INDIANAPOLIS -- Chuck Pagano attended an Indianapolis Colts game Sunday for the first time since being diagnosed with leukemia five weeks ago. The coach spoke to Colts players and staff following the team's 23-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
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"I mentioned before the game that you guys were living in a vision, and you weren't living in circumstances," said Pagano, who also met with Colts players before the game. "Because you know where they had us in the beginning. Every last one of them. But you refused to live in circumstances and decided consciously as a team and as a family to live in a vision.
"I've got circumstances. You guys understand it. I understand it. It's already beat. It's already beat. My vision that I'm living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings and then hoist that Lombardi (Trophy) several times."
Pagano has lost weight and shaved his head because of chemotherapy treatment. He had to pause at times to catch his breath while speaking. But there is no question about the passion and bond between Pagano and the Colts.
Pagano watched the game from a private box with Colts owner Jim Irsay. Interim Colts coach Bruce Arians said Pagano begins an extremely serious round of treatment next week.
"His presence is felt every day, in the facility and in the city," said Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, who set the NFL single-game record for passing yards by a rookie. "For all the guys to see him in the flesh in the locker room, to hear him speak, it gave a big boost to all the guys. We're very happy to see him out and about."
Added veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney: "He brings so much emotion. We love him so much. Like I said, we are all family. When something happens to one, it affects everybody. To see him here, that tells you that he's doing a lot better. The fight's not over yet. For him to come out here shows you that he's a lot better."
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
