Steeler Brett Keisel Sheds His Beard

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Steeler Brett Keisel's beard is gone, but the legend lives on.

For the second year in a row, he cut off his famous beard and it was all for a good cause.

Hundreds packed Diesel on the South Side for "Shear The Beard." It's a fundraiser that supports cancer programs at Children's Hospital.

Celebrity barbers took turns cutting Keisel's chestnut locks. Teammates like James Harrison and Aaron Smith, whose son Elijah underwent leukemia treatments at Children's Hospital. Coach Mike Tomlin also took part.

When it was all over, Keisel was a new man.

"Even now, looking in the mirror it's strange because I've had the beard for so long, but it was a great night down here," Keisel said.

"Pittsburgh, of course, showed up. That's what makes Pittsburgh special, though is they have grasped onto this idea and really made it what it is today.
"If the fans didn't respond the way they did to it, I wouldn't do it," he added.

Last year, the event raised more than $40,000, and organizers say judging from this year's crowd, they probably surpassed that benchmark.

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