Steelers RB Coach Remains Hospitalized After Butler Co. House Fire

Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson remains hospitalized after suffering burns to his arms and legs in a house fire early Friday morning.

VIDEO: Neighbors Talk To Channel 11 VIDEO: Steelers Release Statement, Send Prayers To RB Coach, Family VIDEO: Steelers Continue Preps For Wild Card Game Against Denver

Authorities said the fire started at about 3 a.m. Friday in Wilson's Jameson Way home in Seven Fields, Butler County.

"I could just smell smoke. I woke up and saw his kitchen on fire," said Dave Vanatta, who lives next door.

Vanatta said he immediately called 911 and pounded on Wilson’s door.

Jim McCaffrey, who lives across the street, heard the commotion and ran over to help.

Wilson opened the door with burns all over his body, said the neighbors.

"It was like something out of a horror movie with the smoke coming out when he opened the door," said McCaffrey.

“His arms and legs were pitch black,” said neighbor Dave Sebasta.

Investigators said the fire began on the kitchen stove at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday. It’s believed the Steelers running backs coach had been sleeping nearby. Wilson, 50, was rushed to a local hospital and then flown to UPMC Mercy's burn unit.

Channel 11 sports reporter Rich Walsh said Wilson is in a medically induced coma. Wilson's burns are severe, but not life-threatening. He will miss Sunday's wild card game in Denver.

The Steelers President Art Rooney II released a statement on the Steelers' 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."

"He's always the first guy in the building, He's always here. He takes pride in his running backs. It's sad to see this happening," said Steelers running back Isaac Redman.

"I was shocked at first. Usually, we meet in the mornings to go over film. When he didn’t come in, we didn’t know what was going on. That's when we learned from the team meeting," said Steelers running back John Clay.

"All the guys' thoughts and prayers are with Kirby and his family. Everyone on this team is thinking more of his family, his health and well being," said wide receiver Hines Ward.

By late morning on Friday, the head of Steelers security was at the house collecting Wilson's valuables, including some footballs and Lombardi trophy replicas.

Some Steelers players took to Twitter to wish their coach well.

“Heavy hearts today at the facility! Praying for our brother, friend and coach. Thoughts AND prayers with you AND the family Coach Kirb!” safety Ryan Clark posted.

“Please keep Steelers Running Backs Coach Kirby Wilson in your prayers!” was a post by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Wilson is in his fifth season as running backs coach, joining the staff when head coach Mike Tomlin was hired in 2007.

Team officials said offensive assistant Harold Goodwin will take over Wilson's coaching duties for the time being.

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