Colts Coach Chuck Pagano wins George Halas Award

Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano, whose battle against a curable form of leukemia captivated the NFL last season, has been chosen as the 2013 George Halas Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America.

The award is presented to a NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. It is named for Halas, who was associated with the Chicago Bears and NFL from their inception in 1920 until his death in 1983 as an owner, manager, player and promoter.

Pagano, in his first season as Colts head coach, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and hospitalized on Sept. 26 during the team’s bye week. Bruce Arians was named interim head coach, went on to lead the Colts to the playoffs behind the play of No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck, and become the first interim to be named the NFL’s Coach of the Year.

In one of the most inspiring moments of last season, Pagano attended the Nov. 4 home game against Miami and spoke to the team before and after the 23-20 victory over the Dolphins.

After the game, he told the team: “My vision that I’m living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings and then hoist that Lombardi Trophy several times.”

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