his town, he should have known he'd go on to become a top NFL player.

Most of his coaches realized he was destined to excel, and they were right!

To view a larger version of this picture click here. Once on the gallery page, click on Greybull High School and then click on the smaller picture to enlarge it.

I also added a picture of Brett from his days at BYU to the gallery with the Greybull picture!

Special thanks to David Bernard, from Greybull, Wyoming, for sending me the high school photo!

May 10, 2008

Brett Keisel and the Steelers Basketball team visit Mars High School

Keisel and the Steelers basketball team visited Mars High School on May 10, 2008.

They played against a team of Mars coaches.

Everyone had a good time at the game, and the Steelers players autographed all sorts of things for the fans after the game-including a cell phone and a shoe!

Keisel had at least one dunk, and threw several long passes all the way from the side of the opposing team to his teammate at their end of court. Passes were right on target and ended in scores each time.

Courtesy of: Butler Eagle News

April 26, 2008

Keisel attends Steelers Fan Blitz 2008

The Steelers held their annual Fan Blitz during draft weekend.

Brett Keisel attended the event , along with many teammates.

Fans had the opportunity to get player autographs, tour the Steelers locker room, and even try on Steelers uniforms! There were fun activities for children and many raffles and prizes throughout the day!

Sounded like a great way to spend draft weekend-with your family and the Steelers!

More pics of Brett at the event can be seen here.

April 20, 2008

Has Keisel changed careers? To a dog walker?

No, he hasn't changed careers. But, he is lending a hand (or a leash) to The Mutt Strut-Mighty Mutts Dog Show in Riverside Park, North Shore.

On May 18, 2008, Brett will be the lead dog walker for the Mutt Strut event, benefiting Animal Welfare. The event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. The Pooch Promenade will start at 9:00 a.m. with Brett leading the way!

There will be a dog show at 10:00 a.m. and all breeds (pure or mixed) are welcome.

For further information: The Mighty Mutts Dog Show

Thanks to Kathy, at Big Ben News, for the heads up on the event information!

Q & A with Brett Keisel

By: Jim Wexell-SteelCityInsider.com

Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel talks about Year Two of the Mike Tomlin era, and provides insight on the young linemen on both sides of the ball.

Q: What are you seeing in Year Two of Mike Tomlin?

A: It’s much better. Not that it was horrible before, but we know what to expect from him; he knows what to expect out of us. When you have that, and know that, things work better. Last year everyone was up in the air. We didn’t know how this guy would handle practices. This year we know what he expects and it’s gone real well I think.

Q: After Bill Cowher, did the veterans go in thinking Tomlin had to prove something?

A: I don’t know. The main thing is you just don’t know what to expect with a guy. With Cowher, we had that level of comfort. We knew what he expected; we knew what practices were going to be like; we knew what tempo he wanted for practice. No one knew what to expect. So this year there’s just that much more of a comfort level with these guys. We know what he’s doing when he puts the news up and things like that. It’s gone real well.

Q: Everyone likes Tomlin, right?

A: I think so. I think guys do like him and I think he’s getting to the point – when you get a team that respects their coach to the point where they’re ready to go out and bleed for him game in and game out, because it knows you have each other's back – when you get a team like that, you have a special team and I think this team’s starting to show that.

Q: What do you see on the field? What do you like?

A: I like how he lets his coaches coach, but he’s not afraid. If he sees something that’s messed up he’s going to come in and tell you he doesn’t like the tempo or he’s not happy with a certain thing. I think that’s what great coaches do. He definitely has the respect of this team.

Q: What do you like talent-wise?

A: I haven’t been able to watch much of the offense. Our young guys seem to be playing well. I think our front is picking things up better than I’ve seen in a long time, which is nice.

Q: The offensive line?

A: No, our line, our young guys, which is nice to see because it’s not the easiest thing to pick up, especially now when they’re throwing so much at you in a short amount of time.

Q: Who’s impressing you?

A: All three of the new ones. They’re still raw, but as far as picking up the D and being where they’re supposed to be, that’s what you look for now, their mental state.

Q: This team could surprise. But do the lines have enough depth?

A: I think the offensive line’s playing real well together. Last year there was a lot of shuffling and things like that. It seems like this year they’re staying with the same guys each time. You’ve got to have that continuity with each other.

Q: Is Chris Kemoeatu for Alan Faneca going to be okay?

A: I think so.

Q: Tell me a bit about him.

A: Chris is a great talent. He hasn’t had a chance to play because he’s been behind Alan, but he was a beast in college and he’s really gotten to the point where he understands what the offense is doing. He can make his calls and things like that. I think he’s going to be fine.

Thanks to Kathy for sending me this article!

April 16, 2008

STEELERS 2008 SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

The NFL announced the 2008 football schedules! The Steelers have the toughest schedule in the league this season.The entire schedule can be seen on the right.

Not only do the Steelers face tough opponents, but they have the maximum number of night games allowed by league rules.

Scott Brown, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review had this to say regarding the schedule: "The Steelers 2008 schedule, released by the NFL today, includes five night contests and a daunting stretch that includes consecutive games against the Super Bowl-champion Giants, Redskins, Colts and Chargers."

Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette added, "Not only do the Steelers have the toughest schedule in the league, the NFL issued them one in which they won't have the chance to feel comfortable with any one kickoff time."

In an interview with The Post Gazette, Steelers President, Art Rooney II, summed the schedule up best by saying,

"I really have to say that it is a group of teams that are formidable teams; it will be a true test,'' Rooney said at Steelers headquarters. "I think that the message for everybody in this building is they better be working very hard to get ready for this season."

April 5, 2008

Brett helps Ben Roethlisberger give back to Findlay athletics

Brett joined teammates Ben Roethlisberger and Nate Washington on April 5, 2008 on Ben's hometown basketball court in Findlay, Ohio. Ben was hosting his 2nd annual "Ben Roethlisberger Challenge."

Team Roethlisberger (comprised of his two teammates and former Findlay High basketball players) took on local all-star seniors from various high schools in Hancock county.

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I was able to attend the game that night. To say these guys are competitive is an understatement. They are great athletes and they were amazing to watch. Brett was gracious to the crowd, signing autographs in between quarters, when he could. For him to give up a weekend to travel to his teammmates hometown and play for their athletic scholarships speaks volumes to his character.

Some quotes from and about Brett:

Keisel, a 6-foot-6, 300-pounder, was an impressive force inside all night. He scored 22 points as the Steelers' connection accounted for 89 of Team Roethlisberger's 107 total points.

My jumper's off but I have a nice post game,” said Keisel. “When you're 300 pounds and these high school kids are a buck-85, 200 at the most, it's easy to move them.”

For Keisel, who was a McDonald's All-American in basketball during his prep career at Greybull, Wyoming, high school, taking part in the event was a “no-brainer.” “Ben and I have developed a good relationship so when he asked me to come along and do something that helps his high school football team, it was easy to say yes. “We are so fortunate to be blessed the way we are, being in the position we are. To have the opportunity to do this was just a good decision for me.”

Matt Phillips, of VanBuren, said: “It was an adrenalin rush playing against Ben and Nate Washington. And that big guy (Keisel) is by far the biggest guy I've ever played against in any sport. “I'm glad I had the chance to do this. It was a lot of fun.”

Keisel scored 12 of his 22 points in the first quarter when Team Roethlisberger jumped ahead 31-23. But the senior all-stars switched from a zone to man-to-man pressure in the second quarter, and limited the veterans to 22 points.

To view more pictures from the game, please visit the Photo gallery.

March 5, 2008

Keisel gives a "boost" to a young fan during Steelers basketball game

Steeler defensive end Brett Keisel was up to his antics again Wednesday Night, this time at the Riverside High School.

Antics that included hoisting a lucky fan, this time a young Steeler fan, high above his shoulders for a slam dunk and also throwing down a dunk of his own -- all part of the show the Steeler basketball team put on against the Riverside B.E. Taylor & Company squad.

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To see some pictures from the game, please visit the Photo gallery.

Thanks to Ellwoodcity.org for the story and pictures!