Former Steeler Brett Keisel shares wisdom with legendary WPIAL coaches

By: Paul Schofield
Friday, August 8, 2025 | 2:29 PM

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel played 13 years for the black and gold. A 46, he still looks like he could hold down that position.

Keisel was the guest speaker recently at Grandview Golf Club in North Braddock for a gathering of former and current WPIAL coaching legends.

The two-time Super Bowl champion recorded 30 career sacks and recovered the game-sealing fumble in the Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1, 2009.

He told stories about his playing days, including tales about former coaches, teammates and his famous beard.

Keisel also was known for how he showed up to Steelers training camp: riding vehicles ranging from a lawnmower to a tractor to a dump truck.

“I was just trying to have fun with it,” Keisel said. “I was trying to come up with something unique. It was a good time.”

Keisel talked about how going to Latrobe helped the chemistry among teammates.

“I miss the camaraderie,” Keisel said, “and I miss the brotherhood. It was camping out and living together.”

One thing he does not miss is the soreness that came with camp and how his body felt.

Keisel was the Steelers’ second pick in the seventh round in 2002.

He kidded with former Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert about selecting him second in the round in 2002. Defensive back LaVar Glover was the Steelers’ first pick of the round.

Keisel originally started to grow the beard in hopes of leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl.

“I thought it was cool that the hockey players did it,” Keisel said. “So I did it. I remember Mr. (Dan) Rooney came back from Ireland and he saw me and said, ‘What is that?’ I told him I’d cut it, but he was OK with it.”

For nine consecutive years, Keisel shaved off his beard to raise money for cancer programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

“I appreciate what you coaches have done over your careers,” Keisel said. “You are what football is all about in Western Pennsylvania with your dedication and love of the game.”

The coaches in attendance were Bill Cherpak (Thomas Jefferson), Mark Lyons (Central Valley), Eric Kasperowicz (Mars), George Novak (Woodland Hills), Jim Render (Upper St. Clair), Mike Zmijanac (Aliquippa), Pat Monroe (Duquesne) and Tom Nola (Clairton). Two coaches unable to attend were Jack McCurry (North Hills) and Don Yannessa (Aliquippa).

Also attending were authors Scott Brown and George Von Benko, former WPIAL executive director Tim O’Malley, Colbert and former Steeler Bill Priatko, the host of the event.

After Keisel spoke, Colbert and Cherpak presented an award in Priatko’s honor that he will give annually to an individual of his choice.

Priatko said he was flattered and honored about the award.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Aliquippa, Central Valley, Clairton, Mars, South Allegheny, Thomas Jefferson, Woodland Hills