The American Heart Association has selected Bruce Arians, a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year and Super Bowl-winning head coach, as the recipient of the 2027 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award, presented by Houston-based St. Luke's Health. The award honors 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.
Arians' selection carries particular significance because he served on Coach Bryant's staff at the University of Alabama from 1981-82, coaching running backs under the Hall of Fame coach. The Bear Bryant Awards are presented annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, honor Coach Bryant's legacy and raise awareness and critical funds for the American Heart Association's mission. Coach Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement, making the award's connection to cardiovascular health especially poignant.
"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. We are proud to honor him with the Heart of a Champion Award."
Arians' personal resilience has served as an inspiration beyond football. 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. 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."
Arians' coaching journey spans more than five decades. After beginning at Virginia Tech and making stops at Mississippi State, Alabama and Temple University, he transitioned to the NFL and built a reputation as one of the game's premier offensive minds. He helped guide the development of quarterbacks including Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady. He captured two Super Bowl titles as an assistant 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.
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 awards support the American Heart Association by raising funds and awareness to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health. The organization, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. More information about cardiovascular health is available at heart.org and stroke.org. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
