Many Colts players shaved their heads in support of coach Chuck Pagano’s battle with leukemia earlier this season and now the team’s cheerleaders have gotten in on the act.
Colts cheerleaders had their heads shaved by the team’s mascot on the sideline during the game. The shot delivered by CBS cameras was well described by our Mike Florio as a “Thelma and Louise” moment as two of the cheerleaders gripped hands during their journey into the hairless unknown. It took place after the mascot, named Blue, challenged them to go through with the shearing if he was able to raise $10,000 for cancer research.
Pagano, who is in remission but still undergoing chemotherapy, was in attendance during the game and got a standing ovation from the crowd when he was shown on the big screen. He’s scheduled for another round of chemo this week, one that he’ll likely be greeting in better spirits after the team was able to hold off the Bills for a 20-13 win on Sunday.
That improved their record to 7-4, improving the team’s chances of making the playoffs. Their stated goal is to keep playing long enough for Pagano to return to work and they’ll be playing in front of cheerleaders with hair back on their heads if that should come to pass.