In the aftermath of his team’s comeback win, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano delivered a highly emotional postgame speech:
"“I can’t tell you how damn proud,” said a visibly teary eyed Pagano. “Every man and every coach in this room. Grit always wins.”“Because I guarantee you, when sh#$ hit the fan in that 3rd quarter, the only ones that believed were in this room right now,” added Pagano. “And because you believe, and you’ve got grit, and you’ve got resilience, and you’ve got fight. You dig your way out of something that nobody thought you could dig yourself out of.”“And I’m telling you this is bigger than a football game. This is about life and learning lessons about life. That you can do anything that you want to do.”“Anything.” “You have faith, you have family, and you have belief in one another. And you have grit. You have intestinal fortitude. You’ve got resolve.”“You’ve got it, kid.”“Everyone of you’s got it,” concluded Pagano. “Big time. That’s as a big of a win that I’ve ever been a part of in my life. I will cherish that one for the rest of my life. I can guarantee you that. Why we do this is for moments, just like this. Moments just like this.”"
It had been a tumultuous first two games for the Colts to start the season, as the team seemed to be outcoached and outplayed in nearly all facets of the game. However, it’s possible that Sunday’s impressive comeback win could be just the catalyst the team needed to jumpstart their season and get back on track.
As for Pagano, he wasn’t necessarily coaching for his job Sunday, but there’s no question he’s on the hot seat with rumors swirling about his long-term security as the Colts head coach.
A loss to the Titans may have made next Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars a “must-win” for Pagano. However, it won’t come to that now either way, so we’ll never know exactly for sure.
Despite his coaching imperfections, even Pagano’s biggest critics have to acknowledge that there’s no question he’s a standup individual and a great leader of men–especially after such a fiery speech.
More from Horseshoe Heroes
- Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
- When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
- Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
- Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
- Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen