Before this week, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel had one of the most radical beards in the NFL, and maybe all of sports. While we’re sad to see his grizzly collection of facial hair go, we’re happy to see that Keisel said goodbye to his beard as part of the “Sheer Da Beard” promotion to benefit the cancer programs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at UPMC.
“This is what makes Pittsburgh special,” Keisel said Thursday, via the Steelers official website. “It’s awesome to see Pittsburgh come out again in such droves to support such a great cause. They have grasped on to this idea and really made it what it is today. If the fans didn’t respond to it the way they did, I wouldn’t do it.
“Obviously I enjoy the beard, but knowing at the end of every season how much good it can do, how much help it can create for these kids is special. Going there and seeing them and how brave and strong they are fills me with pride knowing something good is coming from this mane of mine.”
Keisel had been growing his beard for a very, very long time and it even inspired one fan to get this insane tattoo. But at the end of the day, it’s only facial hair. As former MLB star Keith Hernandez and his naked upper lip would tell you, potentially saving a life makes it easier to undo years of hard work and avoiding razors.
Photos via Twitter/Brett Keisel
H/T Patch.com
