Bruce Arians, a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year and Super Bowl-winning head coach, has been named the recipient of the American Heart Association's 2027 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award, presented by Houston-based St. Luke's Health. The award recognizes individuals whose notable contributions and positive influence have helped define the way we experience sports and who exemplify the characteristics for which Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was known, including integrity, perseverance, determination and grit.
The significance of this announcement extends beyond athletic achievement. The American Heart Association presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, honor Coach Bryant's legacy, and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. Coach Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. By selecting Arians, the association underscores the importance of cardiovascular health and the power of personal stories to inspire others.
Arians' football journey spans more than five decades as a player, coach, mentor, and advocate. From 1981-82, he served on Coach Bryant's staff at the University of Alabama, coaching running backs under the Hall of Fame coach. After transitioning to the NFL, Arians built a reputation as one of the game's premier offensive minds and quarterback developers, working with legends such as Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer, and Tom Brady. He captured two Super Bowl titles as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers before leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV, becoming the oldest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl at age 68.
His personal resilience has also served as an inspiration. A survivor of both prostate and kidney cancer, Arians has faced significant health challenges with the same determination that defined his coaching career. His openness about those experiences has helped raise awareness and encourage others facing their own health battles. "I'm deeply honored to receive the Heart of a Champion Award," Arians said. "To be associated with Coach Bryant's legacy is incredibly meaningful to me, especially because I had the privilege of coaching on his staff early in my career. Football has given me so much, but the relationships, the opportunities to help others and the chance to make a difference beyond the game are what I value most."
The award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System. This year's ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2027, in Houston and will air on CBS Sports Network. In addition to Arians' selection, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year will be awarded. The Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards support the American Heart Association by raising funds and awareness to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health. For more information on heart health, visit heart.org and stroke.org.
The implications of this announcement are twofold: it celebrates a coaching career defined by success and service, and it amplifies the American Heart Association's mission to fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. Arians' story serves as a reminder that health challenges can be met with courage, and that leadership extends beyond the field. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
