The remarkable story of Chuck Pagano’s first year as Colts head coach adds another chapter with Sunday’s game against the Ravens and the coach took a little time before the game to recognize the team’s fans.
Pagano sent an open letter to the Indianapolis Star thanking fans in Indianapolis and elsewhere for their support of him and the team during his battle with cancer. Pagano left the team in the fifth week of the season after getting diagnosed and returned to the sideline for the Week 17 victory over the Texans.
“When I accepted the job as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts last January, it was a dream come true for me and my family. I knew I was coming to an organization with a great owner and a great winning tradition. I knew Indy had great fans, but I might have underestimated just how great. Being new to the community I never expected the outpouring of support I received from Colts fans throughout the state and country. The love and support you showed my family and me gave me a tremendous amount of comfort and peace. Every letter, success story, prayer and act of kindness made this process a whole lot easier. I am also fortunate to have had some of the best doctors and nurses in the country right here in Indiana to care for me.”
If the Colts win on Sunday, they’ll head to Denver to face Peyton Manning and the Broncos, which makes you wonder if some Hollywood screenwriter hasn’t been putting this together the whole time.