Sports

Steelers' Kirby Wilson Back to Work, Will Participate in NFL Draft

The running backs coach is recovering after being severely burned Jan. 6 when a fire broke out at his town home in Seven Fields.

During a pre-draft press conference held Monday, Kevin Colbert, general manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers, said the organization is welcoming Kirby Wilson back to work.

“It was really inspiring having him back in the fold, and I surely want to acknowledge it,” he said.

A running backs coach who is entering his sixth season with the Steelers, Wilson, 50, was severely on Jameson Way in Seven Fields.

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The father of five was burned on more than 45 percent of his body and also suffered a smoke inhalation injury.

Colbert said Wilson reported for a full day of work Friday and was aiding in , including evaluating running backs.

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Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson's work with the Steelers would revolve around his rehabilitation. He added Wilson’s schedule with the Steelers is more flexible at this time of year and that Wilson also is able to work on the draft remotely from his laptop.

“We’re just starting the process of getting him fully back into this and it’s been an exciting process thus far,” Tomlin said.

According to the Steelers organization, Wilson also visited the Steelers practice facility on April 4. In March, Tomlin said Wilson continues to surprise doctors with his speedy rate of recovery, the Steelers Digest reports.

Wilson joined the Steelers in 2007 after spending 19 years as a college and professional coach. He previously coached running backs for the Arizona Cardinals (2004-06) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-03), where he worked with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

The fire marshal has ruled the fire that started in Wilson’s kitchen as accidental. According to Trooper Luke Nelson of the state police barracks in Butler, Wilson had been cooking chicken when the stove caught fire.

To listen to audio of Monday’s press conference courtesy of Steelers Depot, click here.

Have a message or words of encouragement for Coach Kirby Wilson as he gets back to work? Tell us in the comment section.


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