Friday, July 27, 2012 12:00 am
Associated Press
LATROBE, Pa. — Ben Roethlisberger choked up. Mike Tomlin found perspective. Chris Rainey marveled at the display of ‘‘cheating death.’’
To Kirby Wilson, it was just a jog. To the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was, to use Tomlin’s word, ‘‘a blessing.’’
Wilson, Pittsburgh’s running backs coach, was on the field barking at his players and even running with them from drill to drill on the first official practice day of Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College.
Less than seven months after sustaining life-threatening burns over almost half of his body in a house fire, Wilson is doing what he wants to do.
‘‘It’s awesome,’’ Wilson said. ‘‘My favorite time of the year. The most rewarding camp I’ve had.’’
Beloved by his players, Wilson’s services are arguably needed more than usual for Pittsburgh this season. With starter Rashard Mendenhall recovering from knee surgery, the Steelers have a young, deep and talented running back corps for Wilson to work with and sort through. When asked about the competition for roster spots and increased roles at running back, Wilson used a pun that might have been in poor taste only a few months ago.
Read More: http://www.chieftain.com/sports/stee...a4bcf887a.html
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