Comeback of the Year

    In 2012 we have seen arguably the two best recoveries from a gruesome injury in the history of the NFL.  I know I tend to use hyperboles here and there, but this one has to be second to none. Constantly put behind Adrian Peterson's stunning season, where he ran around almost every defense to a tune of 2,009 yards, almost eclipsing Eric Dickerson's single season record.  Overshadowed by Peyton Manning's return from multiple, possibly career ending spinal fusions; where Manning is his vintage self, slicing defenses circa 2004.  Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning have outplayed their expectations are worth every single offseason award they get.  I'm sorry, but the best comeback in 2012, to me, is Chuck Pagano.  
   Throughout training camp and continuing into the early in the season Chuck was complaining of a sickness that was not going away and an unusual, persistent fatigue.  Pagano would soon go to get blood tests, where he was then diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia; a subtype of leukemia.  
   As far as cancers go,  acute promyelocytic leukemia is one of the 'less severe' types of leukemia.  But, if not treated quickly, it is life threatening.  According to the National Cancer Institute, the chances of remission with treatment is 80% to 90% in adults.  Technology and science has come so far in recent years to battle cancer.  But as many people know, attitude goes a long way when fighting this terrible sickness.  Chuck Pagano proved himself a warrior on the gridiron and in the hospital.  When asked how things were going in the hospital, in the middle of chemotherapy, mind you, Chuck simply replied "All is good."  
  No sooner than six weeks later, we saw one of the most inspirational speeches in the football world.  I mean, this could have been scripted in a movie.   Not only did coach Pagano rally up his troops for an improbable playoff run, he gave inspiration to every fighting soul who is battling or has battled cancer.   

   
   Chuck Pagano was not stopped by cancer, his warrior mentality was not deterred after hearing damning news, instead he turned into an unstoppable force that changed the football world this year.  There are many terrible situations to focus on this year; the situation with Jevon Belcher and the murder of his girlfriend/suicide.  Josh Brent driving drunk and killing his teammate, Jerry Brown in an accident.  We should be focusing on Chuck Pagano and the hope and inspiration he has given to everyone as a competitor in sports and everyone in a battle for their life.  As seen in the speech posted above, Pagano made a special appearance in the locker room after an emotional win against Miami.  Chuck Pagano gave Indianapolis, who had the number one pick last year and gutted their team of the majority of their starters, the will to win 11 games and qualify for the playoffs!  With an interim head coach for the majority of the year, a rookie quarterback and a bunch of no names around them, they have taken adversity and shoved it back where it came from to what looks like a bright future for one of the better franchises around the National Football League.  After a tumultuous year, the Colts and their brave coach are the comeback story.
   In week 17 Coach Pagano returned to the sideline to coach the Colts to a victory over the then number 1 seed, the Houston Texans.  How poetic was it for the team that sent Peyton Manning packing was able to carve the path for the Broncos to be the number 1 seed? After an emotional introduction and standing ovations from the fans, the Colts came out and played like they belonged in the playoffs.  
   Unfortunately, Colts season was ended early by the AFC Champions, Baltimore Ravens.  After being in the game for the the majority of 4 quarters, a few lucky bounces and a missed field goal allowed the Ravens to seal the victory.  The loss shouldn't take away everything that was accomplished by the the franchise.  How many teams can say they went from number 1 pick to number 5 seed?  Especially when the majority of their season was coached by an interim coach (now head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.) and the players had their minds torn between the field and a hospital room at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center.  Lets make sure to not forget what Chuck Pagano taught us about being warriors and battling for what we believe in, our lives, our loved ones and our passions.  
    I have been a Colts fan for as long as I can remember.  I lived for Sundays where I would get to watch Peyton Manning drive Indy up and down the field slinging the pigskin around with deadly precision.  When I found out about the release of my childhood hero to free agency, I was close to heart broken.  I remember I was on spring break in Naples, Fl, and I lost all will to go make bad decisions.  Colts owner, Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning gave a beautiful parting speech filled with tears.  I sat there in silence with the feeling of emptiness and the thought that my childhood was, in part, coming to an end.  I thought to myself that my fan-hood would be different.  I thought that I would be torn between my support of #18 and my love of the Horseshoe. This season proved me wrong.   I have never loved the Colts franchise more than I do now.  As a sports team, as a franchise and a form of inspiration to teach me to fight through adversity.  In the midst of multiple obstacles the Colts have proved ALL of the doubters wrong.  We have seen the best comeback of the season; and it was not on the Football field.  

  There are few times when football can teach someone about life.  Especially in the NFL when athletes get paid more than soldiers and doctors.  Chuck Pagano and the Indianapolis Colts gave us all a life lesson in 2012.  We all have circumstances, but they can be beat.