Bruce Arians led the Arizona Cardinals to a 7-8-1 mark in 2016. Based on new information today, Arians was also battling a cancer diagnosis.
In the book, titled The Quarterback Whisperer released today, Arians shared that, while out for dinner with his wife in December, he got a call from his doctor with news that a recent ultrasound revealed a small abnormality in his kidney. It was diganosed as renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer and Arians underwent a procedure to remove a small portion of the kidney back in February.
According to the Cardinals blog, Arians says he now "feels great," and that, “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.”
Cancer is not an unfamiliar term to Arians. The blog goes on to point out that in 2007 he battled prostate cancer, and in 2013 (his first leading the Cardinals organization) he had cancerous cells scraped off his nose.
Arizona's blog post ends with this very personal and uplifting message from Arians:
“I now realize more than ever nothing is guaranteed in life,” Arians writes. “Every day needs to enjoyed and celebrated to the fullest. Roses need to be smelled, sunsets savored, time with family cherished. 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.”
Head here to read more from Arians on the Cardinals official blog.