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 honors individuals whose 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. Arians' selection highlights a career that spans more than five decades and a personal health journey that has inspired many.
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. The Heart of a Champion Award is one of five honors presented during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony, which will be held on January 27, 2027, in Houston and air on CBS Sports Network. The event supports the American Heart Association's efforts to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health.
Arians' connection to Coach Bryant is deeply personal. From 1981-82, he served on Bryant's staff at the University of Alabama, coaching running backs under the Hall of Fame coach. "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," Arians said. "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."
Beyond his coaching achievements, which include leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV and becoming the oldest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl at age 68, Arians is a survivor of both prostate and kidney cancer. His openness about those experiences has helped raise awareness and encourage others facing their own health battles. "By sharing his own health journey with courage and authenticity, he has inspired countless individuals to face challenges with hope and determination," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association.
The recognition also underscores the broader impact of the Bryant Awards, which have raised funds and awareness for cardiovascular research for decades. Fans can follow the awards and track progress at www.newmediawire.com. For more information on heart health, visit heart.org or stroke.org. Arians' story serves as a testament to resilience and the importance of prioritizing health, both on and off the field.
