Breakups are never easy. When you've spent 12 years in a relationship with somebody, splitting up can be difficult.
For Brett Keisel and the Pittsburgh Steelers, both decided that they couldn't live without each other and got back together for at least two more years.
Don't ya just love happy endings?
After taking the off-season to collect himself, (and avoid having to go to training camp in Latrobe no doubt) Keisel set the wheels in motion this week to getting back on the playing field. HIs first stop was a familiar one for many who played in Pittsburgh; The Arizona Cardinals.
The desert birds lost DE Darnell Dockett to a torn ACL and had placed a phone call to the Deisel about his availability for 2014. Brett said he wanted to play in Pittsburgh, but would entertain any open offers with other NFL clubs.
The funny thing was that Keisel never really had plans on playing away from home, as he declined the teams overtures saying he didn't want to be away from him family during the season.
It didn't take long for the old couple to get back on the dance floor again.
But this fairy tale is far from being written. How well things turn out will depend greatly on Keisel and if he's healthy enough to give this team what it needs, a veteran leader on the defensive line that lacks just about everything he has. Game experience, leadership, knowledge and the numbers to back it up.
What Keisel must deliver is 25-30 snaps a game, injury free. After taking a beating for 12 years, that may be unrealistic come November, as everybody is bruised, nicked and dinged up by then.
No, what Keisel must deliver in addition to quality snaps is that role of teacher to guys like Steve McLendon & Cameron Heyward. Keisel must help mold guys like rookie Stephon Tuitt and Cam Thomas who will look to the veteran leader for guidance and knowledge of the position they are playing.
This was a team 27th against the run in 2013. If they have any hope of improving on that number, even by half, they will need Keisel to be the leader of a group of young guys that will be called upon to deliver on the necessary changes to get that goal accomplished.
It's all well and good to smile and be cheery, thinking about past glory and what 'da beard' means to the team.
If Keisel isn't on the field due to injury, then this signing will end up being one that could cost the club both money and time needed in developing guys to fix an old, aging defense.
Here's to Keisel providing what the Steelers need from the old flame.
John Phillips is a radio personality for 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh and a columnist for Behind The Steel Curtain. Check him out on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.