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Bruce Arians Praises Chuck Pagano in ‘Don’t Ever Give Up’ Speech

By Luke Schultheis

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As part of the V Foundation’s fundraising for Wednesday, July 15th’s ESPYS, former Indianapolis Colts interim head coach and offensive coordinator, now Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians spoke as part of a “Don’t Ever Give Up” speech in regards to his coaching colleague and longtime friend Chuck Pagano‘s prior fight against cancer:

"“I think the most revealing thing about a person’s character is when tough times hit and how you react,” said Bruce Arians. “Watching him [Chuck Pagano] fight and fight everyday. The battle against leukemia and still try to coach his team from the couch was just amazing. Anyone who hears that word cancer, and it’s involved with you personally, it’s scary. Believe in yourself, and the fight you’re going to put up, and never, ever give up.”"

Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano (left) talks to Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians prior to the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In September of 2012, as new Colts head coach, Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, and he took an indefinite leave of absence as he missed the next 3 months undergoing cancer treatment in Indianapolis. After filling in for Pagano for the team’s next 12 regular season games, Arians happily handed the reins back over to Pagano, who returned in December to his post after successfully fighting off the disease.

His team played with newfound passion and heart, and most importantly, for their head coach using the “Chuckstrong” mantra. While many experts projected the Colts to finish as an NFL bottom feeder, the team shocked the world by finishing with a 11-5 record and making the playoffs, inspired by the life-threatening fight of their own head coach.

Of course, no one knows more than Pagano about the potential devastation that comes along with cancer. The beloved Colts head coach has previously said he’s simply “thankful for today“:

"“Be where your feet are,” said Pagano earlier this offseason. “What do I mean? Cancer taught me to be thankful for today. All I’m concentrating on is today. Then tomorrow.”"

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