Chuck Pagano - Sidelined: Overcoming Odds through Unity, Passion and Perseverance

For broadcast journalists, objectivity is vital. Every once in a while, though, objectivity, schmobjectivity. When Coach Pagano took up the fight in the courageous, energetic, positive manner in which he did, we all became Colts fans. His fight inspires me in my fight. Love having him for a teammate.

Stuart Scott, ESPN anchor

Never in my thirty years covering the NFL have I seen the outpouring of feeling for one person as I did when Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia. Amazing thing is, so few people knew the man when it happened. Now, thankfully, youll get to know Chuck Pagano and the fight he fought, and youll be enriched because of his story.

Peter King, senior writer for Sports Illustrated

This would be a great read if it was just a thrill-packed, firsthand account of one the most dramatic football seasons of the past decade. It would be a great read if it was just an intimate, honest look at what it feels like to be locked inside a hospital room, literally fighting for your life. But this book manages, amazingly, to be both. Youll marvel at Chucks grace and wit as he describes how he, his family, his doctors, and his team managed to beat both cancer and much of the NFL in one fell swoop. People have often asked me what it was like to be on the sidelines for many of the Colts magic moments during the 2012 season. I typically reply, You just had to be there. Now... you can.

Rachel Nichols, TNT sideline reporter and host of CNNs Unguarded with Rachel Nichols

With Sidelined, my former coach, Chuck Pagano, moves the spirit like a great offense moving the chains. Coach is openly honest and relatable as he shares his battle with cancer and his craft of coaching in the NFL. Sidelined provides an introspective and unique avenue to get a front-row seat to faith, family, and football. Impactful!

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, former NFL defensive lineman, current NFL Network analyst, and cohost of America Ninja Warrior

Sidelined speaks to everyone looking to move through life with a positive, enthusiastic, and determined attitude. Coach Pagano tells his story of determination and victory and what it takes to be a true leader by demonstrating unmatched courage and dignity.

Bill Rancic, entrepreneur

Chuck Pagano preaches family, and now he takes you inside his family in his touching story. Filled with inspirational tales and motivational messages, like CHUCKSTRONG, Sidelined is some kind of strong book.

Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider

Chucks commitment and dedication to his family and his team during his battle with cancer is a true testament to his courage to rise above in times of uncertainty. He showed all of us that victory is achieved well beyond the fields of football.

John Fox, head coach of the Denver Broncos

The CHUCKSTRONG movement that emerged less than a year after Chuck Pagano was named head coach of the Indianapolis Colts is indicative of the positive impact he has on others. Having played in the NFL myself, I can appreciate the strong bond between players and their coach. Chuck is a perfect example of a coach who cares for his team and brings out the best in others.

Mark Schlereth, 12-year NFL offensive lineman, two-time Pro Bowl selection, and ESPN analyst

Some people you work with, and some people you play with. Some people you are supposed to be with for a certain period of your life. Chuck is one of these for me. He is the total package. Chuck stands at all times for integrity and loyalty. I watched him go through extreme adversity, and he never once changed. I love this man and am honored to call him a friend. It is time for his testimony to be told. You will forever be changed.

Ray Lewis, ten-time All-Pro linebacker, MVP of Super Bowl XXXV, and ESPN analyst

Chuck is both a leader and great teammate at the same time. He lifts those around him to higher levels, and the world got to see that as he courageously battled leukemia. We can all learn from the way Chuck lives his life and leads his team.

John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens

Its been said a team will take on the personality of its coach. Ive never seen a better example of a coach displaying mental and physical toughness, resiliency, optimism, and true grit through adversity than Chuck Pagano has shown to his Indianapolis Colts. His team has responded tremendously.

Steve Mariucci, former NFL head coach and current NFL Network analyst

Chuck Pagano epitomizes the best we all hope to learn from sports the day we sign up as kids. In a sport where the goal is to be tougher than the guy across from you, Chuck Pagano showed he was the toughest guy in any locker room in this league. Cancer definitely picked the wrong coach to pick a fight with. Hes one of the rare guys in the league who left me feeling motivated every day I thought of him.

Jay Glazer, senior writer for FoxSports.com and NFL Insider for NFL on Fox

Coaches are too often measured by wins and losses. The coaches who truly make an impact are those who do far more than just lead their teams to victories. They are concerned more about the person than the player. They inspire, motivate, and challenge their players to be the best they can be on and off the field. Chuck Pagano is certainly that coach. His greatest victory is the positive impact he has made in the lives of his players. In Sidelined, Chuck shares his powerful story of not only battling cancer but beating it as well. Chuck is an inspiration and a true example of being a great coach and an even better person.

Mark Brunell, 19-year NFL quarterback, three-time Pro Bowl selection, and ESPN analyst

Throughout my many years of playing in the NFL and during my time at ESPN, Ive had the privilege of hearing some of the most amazing stories in sports. Chuck Paganos journey of overcoming is one of the greatest out there. His sheer tenacity and drive are inspiring. This is a must-read.

Ron Jaworski, 16-year NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst

Few men, if any, have inspired others within the NFL in recent years in the way Coach Pagano did. His 2012 Indianapolis Colts not only changed that franchise, but galvanized the entire league and those around it. We all became CHUCKSTRONG to one degree or another, and those postgame moments in the locker room when Coach Pagano spoke of his circumstances and his relentless will to coach again and see his daughters get married will always stand out to me as one of the priceless, signature moments of that entire season. Bruce Tollners humanity, grace, compassion for others, and knowledge of the game make him uniquely qualified to help tell this story.

Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports NFL Insider

Im not sure I have ever been around someone who has such a contagious combination of fight and kindness. Chuck Pagano shares priceless lessons on how family, love, trust, and loyalty are critical components for facing lifes greatest challenges. As a mother, wife, daughter, and former athlete, I found that Sidelined touched every part of who I am. Chuck gives us hope that cancer will be cured and we can win, inspiring us to put hope into action.

Heather Cox, ESPN/ABC sports broadcaster

In his own words, Chuck Pagano reveals to readers his personal odyssey into and through the fight of his life. It was a story that not only dominated the NFL landscape but captivated the sports world as well. Only now do we learn the true details of the fight from Paganos perspective. With unflinching candor and humility, Pagano inspires with his reliance on the three tenets of his life faith, family, and football.