LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- When Chuck Pagano arrived in Indianapolis as the new Colts head coach back in 2012, he had heard all about "hoosier hospitality."
But when Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia later that year, he truly felt it. The city's embrace of him during his toughest times is something he will never forget.
"Living it like we lived it was truly amazing," Pagano said. "Because they didn't have to do that.
"There are a lot more good in this world than bad."
Now in his first year as the Bears' defensive coordinator, Pagano is excited to return to the Lucas Oil Stadium sidelines when Chicago plays its third preseason game at Indianapolis on Saturday night. Pagano went 53-43 in six seasons as the Colts' coach before being dismissed after the 2017 season.
He expects the emotions will hit pregame as he walks around and sees familiar faces.
"It goes without saying, we all understand the significance for him," Bears coach Matt Nagy said of Pagano. "He's a guy that just has so much appreciation for that organization, for that fan base and for the city. They've done so much for him. He's done so much for them.
"That is what it's all about."
Pagano was back in Indianapolis in May for his annual cancer research fundraiser. Traveling along with him was Nagy, general manager Ryan Pace, team chairman George McCaskey and others from the Bears organization.
Pagano was blown away by that.
"It was unbelievable and just speaks to the people that own these two organizations and the fan base and everybody in these two football buildings, to their character," Pagano said. "They understand that what football is and the game and all that stuff. But it was a night where both teams, both organizations put football to the side and we all came together for a great cause, and that was to raise money for cancer research."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
