Colts GM Grigson says victory for Pagano was his No. 1 sports moment
Published: October 9th, 2012 | Tags: NFL AM, Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, Ryan Grigson
Sunday the Indianapolis Colts won one for Chuck.
The scene inside the locker room after the dramatic 30-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers displayed how emotional and important the victory was to players, coaches and owner Jim Irsay as they played for the first with without head coach Chuck Pagano, who is in the hospital after being diagnosed with leukemia last week.
On Tuesday’s edition of “NFL AM” Colt’s GM Ryan Grigson said the teams play perked the spirit of the head coach.
“He’s doing good , every day is another day of a fight. He’s in a fight right now, but he has tremendous support here from his team, from his brothers on the staff, all of us here in the city,” Grigson said. “So he has all the support he needs, he’s a fighter, Chuck’s tough and he’s working every day, just like we are as a football team, to get better every day. So he’s in good spirits, especially after that win.”
Irsay and his general manager delivered the game ball to Pagano immediately after the post-game celebration. Girgson said Sunday’s emotional victory was the keystone of his sports career.
“I’ve been involved in Super Bowls and things of that nature and this one, everything pales in comparison because there is such a human side to this and such a strong emotional tie to that game. It was special, and everyone here feels the same,” he said. “It was the No. 1 moment I’ve had in sports by far.”
Grigson said the teams play inspired its head coach and will help him through his difficult situation.
“The best medicine for him is for us to fight for four quarters like he’s instilled in this team,” he said.