Bruce Arians, a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year and Super Bowl-winning head coach, has been selected as 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 recognizes 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.
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, to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
“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. “Throughout his career, he has shown resilience, integrity and a deep commitment to helping people reach their full potential. By sharing his own health journey with courage and authenticity, he has inspired countless individuals to face challenges with hope and determination.”
Arians’ football journey spans more than five decades as a player, coach, mentor and advocate. He began his coaching career at Virginia Tech before stops at Mississippi State, Alabama and Temple University. 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 and quarterback developers. He worked with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping guide the development of quarterbacks including Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady. Arians won two Super Bowls as an assistant with the Steelers before leading the Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV, becoming the oldest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl at age 68.
Arians is also a survivor of both prostate and kidney cancer. His openness about those experiences has helped raise awareness and encourage others facing their own health battles—a mission aligned with the American Heart Association’s work, which supporters can learn more about at heart.org. “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. The recognition of Arians underscores the growing intersection of sports and health advocacy, highlighting how public figures can use their platforms to inspire resilience and drive progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke. For more information on the American Heart Association’s initiatives, visit stroke.org.
