Colts players shave heads in support of Coach Chuck Pagano

Chuck Pagano has preached the value of relationships since taking over as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts back in January. The team showed Tuesday that their coach’s words have gotten through.

More than 30 players, coaches and staff members had their heads shaved in a show of support for Pagano, who was diagnosed with leukemia on Sept. 26. Quarterback Andrew Luck, receiver Reggie Wayne, defensive end Cory Redding, safety Antoine Bethea and kicker Adam Vinatieri were among the players who took part.

“We’re right in there with you, Chuck. You ball, we’ll ball,” Redding said. “We’re going to do this thing.”

Pagano had not visited with the team while receiving treatment, until making an appearance in the locker room Sunday and giving emotional speeches before and after the Colts’ 23-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

He was declared in “complete remission” by his doctor on Monday. Interim Head Coach Bruce Arians said Pagano is scheduled for a second round of chemotherapy this week and another soon after that. The Colts are hoping to have Pagano back on the sideline against Houston on Dec. 30.

Director of player engagement David Thornton had a barber in the locker room after Tuesday’s practice, and the players seemed to have a good time with the shearing session. Long snapper Matt Overton tweeted a picture of himself, Vinatieri and punter Pat McAfee sporting their new shiny tops.

“Oh, yeah. I feel myself becoming more attractive,” McAfee said. “We’re in this together, right? [We’re] family, going for Chuck.”

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