May 10, 2025 • 18 mins
We are days away from finding out who the Pittsburgh Steelers will play in the first ever regular season NFL game in Dublin. This week, Michael chats with two time Super Bowl Champion and Steelers legend Brett Keisel on his time in Ireland and thoughts on the NFL Draft.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one excel Or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Air Lingus, You're very welcome, everybody, Welcome.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Into the Irish Staters Podcast. Another week of this offseason.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
It feels like it's really getting closer and closer now
to the NFL season, rolling in coming to the me
and I really really excited for it, even though we're
still a few weeks out from ots and different things
happening obviously. The Steelers podcast, The Irish Theaters Podcast, is
presented Erlingus and Steelers Nation. It's time to take Flight
with erlingis an official airline partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers
(01:06):
and a founding partner of Steels Ireland. There's never been
a better time to book your trip to Dublin. With
nineteen North American gateways, including flights from nearby Cleveland. Get
ready for warm, Irish hospitality and plenty of room on
board for your tarrible toil, whether it's a game day
or a getaway. Erlingus looks forward to saying you're very
welcome to the players and fans of the Pittsburgh Steeters.
(01:29):
You can book now at erlingus dot com and on
the Irishteeers podcast presented by Erlingis a couple of things.
First off, let's get to the point. The NFL announced
last night at the time we're recording that on Tuesday
afternoon lunchtime time TBC, the Pittsburgh Steelers opponent and date
for the game and Crowe Park this autumn will be announced.
That a lot of speculation online, you'll get the official
(01:51):
word from both the NFL and the team this Tuesday.
I know that means so much to so many NFL fans,
no matter who you support, this is a big moment
and I think even for myself it's starting to hit
home now what's about to happen? So so excited for it?
So Tuesday. Check out the social Steeters Ireland.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
For more on that.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
There's a few fun games on Steeters Ireland socials at
the moment, guests, who we're gonna play, etc. Check that
is on Instagram and on TikTok as well. For now, today,
we're joined by a man who was in Dublin a
couple of weeks ago, two time Super Bowl champion, a
guy that enjoys the fish, and a guy that, frankly
from seeing first hand folks, loves the Island of Ireland.
Defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steeters. Let's welcome Brett Keesl
(02:33):
to the Irish Theaters Podcast. Irish Theaters Podcast, presented by Erling,
is a guy that knows the Emerald Isle very well.
Nigh after being here a couple of weeks ago, two
time Super Bowl champion, buzzin' to have the chance to
shout to Brett Casele again, Brad Falca did the champion again?
Speaker 5 (02:49):
Howiding? What's the crack my friend? What's going on down there? Story?
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Horse, Brad, story horse, story Horse. I feel there's a
lot we can talk about. There's obviously a lot of
excitement with steel Anish at the moment. Their game is
going to be announced steady opponent for the theaters, and
the date is going to be Annoyce early next week officially,
everyone's very excited. You had a chance to come over
here a few weeks ago, you said, story horse there.
(03:16):
You seem to pick up the lingo very easily anyway,
the language.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
Yeah, I have an amazing time over there. It's one
of my favorite trips I've ever taken in my life.
It was great to go out and fish at Laos
Angling Center and obviously getting to hang out at Dublin
and go to Croke Park and have the draft party
and get to meet kind of Steeler Nation Ireland and
feel their passion and energy for the game. Really looking
(03:42):
forward to the matchup. You know, everyone's kind of wondering
who it's going to be.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
So we'll see, we will see. That's gonna be announced
in a few days.
Speaker 4 (03:50):
And Jill, I'm glad you mentioned that I'll come back
to the fishing in the second and we had the
chance that people would text us and maybe feedback to us.
And that couple of people at the Calm Heyward events
and the one thing they said about you was you
looked like you had You know, if you looked like
you you wanted to be there, you had to read
a really good time. But like, let's just jump to
(04:11):
that moment when we drafted Will hired Irish guy Tom
McCormick on screen, Like for people listening, this guy here
was standing hanging every word like a fan pumped And
I think what people were saying was they just enjoyed
the fact that Bret I seen the first hand you
had time for everybody there that they and I think
it meant an awful lot to a lot of people.
So thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
The draft party. How did you find that?
Speaker 5 (04:36):
It was wonderful? You know, get you did a great job,
by the way, hosting the event. It's not easy to
kind of roll through that. As the draft goes on,
you never know what's going to happen or just like
my pick, I mean I was supposed to pick. I'm
standing out there in Throve Park, the lights are on,
the camera's on, and they're like we're trading the pick.
So there's lots of ebbs and flows that happened with
(04:57):
the draft. But to me and hang out with other
nation Ireland. I never lose sight that our game is
fueled by the fans, and we're so fortunate with Steelers
to have Steeler Nation support us the way they do.
It doesn't matter if we're in Oakland, it doesn't matter
if we're in Dallas. It doesn't matter if we're in
Tampa Bay, it doesn't matter if we're in Dublin. Like,
(05:20):
they show up in droves and are passionate about the team,
and so it's fun to, you know, hang out with
everybody and get them going.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
You mentioned various places you had the chance to play
in between two and fourteen. Look, I know it's not
a stupid question, but you obviously expect the Funds to
be there, But were you surprised by the amount of
people there that we're Steeters Funds and Morsel as well
the knowledge that they have in terms of it's April,
it's been fleet two three months, it's the Super Bowl,
and there's guy who's just sitting and watching college guys
(05:53):
get picked.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
It's impressive, it really is, especially that the game is
so far away, you know, so it was really impressive
to talk to people. I had the opportunity to sign
some autographs and that's kind of where I could chat
with people and get gained a little bit of their
knowledge and love for the game. And yeah, they know
all about Steelers, they know all about Pittsburgh, they know
(06:16):
all about the draft. They knew where I was from,
they knew I grew up in Wyoming, went to college
at BYU. They're very knowledgeable and in the best kind
of friends, Like they're so kind and generous. So that's
what I loved about the people over there in Dublin.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
A couple of guys that came over I'll not starting Naven.
There's been not Mammy, which is great. A few guys
that came over stears legends. Actually missed a chance to
play in twenty thirteen, by you know, six seven months
or whatever.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
A couple of years.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
You had the chance to play at Wembley. Ironically, in
the last game to this point that the Steelers have
played internationally. That game was against the Minnesota Vikings. And
as a player, I know, I feel like a lot
of teams players and more used to it, not because
it seems to happen every other year, but what was
that like.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Going over there?
Speaker 4 (07:04):
And actually, you know, really transition into that because back
in those days, you were sort of guaranteed to buy week.
You knew that you were going to get a better rest.
How did you find that experience?
Speaker 5 (07:14):
I found it great. London was incredible. It was my
first time in London. Amazing to see, you know, the
fans that really were for all kinds of teams. When
you were on the bus to the stadium, there wasn't
like there. It was a huge like it is in Pittsburgh.
You go down to the stadium and it's all Steeler jerseys,
you know, and people grilling out and tailgating and drinking
(07:35):
beer there. It's like you see teams and jerseys from
every team in the NFL, all thirty two teams. So
it was really cool to see their passion. Obviously, they
know how to go to a game and celebrate the game,
so the cheering was fantastic, and you know, I was
disappointed with how our team played over there. I felt like,
(07:59):
you know, we were kind kind of our backs were
against the wall a little bit when we go there.
We flew all night, landed, got on the train, went
to some place, had practice, you know, and we were
all kind of in the twilight zone, but all blaming
on that little reason we didn't end up winning that game.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
I'm sure it was a great experience regardless of a
result in terms of getting to see a different country
as well. And you mentioned you went to leash fishing,
like I sort of said this Stey on stage during
the draft party. For people listening, check out the theaters
tech talk channel Steters Ireland for a few more interests
and tidbits in this It's just been something that you've
enjoyed throughout your life because you seem to have a
(08:38):
great time and it's just funny because you see all
these different players, different teams over you just got a
chance to go fishing, which is.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Yeah. One of my favorite things about fishing is I've
been doing it all my life. I mean from the
second I could walk. My dad took me and parents
both my parents took me and taught me out of
being the outdoors and catch a fish and if we
wanted to eat it, we could, you know, if we
want to throw it back so somebody else could catch
it later. Great, But that time spent on the water
(09:08):
is so therapeutic for me. I love it because it
doesn't matter that I'm forty six and I still get
the same exhilaration when I get hooked up and a
big fish is tugging at the end of my line
that I did when I was five years old. And
I love sharing that with people. I love, you know,
(09:30):
hooting and hollering and yelling when I got a fish
on it, be it excited because That's what I'm feeling.
And you know, it was great to be out there
that day. The people that own that place are a
lovely couple, and anyone out there that wants a great experience,
I would definitely recommend going there because they have enormous trout.
Speaker 4 (09:50):
There, enormous enormous probably for the draft party here, I
know here, And you've had the like unlike a lot
of Staters legends because some of them played just under
coach Tomlin. For example, you played under both a coach
Kaire and coach Tomlin. What was it like to play
under both coaches? And like the thing that the Staters
(10:12):
have done so well throughout the years is a transition
to a different coach on the continuity, I guess Brett
in terms of the tradition continues. What was like playing
under Booth? And have you any interesting or funny stories
about ever coach.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
Well, color scared the heck out everybody. You know, he
was never afraid to let you know that he's the
top dog and he's the head coach, and you better
not mess with him. You better do exactly as he says.
It came. You know, it kind of made everybody a
little bit nervous, especially if you're a young guy. My
rookie year, I was coming around the edge on a
(10:48):
rush and my cleat slipped out from underneath me, and
this offensive line speared me, which means I'm on the ground.
He dives at me into my back with the shoulder
plays and puts his shoulder plage with all of his
bodyweight riding to my ribs, and as it would any person,
that upset me slightly. And so I got up and
I was kneeing him in the head and trying to
(11:10):
put my my foot kind of on his throat, and
I got a personal foul on the planet on the play,
and I came to the sidelines. That cower like grabs
me because it put whoever we were playing in the
red zone, you know, in the scoring position. So he's like,
how could you do that? You got to know the situation,
you got to know that you just put them in
(11:30):
the red zone. And he said, next time, I love
your fight, I love what you're doing. Don't do it
right in front of the official.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I can literally picture him saying that right now.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Yeah, I real. He grabbed me right around the neck,
you know, and was just like and if you didn't
know coach Kawer, like when he got in your face,
he used to spit, you know, spit would fly all
over the place, and so it's like, man, I'm getting
hose down here. Well he's chewing me out. But he
likes people to show fight, and I think he liked
that for me on that play. And you know, coach
(12:07):
Tomlin came in, uh what two thousand and ten nine.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
No, I want to say, I want to say seven seven.
Speaker 5 (12:16):
So I got hit in the head a few times.
Try and keep my numbers together. But yeah, it was
different cale. You know, Caller was a coach that had
a great resume. He'd been to the Super Bowl before.
He always had tough teams. He was from Pittsburgh. You know,
we didn't know a ton about coach Tomlin except that
(12:39):
he had coached in a Super Bowl with Tampa and
was up in Minnesota as their defensive coordinator. So he
was a defensive guy. But coach came in and he
let everybody know too who was boss. We had one
of the toughest training camps that year of my life.
You know. He wanted everybody to know that he meant
business and wanted to get back to the super Bowl
(13:00):
and not just get there, but and win. Ended up
doing it the next year, which is pretty incredible.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Some great memories.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
And it's funny because I feel like, even though we've
got about fifteen minutes of this podcast, but I feel
like when you look at your CV and you look
at what you've done, we could probably sit for a
full couple of days in a fishing center and leisure
in the pub in Dublin and talk through this. I
do want to talk about the obvious one. It's funny
because we sort of spoke off camera with this. Cam
Heyward came over not unannounced. It was planned for a
(13:33):
few months, but I didn't realize it was going to
be a few days after you left the island. But
we've seen the video last week, Cam walking onto the
field and seeing Cook Park. As somebody that's played in
so many different stadiums around the world. What did you
make of Krook Park And can you imagine what's going
to be like later this year?
Speaker 5 (13:50):
It was really quiet in there, you know. That's what
was amazing to me when I got to be in there,
just how quiet the inside of the stadium was. In fact,
when I got back to the States after announcing pick,
everyone was like, you weren't over there. That was a
green screen, like, be real, that never even happened. I'm like, no,
I was there. That was pro park, Like. It was
just quiet.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
In the sad time at the night. It was bad time,
and people people replied to me, and I was like, like, no,
he's here. It was like a selfie of me and
I can guarantee he's here. But like, honestly, from watching
that back, it just looked really cool. And I remember
like you sort of kneeled the pick, and when you've
got the gods of one hundred players that you could pick,
I mean, it's it's not easy to do that. They're
under pressure and people wondering, Brad, that is live. You
(14:35):
do record another one just in case after, but that
that is live as well. And the thing that I
find I to hope you have stated with this. When
I went to Akroascher at Christmas time for the Chiefs game,
I remember looking to my left from the fifty yard
line and just seeing the hills of Pittsburgh and I
look at the hill at Core Park and I think,
I know it's different, but it's it's so sort of similar,
(14:56):
like to an extent, and there's going to be so
much black and black and yellow there, black and gold there,
and you can just sort of imagine that the ta
is a gonna fly him on here.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
You have to get over for that. You have to
find a way.
Speaker 5 (15:06):
I'll be there, I promise you. I actually talked to
Omar Kahn today, the general manager, and uh, I said,
you know I'm coming, so you better plan on it,
and they can't keep me away. I'll swim over there
if I if I have to, Michael, but Crunk Park
was incredible. I mean, you know, to get to kind
of see all the pictures of the athletes that have
(15:30):
played there and the history that's there and the different
things that have happened throughout the course of time, you know,
it's incredible. So I know it's going to be electric
with a regular season NFL game rock in that place
you know later this year.
Speaker 4 (15:49):
I think as well, it's that can actually talked about
what the team has, and I know you've seen it
first time. Now it's unlike Ganahan and the our team
has so for people that's there only a few days
I from having the called Creek details, we're excited.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
I can see Brad's face lightened up.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
I think you saying that you'll see that, You'll swim,
You'll swim over.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
There if you have to.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
That's probably a graphic for social media next week. Just
just finally before we go, Brad, it's been great to
get to know you over the last couple of weeks.
One thing we talked a little bit about, you've maybe
had a wee bit more time to sort of digest it,
even just as a fun now not just a player.
Did you like the draft picks we hoppy, especially those
day free selections.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
I was very happy with our draft. Of course, I
believe that games are one and lost up front, so
I love seeing that we were, you know, going after
some really tough offensive linemen or defensive lineman early in
the draft that have a lot of upside and a
lot of grit. Uh, you know, I was great. I
think it's great that we got White or Hya. I'm
(16:48):
pretty sure that's how it is Ya black Ya to Pick.
I mean, uh, you know, I saved the card and
wrote a little something on there. I'll give it to him.
I'm gonna go down and see the rookies next week,
so I'll give that to him. His mom can put
it in the scrap book, or dad or someone can
have it for later. But and then will Howard. I mean,
(17:09):
we were all talking about him, hoping that you know
that that would fall to the Steelers and great to
be there with Steeler Nation Ireland and get a big
quarterback like that that has a lot of potential, has
been to the National Championship. I think there should be
a lot of excitement coming around this team this year.
Speaker 4 (17:28):
Exciting a few months, hopefully we get a chance to
see over here again. But Brad, I said it to
you last a few weeks ago. Sorry inkok Park, I'll
said to you now on record on this podcast. It's
one thing to come over and do something. It's an
our thing to take the time and to really make
a lot of fans days and to take time out
of your schedule to do this.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
So thank you very much for doing it.
Speaker 4 (17:47):
I could see how much you enjoyed it as well,
both before and after and throughout that weekend, So thank
you so much for doing that. And no matter who
the leaders play, we'll find out in a few days.
Hopefully we'll see you at some stage in the future
back over here on the m odal Germ Margat. Thank
you very very much, Brett Keesl for coming on. Appreciate
you man, Thank.
Speaker 5 (18:04):
You, Thank you so much, my friend. I can't wait
to see you again. Buddy, We'll have a pint.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of Transatlantic routes operated by the
(18:37):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus, air Lingus,
you're very welcome,
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one excel Or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Air Lingus, You're very welcome, everybody, Welcome.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Into the Irish Staters Podcast. Another week of this offseason.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
It feels like it's really getting closer and closer now
to the NFL season, rolling in coming to the me
and I really really excited for it, even though we're
still a few weeks out from ots and different things
happening obviously. The Steelers podcast, The Irish Theaters Podcast, is
presented Erlingus and Steelers Nation. It's time to take Flight
with erlingis an official airline partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers
(01:06):
and a founding partner of Steels Ireland. There's never been
a better time to book your trip to Dublin. With
nineteen North American gateways, including flights from nearby Cleveland. Get
ready for warm, Irish hospitality and plenty of room on
board for your tarrible toil, whether it's a game day
or a getaway. Erlingus looks forward to saying you're very
welcome to the players and fans of the Pittsburgh Steeters.
(01:29):
You can book now at erlingus dot com and on
the Irishteeers podcast presented by Erlingis a couple of things.
First off, let's get to the point. The NFL announced
last night at the time we're recording that on Tuesday
afternoon lunchtime time TBC, the Pittsburgh Steelers opponent and date
for the game and Crowe Park this autumn will be announced.
That a lot of speculation online, you'll get the official
(01:51):
word from both the NFL and the team this Tuesday.
I know that means so much to so many NFL fans,
no matter who you support, this is a big moment
and I think even for myself it's starting to hit
home now what's about to happen? So so excited for it?
So Tuesday. Check out the social Steeters Ireland.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
For more on that.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
There's a few fun games on Steeters Ireland socials at
the moment, guests, who we're gonna play, etc. Check that
is on Instagram and on TikTok as well. For now, today,
we're joined by a man who was in Dublin a
couple of weeks ago, two time Super Bowl champion, a
guy that enjoys the fish, and a guy that, frankly
from seeing first hand folks, loves the Island of Ireland.
Defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steeters. Let's welcome Brett Keesl
(02:33):
to the Irish Theaters Podcast. Irish Theaters Podcast, presented by Erling,
is a guy that knows the Emerald Isle very well.
Nigh after being here a couple of weeks ago, two
time Super Bowl champion, buzzin' to have the chance to
shout to Brett Casele again, Brad Falca did the champion again?
Speaker 5 (02:49):
Howiding? What's the crack my friend? What's going on down there? Story?
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Horse, Brad, story horse, story Horse. I feel there's a
lot we can talk about. There's obviously a lot of
excitement with steel Anish at the moment. Their game is
going to be announced steady opponent for the theaters, and
the date is going to be Annoyce early next week officially,
everyone's very excited. You had a chance to come over
here a few weeks ago, you said, story horse there.
(03:16):
You seem to pick up the lingo very easily anyway,
the language.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
Yeah, I have an amazing time over there. It's one
of my favorite trips I've ever taken in my life.
It was great to go out and fish at Laos
Angling Center and obviously getting to hang out at Dublin
and go to Croke Park and have the draft party
and get to meet kind of Steeler Nation Ireland and
feel their passion and energy for the game. Really looking
(03:42):
forward to the matchup. You know, everyone's kind of wondering
who it's going to be.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
So we'll see, we will see. That's gonna be announced
in a few days.
Speaker 4 (03:50):
And Jill, I'm glad you mentioned that I'll come back
to the fishing in the second and we had the
chance that people would text us and maybe feedback to us.
And that couple of people at the Calm Heyward events
and the one thing they said about you was you
looked like you had You know, if you looked like
you you wanted to be there, you had to read
a really good time. But like, let's just jump to
(04:11):
that moment when we drafted Will hired Irish guy Tom
McCormick on screen, Like for people listening, this guy here
was standing hanging every word like a fan pumped And
I think what people were saying was they just enjoyed
the fact that Bret I seen the first hand you
had time for everybody there that they and I think
it meant an awful lot to a lot of people.
So thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
The draft party. How did you find that?
Speaker 5 (04:36):
It was wonderful? You know, get you did a great job,
by the way, hosting the event. It's not easy to
kind of roll through that. As the draft goes on,
you never know what's going to happen or just like
my pick, I mean I was supposed to pick. I'm
standing out there in Throve Park, the lights are on,
the camera's on, and they're like we're trading the pick.
So there's lots of ebbs and flows that happened with
(04:57):
the draft. But to me and hang out with other
nation Ireland. I never lose sight that our game is
fueled by the fans, and we're so fortunate with Steelers
to have Steeler Nation support us the way they do.
It doesn't matter if we're in Oakland, it doesn't matter
if we're in Dallas. It doesn't matter if we're in
Tampa Bay, it doesn't matter if we're in Dublin. Like,
(05:20):
they show up in droves and are passionate about the team,
and so it's fun to, you know, hang out with
everybody and get them going.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
You mentioned various places you had the chance to play
in between two and fourteen. Look, I know it's not
a stupid question, but you obviously expect the Funds to
be there, But were you surprised by the amount of
people there that we're Steeters Funds and Morsel as well
the knowledge that they have in terms of it's April,
it's been fleet two three months, it's the Super Bowl,
and there's guy who's just sitting and watching college guys
(05:53):
get picked.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
It's impressive, it really is, especially that the game is
so far away, you know, so it was really impressive
to talk to people. I had the opportunity to sign
some autographs and that's kind of where I could chat
with people and get gained a little bit of their
knowledge and love for the game. And yeah, they know
all about Steelers, they know all about Pittsburgh, they know
(06:16):
all about the draft. They knew where I was from,
they knew I grew up in Wyoming, went to college
at BYU. They're very knowledgeable and in the best kind
of friends, Like they're so kind and generous. So that's
what I loved about the people over there in Dublin.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
A couple of guys that came over I'll not starting Naven.
There's been not Mammy, which is great. A few guys
that came over stears legends. Actually missed a chance to
play in twenty thirteen, by you know, six seven months
or whatever.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
A couple of years.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
You had the chance to play at Wembley. Ironically, in
the last game to this point that the Steelers have
played internationally. That game was against the Minnesota Vikings. And
as a player, I know, I feel like a lot
of teams players and more used to it, not because
it seems to happen every other year, but what was
that like.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Going over there?
Speaker 4 (07:04):
And actually, you know, really transition into that because back
in those days, you were sort of guaranteed to buy week.
You knew that you were going to get a better rest.
How did you find that experience?
Speaker 5 (07:14):
I found it great. London was incredible. It was my
first time in London. Amazing to see, you know, the
fans that really were for all kinds of teams. When
you were on the bus to the stadium, there wasn't
like there. It was a huge like it is in Pittsburgh.
You go down to the stadium and it's all Steeler jerseys,
you know, and people grilling out and tailgating and drinking
(07:35):
beer there. It's like you see teams and jerseys from
every team in the NFL, all thirty two teams. So
it was really cool to see their passion. Obviously, they
know how to go to a game and celebrate the game,
so the cheering was fantastic, and you know, I was
disappointed with how our team played over there. I felt like,
(07:59):
you know, we were kind kind of our backs were
against the wall a little bit when we go there.
We flew all night, landed, got on the train, went
to some place, had practice, you know, and we were
all kind of in the twilight zone, but all blaming
on that little reason we didn't end up winning that game.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
I'm sure it was a great experience regardless of a
result in terms of getting to see a different country
as well. And you mentioned you went to leash fishing,
like I sort of said this Stey on stage during
the draft party. For people listening, check out the theaters
tech talk channel Steters Ireland for a few more interests
and tidbits in this It's just been something that you've
enjoyed throughout your life because you seem to have a
(08:38):
great time and it's just funny because you see all
these different players, different teams over you just got a
chance to go fishing, which is.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Yeah. One of my favorite things about fishing is I've
been doing it all my life. I mean from the
second I could walk. My dad took me and parents
both my parents took me and taught me out of
being the outdoors and catch a fish and if we
wanted to eat it, we could, you know, if we
want to throw it back so somebody else could catch
it later. Great, But that time spent on the water
(09:08):
is so therapeutic for me. I love it because it
doesn't matter that I'm forty six and I still get
the same exhilaration when I get hooked up and a
big fish is tugging at the end of my line
that I did when I was five years old. And
I love sharing that with people. I love, you know,
(09:30):
hooting and hollering and yelling when I got a fish
on it, be it excited because That's what I'm feeling.
And you know, it was great to be out there
that day. The people that own that place are a
lovely couple, and anyone out there that wants a great experience,
I would definitely recommend going there because they have enormous trout.
Speaker 4 (09:50):
There, enormous enormous probably for the draft party here, I
know here, And you've had the like unlike a lot
of Staters legends because some of them played just under
coach Tomlin. For example, you played under both a coach
Kaire and coach Tomlin. What was it like to play
under both coaches? And like the thing that the Staters
(10:12):
have done so well throughout the years is a transition
to a different coach on the continuity, I guess Brett
in terms of the tradition continues. What was like playing
under Booth? And have you any interesting or funny stories
about ever coach.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
Well, color scared the heck out everybody. You know, he
was never afraid to let you know that he's the
top dog and he's the head coach, and you better
not mess with him. You better do exactly as he says.
It came. You know, it kind of made everybody a
little bit nervous, especially if you're a young guy. My
rookie year, I was coming around the edge on a
(10:48):
rush and my cleat slipped out from underneath me, and
this offensive line speared me, which means I'm on the ground.
He dives at me into my back with the shoulder
plays and puts his shoulder plage with all of his
bodyweight riding to my ribs, and as it would any person,
that upset me slightly. And so I got up and
I was kneeing him in the head and trying to
(11:10):
put my my foot kind of on his throat, and
I got a personal foul on the planet on the play,
and I came to the sidelines. That cower like grabs
me because it put whoever we were playing in the
red zone, you know, in the scoring position. So he's like,
how could you do that? You got to know the situation,
you got to know that you just put them in
(11:30):
the red zone. And he said, next time, I love
your fight, I love what you're doing. Don't do it
right in front of the official.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I can literally picture him saying that right now.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Yeah, I real. He grabbed me right around the neck,
you know, and was just like and if you didn't
know coach Kawer, like when he got in your face,
he used to spit, you know, spit would fly all
over the place, and so it's like, man, I'm getting
hose down here. Well he's chewing me out. But he
likes people to show fight, and I think he liked
that for me on that play. And you know, coach
(12:07):
Tomlin came in, uh what two thousand and ten nine.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
No, I want to say, I want to say seven seven.
Speaker 5 (12:16):
So I got hit in the head a few times.
Try and keep my numbers together. But yeah, it was
different cale. You know, Caller was a coach that had
a great resume. He'd been to the Super Bowl before.
He always had tough teams. He was from Pittsburgh. You know,
we didn't know a ton about coach Tomlin except that
(12:39):
he had coached in a Super Bowl with Tampa and
was up in Minnesota as their defensive coordinator. So he
was a defensive guy. But coach came in and he
let everybody know too who was boss. We had one
of the toughest training camps that year of my life.
You know. He wanted everybody to know that he meant
business and wanted to get back to the super Bowl
(13:00):
and not just get there, but and win. Ended up
doing it the next year, which is pretty incredible.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Some great memories.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
And it's funny because I feel like, even though we've
got about fifteen minutes of this podcast, but I feel
like when you look at your CV and you look
at what you've done, we could probably sit for a
full couple of days in a fishing center and leisure
in the pub in Dublin and talk through this. I
do want to talk about the obvious one. It's funny
because we sort of spoke off camera with this. Cam
Heyward came over not unannounced. It was planned for a
(13:33):
few months, but I didn't realize it was going to
be a few days after you left the island. But
we've seen the video last week, Cam walking onto the
field and seeing Cook Park. As somebody that's played in
so many different stadiums around the world. What did you
make of Krook Park And can you imagine what's going
to be like later this year?
Speaker 5 (13:50):
It was really quiet in there, you know. That's what
was amazing to me when I got to be in there,
just how quiet the inside of the stadium was. In fact,
when I got back to the States after announcing pick,
everyone was like, you weren't over there. That was a
green screen, like, be real, that never even happened. I'm like, no,
I was there. That was pro park, Like. It was
just quiet.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
In the sad time at the night. It was bad time,
and people people replied to me, and I was like, like, no,
he's here. It was like a selfie of me and
I can guarantee he's here. But like, honestly, from watching
that back, it just looked really cool. And I remember
like you sort of kneeled the pick, and when you've
got the gods of one hundred players that you could pick,
I mean, it's it's not easy to do that. They're
under pressure and people wondering, Brad, that is live. You
(14:35):
do record another one just in case after, but that
that is live as well. And the thing that I
find I to hope you have stated with this. When
I went to Akroascher at Christmas time for the Chiefs game,
I remember looking to my left from the fifty yard
line and just seeing the hills of Pittsburgh and I
look at the hill at Core Park and I think,
I know it's different, but it's it's so sort of similar,
(14:56):
like to an extent, and there's going to be so
much black and black and yellow there, black and gold there,
and you can just sort of imagine that the ta
is a gonna fly him on here.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
You have to get over for that. You have to
find a way.
Speaker 5 (15:06):
I'll be there, I promise you. I actually talked to
Omar Kahn today, the general manager, and uh, I said,
you know I'm coming, so you better plan on it,
and they can't keep me away. I'll swim over there
if I if I have to, Michael, but Crunk Park
was incredible. I mean, you know, to get to kind
of see all the pictures of the athletes that have
(15:30):
played there and the history that's there and the different
things that have happened throughout the course of time, you know,
it's incredible. So I know it's going to be electric
with a regular season NFL game rock in that place
you know later this year.
Speaker 4 (15:49):
I think as well, it's that can actually talked about
what the team has, and I know you've seen it
first time. Now it's unlike Ganahan and the our team
has so for people that's there only a few days
I from having the called Creek details, we're excited.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
I can see Brad's face lightened up.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
I think you saying that you'll see that, You'll swim,
You'll swim over.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
There if you have to.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
That's probably a graphic for social media next week. Just
just finally before we go, Brad, it's been great to
get to know you over the last couple of weeks.
One thing we talked a little bit about, you've maybe
had a wee bit more time to sort of digest it,
even just as a fun now not just a player.
Did you like the draft picks we hoppy, especially those
day free selections.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
I was very happy with our draft. Of course, I
believe that games are one and lost up front, so
I love seeing that we were, you know, going after
some really tough offensive linemen or defensive lineman early in
the draft that have a lot of upside and a
lot of grit. Uh, you know, I was great. I
think it's great that we got White or Hya. I'm
(16:48):
pretty sure that's how it is Ya black Ya to Pick.
I mean, uh, you know, I saved the card and
wrote a little something on there. I'll give it to him.
I'm gonna go down and see the rookies next week,
so I'll give that to him. His mom can put
it in the scrap book, or dad or someone can
have it for later. But and then will Howard. I mean,
(17:09):
we were all talking about him, hoping that you know
that that would fall to the Steelers and great to
be there with Steeler Nation Ireland and get a big
quarterback like that that has a lot of potential, has
been to the National Championship. I think there should be
a lot of excitement coming around this team this year.
Speaker 4 (17:28):
Exciting a few months, hopefully we get a chance to
see over here again. But Brad, I said it to
you last a few weeks ago. Sorry inkok Park, I'll
said to you now on record on this podcast. It's
one thing to come over and do something. It's an
our thing to take the time and to really make
a lot of fans days and to take time out
of your schedule to do this.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
So thank you very much for doing it.
Speaker 4 (17:47):
I could see how much you enjoyed it as well,
both before and after and throughout that weekend, So thank
you so much for doing that. And no matter who
the leaders play, we'll find out in a few days.
Hopefully we'll see you at some stage in the future
back over here on the m odal Germ Margat. Thank
you very very much, Brett Keesl for coming on. Appreciate
you man, Thank.
Speaker 5 (18:04):
You, Thank you so much, my friend. I can't wait
to see you again. Buddy, We'll have a pint.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of Transatlantic routes operated by the
(18:37):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus, air Lingus,
you're very welcome,
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