PITTSBURGH — Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson was hospitalized Friday after being severely burned during an early-morning fire at his home in a Pittsburgh suburb.
Authorities say the fire broke out around 3 a.m. in the kitchen of Wilson’s home in Seven Fields, about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh. Flames were visible to firefighters when they arrived on the scene, according to Cranberry Township director of Public Safety Jeffrey Schueler.
The 50-year-old Wilson, in his fifth season with the Steelers, was taken to a hospital before being airlifted to UPMC Mercy Hospital for treatment. His condition was not immediately available. The cause of the fire has not been determined and remains under investigation.
Wilson will not travel with the team for Sunday’s AFC wild-card playoff game against the Broncos. Offensive assistant Harold Goodwin worked with the running backs during practice.
Veteran wide receiver Hines Ward said he doesn’t believe Wilson’s condition will be a distraction.
“We’re going to fight, and we have a little more incentive to go out and get this win, to get the win for him,” third-year running back Isaac Redman said.
