Bruce Arians’ Health Something to Watch in 2017
By Jeremy Meek
The heath of Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians will be something to monitor in 2017
There are a lot of question marks for the Arizona Cardinals heading into the 2017 season. After a disappointing season in 2016, there were quite a few changes in the offseason.
Potential storylines abound on the team. Can they replace Calais Campbell, Tony Jefferson, and Kevin Minter on defense? Will the wide receivers stay healthy? Can Carson Palmer rebound? Can David Johnson replicate what he did last year?
One other thing to monitor is the health of head coach Bruce Arians. He has had a few medical issues in recent years.
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Most recently, Arians had a small portion of his kidney removed after being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. That was after a hospital stay in November of last year, and a bout with diverticulitis during the preseason.
Arians has also had some issues with cancer in his past. He was afflicted with prostate cancer in 2007, and had another issue several years later, in 2013.
For his part, Arians seems happy and excited about the future. He said in his book, The Quarterback Whisperer, “Now I feel great. My energy has returned. I’m told I’m cancer-free again. I’m ready for at least one more season of NFL football—maybe more.”
The Cardinals were a popular Super Bowl pick a year ago, but struggled to a 7-8-1 finish, and missed the playoffs. This year, expectations are lower, though there is reason for hope. Arians himself is one of those reasons. He has a 41-22 record as an NFL head coach.
“I’m ready for at least one more season of NFL football—maybe more.”
Arians has a bigger picture in mind, though. “Moving forward, I want to be a beacon of hope for others struggling with cancer. My fight is their fight. I’m not coaching for myself in 2017; I’m coaching for everyone who’s dealing with cancer. This is my charge.”
The 2017 season has many questions waiting for answers from the Arizona Cardinals. Wins won’t hinge on whether or not Arians is on the sideline, but fans certainly hope to see him there.