Chuck Pagano is the coach of the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are 2nd in their division behind the Houston Texans. Coach Pagano was hired by the Colts organization after a disappointing 2-14 season (last place). Coach Pagano started off with a bang in drafting QB Andrew Luck first overall in the 2012 first Year Player Draft. Andrew Luck has been a very impressive draft pick for the Colts. He is statistically a top 10 QB through the midpoint of the year.
The coach of the Indianapolis Colts learned something unexpected about 3 games into the season. Coach Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia. This was obviously devastating to his team and his family. But the difference between this team and family is nonexistent. Since Coach Pagano’s diagnosis, the Colts personnel and his family have been at the same level of concern and support.
Since Pagano isn’t always able to be present, the colts are trusting George Bremer with the head coaching decisions. Pagano has obviously had an effect on the team. Since his temporary departure, the colts have had an impressive 4 game winning streak. Along the way have been acts of courage, sacrifice, and hope.
Chuck Pagano has been a big inspiration to keep fighting. The Colts represented this against the Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, and the Miami Dolphins. All were come from behind victories, and close games. Most of these wins could be summed up in one risky play. Against the Packers, Reggie Wayne caught a 4 yard touchdown pass from rookie Andrew Luck taking the lead with 3:55 seconds left to play. Against the Tennessee Titans, Vic Ballard caught a 16 yard flipping touchdown pass from Andrew Luck with 4:49 left to play. Against the Miami Dolphins, the game was won in overtime on a 43 yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri.
Many of the players and other personnel in the Colts organization have voluntarily shaved their heads in respect and honor of their leader Coach Pagano. QB Andrew Luck is one of the many people to do this, leading the way in fact for people you wouldn’t expect to do this favor. Colts cheerleader Megan M has generously offered to shave her head for leukemia research along with the guys on the team. This is by far the biggest sacrifice, especially in her profession.
After all this has gone on, good news finally comes through for Coach Pagano. The doctors atIndianaUniversityHealthSimonCancerCentertold Coach Pagano his Leukemia was in remission. He is winning his battle with Cancer.
After hearing his cancer was in remission, he attended the game against the Miami Dolphins. He was unable to take the field with them for stress related issues (he had chemo radiation treatment 1 week prior). But with his presence his team rallied late and won in overtime. While the team was still pumped up from a victory, Coach Pagano gave one of the most heartfelt speeches in NFL History. “I mentioned before the game that you guys were living in a vision and you weren’t living in circumstances. Because you know where they had us in the beginning. Every last one of them. But you refused to live in circumstances and you decided consciously, as a team, and as a family, to live in a vision. And that’s why you bring things home like you brought home today. That’s why you’re already champions, and well on your way. I got circumstances. You guys understand it. I understand it. It’s already beat. It’s already beat. My vision that I’m living, see two more daughters getting married, dancing at their weddings, and then hoisting that Lombardi several times and watch that confetti fall on this f****** group right here. Several times, we’re going to hoist that baby. I’m dancing at two more weddings. And we’re hoisting that trophy together man. Congratulations.” -Coach Chuck Pagano.
Chuck Pagano starts his 2nd session of chemo radiation treatment soon and hopefully will join a proud group of cancer survivors.
LINK TO PAGANO’S INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I9UsfDZLyQ