Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel’s known for his huge beard, but he made an entrance to training camp that topped his own ability to be recognized.
Instead of a sports car or a luxury sedan like so many players drive, Keisel rolled up to his dorm at Saint Vincent College in a bright orange Kubota tractor.
“This has to be a first,” Keisel said. “It’s my way of saying ‘Hard work pays off.’”
Keisel got the tractor — to be specific, a M4070 front-loader — from a power equipment dealer in exchange for some promotional work he does for them.
“I’m a tractor guy,” he said. “I grew up in Wyoming driving one of these bad boys. This reminds me of my childhood days, swathing hay, plowing fields and planting fields.”
Give Keisel credit for making the commitment to his statement. He drove the tractor the final 20 miles to camp, with his luggage in the front bucket.
Now the heavy lifting begins.