In book, Arians reveals he had post-season cancer surgery

Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians did not have the best season last year, both in wins and losses as well as his health.

He was hospitalized during the preseason for what was diagnosed as diverticulitis, and then in November was checked out after experiencing chest pains following a loss.

There was also the shoulder injury he suffered after an aggressive, celebratory hug from Larry Fitzgerald when the team beat Seattle in Week 16.

With all that going on, the team’s disappointing 7-8-1 season was put into some kind of perspective. Turns out, though, few had the entire picture.

As AZCardinals.com’s Darren Urban reported, in a book co-authored by Arians titled “The Quarterback Whisperer” that was released Tuesday, Arians explained that he learned in December that an ultrasound revealed a spot on his kidney, which was deemed to be renal cell carcinoma.

Arians waited until February to have surgery, in which a small portion of his kidney was removed. He wrote:

“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.”

This was not the 64-year-old Arians’ first brush with cancer, as Urban pointed out how in 2013 the coach had some cancerous cells scraped off his nose and also dealt with prostate cancer in 2007.

“I now realize more than ever nothing is guaranteed in life. 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.”

 

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