Bruce Arians receives Paul “Bear” Bryant Heart of a Champion Award

Bruce Arians has been named 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 honor recognizes Arians’ contributions to college football and the community, specifically highlighting his resilience and integrity.

The award celebrates individuals who exemplify the characteristics of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, including perseverance and determination. Arians, a Super Bowl-winning head coach and two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year, has a career spanning over five decades. His coaching history includes roles at Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Alabama, and Temple University, as well as serving on Coach Bryant’s staff at the University of Alabama from 1981 to 1982.