The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ former head coach, Bruce Arians, is currently going through a tough time. Guiding the team with his commendable experience, the senior consultant recently shocked fans by sharing a health update that prompted an endless array of wishes across social media. After fighting prostate cancer back in 2007, the renowned mentor is now ready to face another, as he unveiled his schedule for an open-heart surgery on February 6.

The admission came during a recent appearance on Today, where he held the stage to promote the latest campaign with Rob Gronkowski. And who could have been a better person to lead the prostate cancer screening Super Bowl commercial?

Health issues proved to be a major hindrance to Bruce Arians’ professional coaching career. Arians shocked the NFL world by announcing he was stepping down as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2022. The timing raised eyebrows, coming just weeks after Tom Brady reversed his retirement decision. While many assumed Arians’ exit was a quiet concession to ensure Brady’s return, Arians firmly denied the idea at the time.

The official explanation centered on Arians handing the lead to Todd Bowles as part of a long-term succession plan, as Arians’ health wasn’t stable enough. The former HC admitted that the 2021 season took a severe physical toll. He disclosed that he tore 90 percent of his Achilles tendon just weeks into the season. This further resulted in intense back pain to the extent that he struggled so badly that he needed help getting undressed after games.

While the past issues appeared to be sorted, a new challenge awaits him. However, he didn’t delay the admission this time and is backed by massive support from fans.

Fans extend heartfelt wishes for Bruce Arians as he prepares for open-heart surgery

Open heart surgery is done to repair blocked arteries, faulty valves, or congenital heart defects when other treatments are not enough. According to the Mayo Clinic, it allows surgeons to work directly on the heart to restore normal blood flow and function. The surgery can be dangerous, with risks like infection or stroke. However, the benefits often outweigh the risks for carefully selected patients under supervision. While Arians announced his surgery, fans didn’t back down from stepping forward to help the former HC with a confidence boost ahead of the challenge.

Fans, being fans, were seen empathizing with the challenge Arians is preparing to go through. While several negative thoughts could build up at the moment, listening to fine experiences always helps. “I had open heart surgery. They cracked open my chest and repaired my mitral valve. It took time to recover, but I did. This news is not momentous,” a fan wrote, sharing his own experience of the same.

According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic, about 95–98 out of every 100 patients (roughly 9 to 10 out of 10) live through the procedure. Despite the stated facts, tension continuously brewed among fans. Damn, hope everything goes alright. Prayers to his family. That stuff is scary,” a fan wrote, wishing him the best. 

Despite stepping down from his status as a head coach, fans still adore him as someone who dedicated all of his professional career to the Buccaneers. “Get well coach,” a fan wrote. Arians served as a head coach for 14 seasons in all. He spent six years at Temple University (1983–1988) before leading the NFL’s Cardinals and Buccaneers for eight seasons in all.

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Besides serving as head coach for the Cardinals and the Buccaneers, Arians also spent more than 5 years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers (as the wide receivers coach. Remembering his time there, a fan wrote, “Wish he could have stay at Pittsburgh! Praying for a speedy recovery!” Arians finished his professional career with an impressive 80–48–1 record.

Since stepping down as head coach, Arians has been active as a consultant for Tampa Bay. While the upcoming treatment would require unusual care and attention, it still remains to be seen if he continues his role there.