INDIANAPOLIS -- Just two weeks after he was fired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Chuck Pagano penned an emotional farewell letter to Colts fans and the city he's called home for the past six years.
The letter appeared in a half-page ad in the January 14 edition of the Indianapolis Star.
His heartfelt letter thanked Indianapolis Hoosiers for welcoming him and his family with open arms nearly six years ago when he took over as head coach for the Colts and for all of their support their support during his battle with leukemia.
"We weren't residents of Indiana for more than a year - many hardly knew us - but you embraced us as one of your own and we felt like Hoosiers immediately," his note reads.
READ | Colts fire head coach Chuck Pagano after six seasons
He also shared his only regret as coach - not being able to deliver the Lombardi Trophy back to Indianapolis.
"Through the ups and downs of the last six years, your support for the Indianapolis Colts was unwavering and that’s a testament to you –Colts Nation."
Pagano ended his farewell saying he and his family "will always be Hoosiers at heart."
Read his full letter to Colts fans and Indianapolis below;
Dear Indianapolis,
Roughly six years ago, you welcomed my family and me to your charismatic city. Just eight months after arriving, our journey hit a detour and I was soon receiving chemotherapy to treat leukemia that had spread through my body. I will never forget the outpouring of strength and encouragement that we received from this community, state and supporters around the globe. Our family quickly realized the true embodiment of Hoosier Hospitality. We weren’t residents of Indiana for more than a year – many hardly knew us – but you embraced us as one of your own and we felt like Hoosiers immediately. Along the way, we made numerous relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. My only regret is not being able to deliver the Lombardi Trophy to this city that deserves to hoist it once again. Through the ups and downs of the last six years, your support for the Indianapolis Colts was unwavering and that’s a testament to you –Colts Nation. It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as head coach of the Colts. We thank the Irsay family for the opportunity and we thank you for everything you’ve done for us. We will always be Hoosiers at heart.
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