NFL

Steelers Running Backs Coach Kirby Wilson Burned In House Fire

Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson was hospitalized after suffering “moderate to severe” burns in a house fire early Friday morning.

The fire reportedly broke out at 3 a.m. in the kitchen of Wilson’s Seven Fields northern suburban home.

Neighbor Dave Vanatta told Pittsburgh’s Channel 11 News that the smell of smoke woke him up, and that he came downstairs and saw Wilson’s kitchen on fire. He immediately called 911 and started pounding on Wilson’s door. About five minutes later, Wilson came out.

Said Vanatta:

“He was real delirious. He didn’t know what was going on. He kept saying, ‘I’m alright. Thank you. Thank you. You could tell he wasn’t alright.”

The 50-year-old Wilson, who is in his fifth season as running backs coach, was flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital with burns to his arms and legs. While severe, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. He will not travel with the team for Sunday’s wild-card game in Denver.

Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement that was posted to the team’s website:

“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.”

Later in the morning, a Steelers representative accompanied by a property manager and insurance adjuster went into the burned home to secure Wilson’s personal property.