Coach in one sport for over four decades, and you’re probably going to leave a gigantic imprint. You’ll touch lives in ways you couldn’t even imagine. You’ll help young men mature, grow up, and become the people they were supposed to be. If you’re lucky, you might even win a few games here and there. That’s definitely the case with long-time NFLer Bruce Arians, who’s stepped down as the Buccaneers’ head coach.
Arians’ place in the history of pro football is set in stone. He took two previously irrelevant organizations (the Cardinals and Buccaneers) to prominence. As an assistant and head coach, he won multiple championships and became renown for his straight-shooter, no guff, speaking style. He’s a pioneer.
Arians’ impact on the NFL isn’t lost on one important person — the legendary Tom Brady, who expressed admiration for the coach in a thank you post on his Instagram.
It should be mentioned that Brady only played for Arians for two seasons. That he had a novel of text ready to thank Arians as he hung his whistle up should speak volumes of Arians, the coach, and Arians, the person.
It’s a touching message and a worthwhile public send-off for one of football’s truly unique characters.
