Chuck Pagano, Bruce Arians Nominated for ESPY Awards

May 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano during organized team activities at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN is set to have their annual ESPY Awards show, and two prominent members of the Indianapolis Colts’ 2012 season are nominees for two major awards.

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is up for the “Best Moment” award, going against Jack Hoffman (who took a handoff at the Nebraska Spring game), Alex Morgan’s winning goal vs. Canada, and Andy Murray winning a gold for the U.S. in the Olympics.

Pagano missed 12 games last season for treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia. He delivered one of the most emotional and authentic post-game speaches after a Colts win last season. The Colts fans also created the “COLTSTRONG” movement after coach Pagano was diagnosed, and he received a huge ovation from the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Pagano’s moment/s last year were truly special. I would consider him a front-runner for that award with young Jack Hoffman, another incredible story.

Former Colts offensive coordinator/interim head coach Bruce Arians is also up for the award of Best Coach/Manager. Arians stepped in for coach Pagano when he was diagnosed with Leukemia, and helped lead the Colts to 11 victories and a playoff berth.

Arians is going up against UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, Miami HEAT coach Erik Spoelstra, and Duke lacrosse coach John Danowski. Arians did a fantastic job last season with the Colts, and has since moved on to the full-time head coaching position with the Arizona Cardinals.