Two weeks ago, after the Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins, Chuck Pagano addressed his team and delivered an emotionally packed message of perseverance and hope. The Colts’ player’s hearts remain with their coach, and were pleasantly surprised to see their inspirational leader during practice on Friday, the Indianapolis Star reports.
“Called him this morning, interim coach Bruce Arians said. I’m always afraid to invite him when we go indoors because of germs. But we were outside and (I said), if the doc says it’s OK, please come. He came and enjoyed a good bunch of sunshine and talked to the guys.”
Defensive end Cory Redding wondered who was standing next to Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson? But after seeing Chuck’s wife Tina Pagano, he knew exactly who decided to make an unexpected visit.
“I think the guys really took the fact that he’s out there, he’s healthy, no mask on his face, lets us know he’s winning the battle, he’s winning the fight and he’s that much closer to being here with us,” Redding said.
Pagano took the field and broke down his team, delivering a simple message. He compared himself, Redding said, to an NCAA Division I athlete, young, strong, vital and prepared, against whom leukemia and the ravages of chemotherapy have no chance.
Reggie Wayne, one of the closest players to coach Pagano, had this to say of the visit.
“We all were happy to see him,” wide receiver Reggie Wayne said. “It caught everybody by surprise and was a great finish to a great day of practice.”
The Colts ended practice with their standard “One, two, three, Chuck!” chant. Letting the battle tested coach know — that their “Chuck Strong” every time they take the field.
