Sidelined: Overcoming Odds Through Unity, Passion, and Perseverance

Chuck Pagano, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, has become one of the most inspiring, intriguing personalities in the game of football. Only three games into his rookie season in 2012, Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, sidelined by the side effects chemotherapy and months of recovery.

Undeterred, Pagano didn’t let the confines of his hospital bed keep him from coaching: texts, calls, and emails kept him in constant contact with players, staff, and assistants. Motivated to be just as strong and determined as their ailing coach the team started winning game after game, compiling an impressive 11-5 record.

The players weren’t the only ones touched by Pagano’s hope and strength of character. Inspired by the tenacity and toughness of their beloved coach, a newcomer to town, thousands of fans united to form Chuckstrong, a movement that soon raised millions to help beat cancer. Pagano, fueled by his faith, his family, and his love of football, returned to lead the Colts to another winning season and the divisional playoffs in 2013.

With Pagano’s practical lessons on living, loving, and leading, Sidelined, which includes an 8-page color photo section, inspires us all to stay in the game and never accept defeat.

CHUCK PAGANOhas been the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts since January 2012. He has been involved with football as a player and coach for his entire life, starting back in his little league football days. His hometown is Boulder, Colorado. Between the years of 1985 to 2000, Pagano coached at USC, the University of Miami, Boise State, where he met his wife, Tina, East Carolina, UNLV, and North Carolina. He coached professional football with the Cleveland Browns, the Oakland Raiders, and in 2008-10, he was the secondary coach with the Baltimore Ravens, and in 2011, he was the defensive coordinator with the Ravens.