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The Pro Football Writers of America announced today that Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano has been awarded the 2013 George Halas Award. This award is given to an NFL player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
According to Colts.com, Pagano is the the third head coach and fourth member of the Colts organization to receive the award. Tony Dungy also won this award in 2006. Jim Harbaugh was selected in 1997 when he was still quarterbacking the Colts.
Pagano's cancer diagnosis in late-September of 2012 forced him to take a leave of absence from the team while he underwent treatments. Replacing him as head coach was now-former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. Despite the treatments, Pagano remained in contact with Arians, his assistants, and the players. He also made a very emotional return to Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 9, giving his now-famous "I've got circumstances" speech after the Colts defeated the Dolphins 23-20.
Bruce Arians guided the Colts to a 9-3 record before handing the reigns back to Pagano for the Colts' Week 17 match-up against the Texans, a game the Colts won 28-16.