Leukemia stricken NFL coach writes a touching letter to the fans of Indianapolis...he may have lost the game, but he's winning the battle.

From the moment that the Indianapolis Colts announced that head coach Chuck Pagano had been diagnosed with leukemia back in October, the team and city rallied around him and his team. Whether it was Colts players shaving their heads in solidarity with their coach as he underwent chemotherapy or a class of third graders from Cardinal Elementary in Brownsburg, Ind. sending letters, each week seemed to produce another chapter in the #Chuckstrong narrative that was fast becoming one of the most compelling stories of the 2012 NFL season.

With Pagano back with the team, his cancer in remission and his team on the eve of a playoff game, the 52-year-old coach, who is in his first season with the franchise, shared his gratitude. One day before his team was scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild-card playoff game, a touching letter coach Pagano wrote to the people of Indianapolis was published in Indiana's biggest newspaper.

To the people of Indiana:

When I accepted the job as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts last January, it was a dream come true for me and my family. I knew I was coming to an organization with a great owner and a great winning tradition. I knew Indy had great fans, but I might have underestimated just how great. Being new to the community I never expected the outpouring of support I received from Colts fans throughout the state and country. The love and support you showed my family and me gave me a tremendous amount of comfort and peace. Every letter, success story, prayer and act of kindness made this process a whole lot easier. I am also fortunate to have had some of the best doctors and nurses in the country right here in Indiana to care for me. I am proud to serve as the head coach of your Colts. I take great pride in knowing that the team has persevered this season because you have shown them the same support you have shown my family and me. You have had a huge impact on my recovery and our season and I look forward to accomplishing great things here for a long, long time.

On behalf of the Pagano family, thank you for helping me heal and for showing our country that we do have the best fans in the entire world; fans whose love for their coaches and players extends way beyond the football field.

Sincerely,
Chuck Pagano