Steelers Running Backs Coach Kirby Wilson Burned in House Fire, Will Not Travel to Denver

by Neal Coolong on Jan 6, 2012 1:49 PM EST in Steelers Coaches

Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson sustained moderate to severe burns after a fire broke out at his north suburban Pittsburgh home around 3 a.m. ET Friday.

He will not travel with the team to Denver, and is currently hospitalized in Pittsburgh.

Wilson has been with the team for the last five seasons, and is well respected among the team. His work with Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker produced outstanding results.

In almost an "adding injury to insult and injury" situation, Mendenhall tore his ACL in Pittsburgh's Week 17 win over Cleveland, and Wilson spent the time this week preparing former undrafted free agent Isaac Redman to make his first career playoff start.

The Steelers will be without FS Ryan Clark for a medical reason as well. Injuries continue to pile up for the defending AFC Champions, as they head into a Wild Card round playoff game with the AFC West champion Broncos.

From the Steelers web site:

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.

- Steelers president Art Rooney II

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Best wishes for a quick recovery from a Ravens fan

Like I said in another post, the Ravens and Steelers just play a game, it’s not life or death. This IS life or death, and I hope he recovers quickly.

Baltimore Blast - 6-time MISL/NISL Champions
Let's go Blues!

by UIWWildthing on Jan 6, 2012 1:53 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Get Well Soon Kirby

my prayers are with you

by THR1LLHOUSE on Jan 6, 2012 1:58 PM EST reply actions

Get Well Coach Kirby

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Signed, Steeler Nation

"Leave the gun. Bring the Canolis."

by Paulie58 on Jan 6, 2012 2:17 PM EST reply actions

+7

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Jan 6, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Get well coach

Feel better and make sure to take care of yourself and your family.

by Michael Uhlhorn on Jan 6, 2012 2:21 PM EST reply actions

I hope he is fine, and get well soon

by Ben Balesverger on Jan 6, 2012 2:43 PM EST reply actions

Good luck, Kirby

Years ago, I met a California doctor who did amazing things with severe burns in humans using a drug called “Heparin,” which stops the burns from blocking circulation to burned tissues. I hope Kirby’s doctors are aware of this option if it’s indicated in his case. Here’s a link for anyone interested:

http://www.medbc.com/annals/review/vol_14/num_4/text/vol14n4p183.asp

by JP4Pitt on Jan 6, 2012 3:55 PM EST reply actions

That's cool. I didn't know heparin could do that.

It is primarily used as an anticoagulant (blood-thinner). It prevents clotting by binding to and activating an enzyme that inhibits thrombin and factor Xa (enzymes that initiate clotting).

by houksyndrome on Jan 7, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Get well soon

Broncos fan here, hate seeing this kind of news. My heart goes out to Kirby and his family. Best wishes for a speedy recovery….

by Berserker13 on Jan 6, 2012 4:41 PM EST reply actions

Tebowspeed Kirby

I had a housefire once too, scary stuff right there. In my case nobody was hurt but you just never know what can happen.

Hope he gets better and gets to coach a game in February :)

But seriously, has our team been cursed or something? Everybody’s dropping, now coaches. Lebeau should be seriously worried. He’s overdue…

by Mechem on Jan 6, 2012 11:25 PM EST reply actions

That's an attempt at humor?

Failed. Just my opinion.

I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com

by Fifty-Eight on Jan 7, 2012 1:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Wrong place, wrong time

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Jan 7, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

There's no such thing as curses.

This is terrible news for Kirby and his family, and I’ll be keeping him in my prayers. He’s a member of our Steelers family.

I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com

by Fifty-Eight on Jan 7, 2012 1:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions