The final cut: Brett Keisel's Shear Da Beard shaves for charity one last time
It’s the end of a sh-era.
For the 10th and final time, former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Brett Keisel sheared off his famous beard in support of cancer programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville.
On Thursday, the former defensive end again endured the clippers, ending what he has dubbed “a decade of da beards” before a packed house at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Marshall.
“I can’t believe it’s been a decade of ‘da beards,’” he said prior to the cut. “With all the support from my family and friends and teammates, the 10 years went so fast.”
Brett Keisel before Shear Da Beard At Jergel’s Rhythm Grille In Warrendale @bkeisel99 @ChildrensPgh pic.twitter.com/wZjrler6rQ
— JoAnne Harrop (@JHarrop_Trib) February 14, 2020
When asked about all the money he has raised for the children, Keisel said that’s what motivated him to keep it going.
The annual event has brought in more than $730,000 since its inception.
“When you set a goal you can achieve it when you see those children in the hospital and you see they day they are having and the type of fight they are in; you want to help,” Keisel said. “And you know some families don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”
One child he connected with is Nora Misencik, a 4-year-old cancer patient who is under the care of clinicians at Children’s Hospital. Keisel has known Nora since she was 6 months old.
“I remember holding her in my arms and today, she ran up and hugged me,” he said. “She is what this is all about.”
.@bkeisel99 met four-year-old Nora at @ChildrensPgh when she was six months old.
She’s ready to Shear Da Beard!#ShearDaBeardX pic.twitter.com/FVSR0sflg5
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 14, 2020
Nora joined Keisel on stage with her family and said she wanted to help shear his beard.
“I love Brett,” she said.
Keisel told the Tribune-Review it is time to switch things up and try something new.
Keisel has been growing out his beard since last year’s “Shear Da Beard” event.
Proceeds benefit the hospital’s Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
More than 600 people packed the place, many who came hours ahead of time to get a good seat.
Originally from Greybull, Wyo., Keisel was drafted by the Steelers in 2002. The 41-year-old now lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Sarah, and their three children, Jacob, Grace and William, who joined him on stage.
Keisel started growing out his beard in 2010 as a good luck charm. He said he was influenced by the Pittsburgh Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup win.
Current and former Steelers got in on the action Thursday including Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward, James Harrison, Charlie Batch and Joey Porter.
Ryan Shazier received a loud ovation from the crowd.
Coaches Mike Tomlin, Dick LeBeau, and John Mitchell took part in the action as did Pittsburgh’s own, rocker Donnie Iris.
The ‘DVE Morning Show host Randy Baumann was emcee.
Rachel Petrucelli, president of Children’s Hospital Foundation said it means so much to have the support of Keisel.
“Brett has followed these children on a journey,” she said. “What he has done helps us give these children the best care and support as well as helps with new therapies and research.
“He has committed so much time to this cause. He has come to the hospital dressed as Camo Claus in his camouflage. Brett is an amazing advocate and he has a special gift to connect with kids from all backgrounds. We can’t thank him enough.”
Will he continue to grow a beard?
“Maybe,” said Keisel, who said he has stayed in Pittsburgh because he bleeds black and gold. “I will just have to shave it myself from now on. Or, maybe, I’ll just go with a mustache.
”I would love for one of my teammates to follow me with Shear Da Beard.”
Roethlisberger, perhaps?
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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