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 Arians' exceptional contributions to college football and the community, recognizing his resilience and commitment to helping others.
The significance of this announcement extends beyond football. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, 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 honoring Arians, the award shines a spotlight on heart health and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
"Bruce Arians has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by success on the field, but by the impact we have on others," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "By sharing his own health journey with courage and authenticity, he has inspired countless individuals to face challenges with hope and determination."
Arians' journey embodies the qualities the award celebrates: integrity, perseverance, determination, and grit. His coaching career began at Virginia Tech and included stops at Mississippi State, Alabama, and Temple University. Notably, 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, helping develop quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer, and Tom Brady. He won two Super Bowls as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers and led 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.
Off the field, Arians' personal resilience has been equally inspiring. A survivor of both prostate and kidney cancer, he 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."
The Heart of a Champion 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.
Fans can follow the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards and track progress of the awards at facebook.com/bryantawards, https://x.com/bryantawards or by following the hashtag #BryantAwards. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
