Kirby Wilson Burned: Steelers RB Coach Suffers Severe Burns In House Fire

Steelers RB Coach Severely Burned In Fire

Early on Friday morning, firefighters responded to a blaze at the home of Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson.

Wilson's neighbor, Dave Vanatta, told Channel 11 News in Pittsburgh that he called 911 after smelling smoke and observing WIlson's kitchen on fire. Vanatta described Wilson as being "real delirious" when he emerged from his home and estimated that the fifth-year assistant coach had burns that were "pretty severe."

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, firefighters arrived at Wilson's townhouse in the Seven Fields neighborhood at 2:42 a.m. A team source informed the Post-Gazette that Wilson had burns over "30 to 50 percent of his body."

Steelers owner Art Rooney released a statement on Friday.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Kirby and his entire family. We are saddened to hear about this unfortunate situation but we know that he has the best medical care in the country treating him. The entire organization is praying for Kirby to have a full recovery and we will be by his side through this difficult time.”

In his biography on the Steelers' website, Wilson is described as being "instrumental" in the breakout season of star running back Rashard Mendenhall. Unfortunately for the Steelers, Mendenhall will not play in Pittsburghs first-round playoff game against the Denver Broncos due to a right knee injury.

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