Indianapolis Colts coaches, players offer support to coach Chuck Pagano in recovery from leukaemia
Indianapolis Colts staff and players have offered their support to coach Chuck Pagano after hearing the news that the official has been diagnosed with leukaemia, wishing him full and speedy recovery.
Owner Jim Irsay broke the news of Chuck suffering the illness and that he requires a considerable time for treatment.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who has taken over as an interim head coach, was almost in tears on the development and spoke high of Chuck.
He said:
"When Chuck called me yesterday, I was floored. I was down south at my home in Georgia and he was chatting like he always chats, and then he drops the news on me. My first reaction was how is everything, how's Tina, how's the girls, is everything going to
be all right?"
Quarterback Andrew Luck said:
"I think short of death, this is the worst type of news you want to hear. We'll do everything we can in honour of what Coach Pagano is going through in honour of his fight, which is much more important than this kid's game we play."
The news was a great shock for the entire team, and also his former colleagues who are now with other teams. There is a complete sense of worry, and first question in the situation is how much survival rate and chances are in this.
It will certainly be heartening to note for the family that the entire Colts’ organisation has backed Pagano’s full recovery and they stand by him.
Owner Jim Irsay is also saddened with the news and offered his support to the coach and family. He said although the coach will be able to recover this year, it is unlikely he returns to take his responsibilities this season.
Chuck is in first year with the Colts after joining them earlier this year and has been upbeat about the team’s chances to bounce back on the poor season last year.
Although Bruce is going to perform into Chuck’s role this season, it is to be determined yet how the players adapt to his reign. The team will play their first game under Bruce this Sunday.
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