Updated

A year ago, Kion Wilson was working two jobs in Florida hoping his NFL career wasn't over at the age of 25. On Monday night, Wilson will be starting at inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wilson was thrust into the lineup after veteran Larry Foote was lost for the season with a torn right biceps late in last week's 16-9 loss to Tennessee. Wilson played well in limited minutes late in the game and drew praise from defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau for grasping the team's 3-4 defense so quickly.

Wilson made the Steelers coming out of training camp as a special teams ace. He says he never gave up faith he would one day work his way back into the NFL after being cut by the Carolina Panthers in 2012.