SALT LAKE CITY — Brett Keisel continues to deliver heartwarming moments five years after his football career came to a close.
The former Pittsburgh Steeler and BYU defensive end teamed up with Dick’s Sporting Goods to deliver presents to children at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on Tuesday, a fitting charitable move for the former defender known for his beard — “Da Beard” — and his fun-loving nature.
“Such a fun morning spreading cheer at @childrenspgh. Thanks to @dickssportinggoods for helping me with presents for the Tough girls and boys,” Keisel wrote on Instagram.
Keisel gave presents to children at the same hospital the year before, KDKA 2 in Pittsburgh reported.
The two-time Super Bowl champion has kept busy with charitable work since retiring from football. In October, he was the recipient of the Andy and Cindy Russell Humanitarian Award. The award, in its third year, is given to someone who has made an impact on the Pittsburgh community.
Among Keisel’s charitable work is the annual “Shear Da Beard” event, which raises money for the cancer programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“I love to give back,” Keisel said at the humanitarian event in October, according to the Steelers’ website. “The response I get from the families at the hospital, the relationships I have built. The kids I have seen grow up from when they were three or four years old and they are now 13 and 14 and in remission from cancer. They are beating the adversity set in front of them for nothing they have done. To be able to witness that and see it, it touches my heart and I am grateful to be in the position I am in.”