Pagano surprises team at Colts practice

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Indianapolis Colts received a special visitor at the end of Friday’s practice. Coach Chuck Pagano showed up and addressed the team, and as one might expect, it was a thrill for everyone in blue to see their coach, recovering from his second round of chemotherapy. Interim coach Bruce Arians called the day special.

“The sun was shining and he broke his team down at practice,” said Arians. “It was a beautiful moment again. Called him this morning, I’m always afraid to invite him when we go indoors because of germs. We were outside so I said if the doc says it’s OK, please come. He came and enjoyed a good bunch of sunshine and talked to the guys and it was another beautiful day.”

Reggie Wayne, who’s known Pagano longer than any other player on the team going back to their days at Miami said it best: “It’s always good when you got your main leader out there. We are always happy to see him. It caught everybody by surprise. That was a great finishing to a great day of practice. Like I said, whenever he is able to address the team, give us a little words of wisdom, it’s always a great feeling.”

The team is still hoping to have Pagano on the sidelines in their last regular season game at Lucas Oil Stadium, Dec. 30 against Houston.