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.

By Joshua Debner, via Wikimedia Commons

If the NFL is looking to expand to a European market, why should England get all the fun?

Dan Rooney, chairman of the Steelers and ambassador to Ireland, said that an NFL delegation was pleased with a site in Ireland. If the NFL were to go through with a game in Ireland, the Steelers would not be able to be the host team. Mr. Rooney would still like to see the Steelers involved in the game.

“I of course would like it to be the Steelers, but it could be anyone else. The league does want it to be successful, so they would try it with the big teams that would generate the interest,” he said.

“I think the Steelers would generate the interest here, but then I am a little biased.”

So I guess we can rule out a Jaguars/Bengals match-up. Drats.

What do you think? Should the NFL continue these European games? Where should they play next?

• According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dan Rooney plans on being the U.S. ambassador to Ireland for another year.
• Speaking of Dan Rooney and positions of diplomacy, is there any chance of Mr. Rooney stepping in and putting an end to this Lockout (which is not happening, LA LA LA LA)? Not this time. Mr. Rooney, who helped end strikes in 1982 and 1987 has not and will not be involved in current negotiations. His son and Steelers’ president Art Rooney is involved in negotiations by serving on the management council executive committee.
• You know what I haven’t talked about lately? Hines Ward and “Dancing with the Stars”. It seems that Hines’ triumph on the dance floor has given his popularity a bit of a boost. I am shocked, I tell you. SHOCKED.
• Finally, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Is it just me, or have the Steelers been kind of boring on Twitter this offseason?” Fear not, friends. Ryan Clark has rejoined Twitter! I am actually really excited, as Clark was one of my favorite football players on Twitter.