We are living in an age in which the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is becoming more well-known for iconic hair as opposed to intimidating play on the field. Troy Polamalu has his flowing locks. Brett Keisel? Well, his Yukon Cornelius beard is no more.

Keisel’s beard was sacrificed in the name of charity Thursday night in his annual Sheard Da Beard event. Members of the Steelers organization, including Dan Rooney, were on hand to help Keisel rediscover the face behind the beard.

Who is that man?

“I’ve got to admit it’s pretty unique,” said Tomlin of the event. “After six years here I can’t tell you that it surprises me.

“I like him with the beard. I think it’s his natural state. I think this thing has taken off and given him the opportunity to do what he probably likes to do anyway, which is not shave. He is a larger than life character and I think the beard fits his personality.”

Keisel’s annual event benefits cancer programs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at UPMC.

“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.”

Is It Bigger News When A Coach Leaves To Coach Somewhere That Is Not Arizona?

The Steelers’ offense is down another coach. Wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery has left the Steelers to become a co-offensive coordinator at Duke.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has had a busy off season hiring new coaches, so what’s one more? I don’t pretend to know everything there is about coaching wide receivers, but I hope whoever gets the job stresses the “catch the damn ball” technique that is all the rage these days.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are thrilled to have Rashard Mendenhall back on the field. (from the team’s Google + page)

When I watch the Steelers play, I’m an emotional fan, just a member of Steeler Nation.  It doesn’t matter if I’m on my couch, at a bar, or in the stands at Heinz Field, as I was this past Sunday.  Without the options of reviewing each play myself, I don’t always know if the penalties were legitimate or bogus, how an injury occurred, or what went right on that fantastic splash play…I’m just caught up in the thrill of competition, with no idea how it will end.  Sure, I leave the game with a feeling of how it went, but it’s just a first impression.

Thanks to the magic of DirecTV and NFL Game Rewind, I can go through the game in a more objective matter after the joy of victory or the agony of defeat has dulled a bit. » Continue reading “Second Thoughts: Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers”

On Tuesday the Pittsburgh Steelers held “Heroes at Heinz Field”, an event honoring injured veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Many Steelers, including Brett Keisel, Max Starks, Doug Legursky, and Ziggy Hood were on hand to give thanks to those who served.

“It’s amazing to see all of these guys,” said Keisel. “Speaking from a military family I really appreciate their service. They are the true heroes. We are honored to be able to share a little bit of what we do with them.

“I was talking to a kid who had to use a walker and he just turned 21 years old. It puts into perspective the sacrifice they make on a daily basis.”

» Continue reading “Pittsburgh Steelers Honor Military Heroes”

Ben Roethlisberger and Brett Keisel will serve as the team captains this season (from www.steelers.com)

The 53 men on the active roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers have cast their votes and chosen their team captains for the 2012 season.  Quarterback Ben Roesthlisberger will continue where he left off last season as the captain for the offense; it will be his fourth time in this role (previous years were 2008, 2009, and 2011).  Defensive lineman Brett Keisel will serve as captain for the defense for the first time, taking over for James Farrior, who served as captain every year since 2004, occasionally with a co-captain.  Farrior was released after last season.  Although he has not officially retired, he has stated it is unlikely he would play for another team. » Continue reading “Steelers Choose Ben Roethlisberger and Brett Keisel as 2012 Team Captains”

• With the regular season nearly upon us, the Pittsburgh Steelers have voted on their offensive and defensive team captains. Ben Roethlisberger will do the honor of serving as offensive captain, and on defense Brett Keisel will serve as captain for the first time in his career. Presumably Brett Keisel’s beard will serve in an honorary role as beard captain. It is interesting to note that this is the first time since 2003 that neither Hines Ward nor James Farrior will be serving as captains as they were both victims of the front office’s March Massacre.
• Rookie linebacker Sean Spence has been placed on Injured Reserve. Spence injured his knee in Thursday’s preseason finale against Carolina and will be out for the season. 
• James Harrison returned to practice after sitting out all of training camp and preseason with a knee injury. It’s still wait and see as to whether or not he’ll be ready for next Sunday’s opener in Denver, but right now I’ll take this progress.

Pittsburgh Steelers 38 Buffalo Bills 7

The injury bug is back again, with a vengeance. First round draft pick David DeCastro left early in the game with what Mike Tomlin calls a “potentially serious” knee injury. I’m an accountant, not a doctor, but even I can tell it’s not a good sign when a player has to ride the cart. In other injury news, Brett Keisel left the game with a high ankle sprain. Thankfully Brett Keisel’s beard was not injured on the play.

But now that we have the doom and gloom out of the way, how about some good news? Ignoring the first quarter, the Steelers offense looked to be in control most of the game. Antonio Brown continues to make a name for himself with 7 receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger capped off the first half with an impressive 98 yard touchdown drive. The offense actually finished drives by scoring touchdowns, instead of their usual standard of settling for a field goal.

On defense turnovers were the name of the game. Lawrence Timmons forced a fumble recovered by Ziggy Hood. Troy Polamalu and Robert Golden had interceptions on Vince Young. I’ll give the Steelers’ offense credit, the actually capitalized on these turnovers and scored touchdowns. Who knew that the offense and defense could work together like this? Let’s do this in the regular season, boys!

Outside of the injuries, the Steelers have quite a few positives heading into next week’s final preseason game versus the Carolina Panthers. Hopefully the starters will see very limited playing time and will be covered in bubble wrap from head to toe.

If you don’t call James Harrison, he will probably headbutt you and the people you love.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Self, wouldn’t it be great if the Steelers released a video of them somewhat miming the lyrics to a popular song. It doesn’t matter that everyone has released a parody video to this song. It would be better and unique with Terrible Towels!”

We’ll, you are in luck my friend.

The Steelers released their own “Call Me Maybe” video, because why not. The video features scenes from around training camp, including Brett Keisel and his tractor, Ike Taylor and LaMarr Woodley jamming in the weight room, and a special guest appearance by James Harrison. I’m sure Mike Wallace is really bummed that he missed out on all this fun.

» Continue reading ““Call Me Maybe” Videos Are Still A Thing… I Guess”

• 

  Run Hines, ruuuuuuuuun!

  “The Dark Knight Rises” premiered over the weekend, thus launching the silver screen debut of a few Steelers both past and present. I managed to catch a glimpse of Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Keisel, Bretty Keisel’s beard, and Mike Wallace. I certainly hope the Academy keeps these brief, but stirring performances in mind come Oscar season.

• In non-Batman news, the Steelers recently re-signed Max Starks. Starks will provide depth and veteran leadership to an offensive line that has gone under a major overhaul this offseason.
• Speaking of the offensive line, the overhaul continues. The Steelers have cut OT Jonathan Scott. Scott was the starting left tackle at the beginning of the season last year, but was eventually replaced when the Steelers re-signed Max Starks in the middle of the season.

• Now that it’s officially summer we’re inching ever so closer to the best season of all: football season. But since it’s not quite time for training camp, I guess there’s nothing better to do than host a youth football camp. All the cool kids are doing it. Like Mike Tomlin. Or Ben Roethlisberger with special guest stars Brett Keisel and Brett Keisel’s beard.
• Speaking of training camp, the Steelers have announced the training camp schedule for this summer. Training camp will once again take place at Sain Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Several practices will be open to the public.

It’s that time of the year again. Valentine’s Day. In order to celebrate this day/join in on the commercial aspect of it all, I have once again made Steelers Valentines (you can check out last year’s batch here).

Happy Valentine’s Day!

» Continue reading “Will You Be My Valentine, Steelers Nation?”