Heading into the 2012 season, the Indianapolis Colts were not expected to compete. After an impressive 23-20 win over the Miami Dolphins this past weekend.

The Colts are now 5-3 and are in serious contention for a playoff spot in the AFC.

This is not supposed to happen to team that went 2-14 last year, lost their franchise quarterback in Peyton Manning, drafted a rookie quarterback in Andrew Luck, and literally hired a brand new coaching staff.

To be honest, I actually think Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, and Antoine Bethea are the only Colts still on the team from last season (I’m obviously exaggerating, but it does feel that way).

Despite what others have said about the Colts before the season, not only are they surpassing everyone’s expectations, but more importantly, they are inspiring others through their own play on the field.

I am NOT a Colts fan, however, you can’t help but root for this team.

For those who do not know, Colts coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia on September 26, 2012. Pagano is in his first season with the team.

Although he has kept in touch with his team through text messages and e-mails, this past weekend against the Dolphins was the first time he felt healthy enough to visit his team in person.

Here is his speech to his team after their victory over the Dolphins

Inspiring isn’t it?

What makes this so moving to me is that Pagano is in his FIRST year with the team. It shows how much of an impact he really has had on his team. Without a doubt he should be the coach of the year in my opinion.

However, this goes beyond awards and wins. This shows his courage and his commitment to his team, his extended family. This is what sports is all about. It’s about hard work, dedication, passion, love, and perseverance.

In my personal life, I have seen what happens to people when they go through cancer and chemotherapy. It’s awful and painful to see people literally be transformed from healthy beings to mere shadows of what they used to be, both physically and mentally.

Which is why I was so impressed with Chuck Pagano’s appearance and his inspiring words to the team. However, Pagano is only one of the millions of people who are affected by this disease which is why it is important to spread as much awareness about it as possible.

The Colts have a section on their website dedicated to Leukemia research called Chuckstrong. All purchases made for Chuckstrong apparel go directly to cancer research. It is a classy move by the Organization and I can not applaud their actions enough.

We sometimes get lost in Sports with the negativity among its athletes and “Who tweeted that?” nonsense. The 2012 Colts are an example of what Sports are truly about and how Sports can truly uplift people despite their current situations.

If you wish to purchase ChuckStrong Apparel and donate to Leukemia research, here is the Colts website.

Thank you for reading and feels good to be back! 🙂

-@PeterD024