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 its 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Heart of a Champion Award, presented by Houston-based St. Luke’s Health. The award honors individuals whose contributions have helped define the way we experience sports and who exemplify the integrity, perseverance, determination and grit for which Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was known.
The recognition carries particular weight given Bryant’s own history. The legendary coach died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. The Bear Bryant Awards are presented annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, honor Bryant’s legacy and raise awareness and critical funds for the American Heart Association’s mission to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.
“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.”
Arians’ connection to Bryant runs deep. From 1981 to 1982, he served on Bryant’s staff at the University of Alabama, coaching running backs under the Hall of Fame coach. He later built a reputation as one of football’s premier offensive minds, helping develop quarterbacks including Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady. He won two Super Bowls as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers and led 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.
Beyond football, Arians is 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. “To be associated with Coach Bryant’s legacy is incredibly meaningful to me,” Arians said. “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.”
The award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System. The 41st ceremony will be held on January 27, 2027, in Houston and will air on CBS Sports Network. The event also supports the American Heart Association’s lifesaving research and cardiovascular health initiatives. More information about heart health and stroke prevention is available at heart.org. The original announcement can be viewed through www.newmediawire.com.
For readers and the broader business community, Arians’ selection underscores how sports figures can leverage their platforms to advance public health causes. The American Heart Association, which funds groundbreaking research and advocates for equitable health in all communities, uses the Bryant Awards to raise funds and awareness. As cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, the visibility of honorees like Arians—who has personally faced cancer and emerged as an advocate—can drive engagement with prevention and research. The award also highlights the enduring business of sports philanthropy, where teams, coaches and health organizations collaborate to amplify impact. With the ceremony set for January 2027, the coming months will likely see increased attention on both Arians’ story and the American Heart Association’s mission, potentially boosting donations and volunteer support.
