Hokie ClubHOUSTON, Texas — Bruce Arians, one of the most respected offensive minds in the game of football, is 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, honoring his exceptional contributions to college football and the community.
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. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
The Heart of a Champion 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 award is selected annually by the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team, comprised of members of the Bryant family and community leaders who come together to support the campaign.
Few individuals embody those qualities more completely than Arians, whose football journey spans more than five decades as a player, coach, mentor and advocate. A two-time Associated Press NFL (National Football League) Coach of the Year and Super Bowl-winning head coach, Arians has earned widespread respect not only for his success on the field, but also for his courage, authenticity and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
Arians’ coaching career began 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. Over a career that included leadership roles with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he helped guide the development of some of football’s most accomplished quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady.
Arians captured two Super Bowl titles as an assistant coach 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. He also earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2012 and 2014.
Arians’ personal resilience has also served as an inspiration. 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.
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 as Heart of a Champion, 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.