As the Indianapolis Colts finish their preparations for this year’s Super Bowl game, Indiana (& other) Colts fans are enjoying the privilege of being AFC & potential Super Bowl XLI Champions. What should not be lost in the typical Super Bowl hoopla is the amazing manner in which Coach Tony Dungy, Colts head coach, lives his faith.
Thirteen months ago, Tony and his family suffered the terrible tragedy of the death of James Dungy, his son. How does one respond to such an event? Coach Dungy responded from the foundation of the Christian belief in which he places his faith. In an address to the Athletes in Action breakfast prior to last year’s Super Bowl, he spoke about his son’s death. But it was not a message of despair. It was a message of incredible hope. Given at a time that could have been filled with personal darkness, Coach Dungy testified that through his son’s death, others were given an opportunity to see the light of Christ. His address at that breakfast was a phenomenal testimony of Christian faith. After reading it myself, I swore to make it the first entry in my blog site. I did on May 16, 2006.
I also promised to revisit this testimony, and this seems to be the appropriate time to do so, especially since the Colts Head Coach continues to conduct himself as a true, living ambassador for Jesus Christ. Simply put, the man expresses total, humble gratitude to God for the opportunities he has been given. Following the Colts AFC Championship win, both the Colts owner (Jim Irsay) and Coach Dungy verbally thanked and praised God when receiving the trophy, as did some other players. In the two weeks between the AFC Championship game and the Super Bowl game, Coach Dungy has remained as peaceful, calm, and unflappable as ever. He is genuinely filled with Christian joy. I am certain that Coach Dungy wants to win the Super Bowl game more than almost anything else right now. I am fairly certain that if the Colts do not win, that the Coach’s mild, humble demeanor will be criticized. But what cannot be criticized is his approach to life as a devoted man of God. It shows in every way.
In an Associated Press story printed in the Kokomo Tribune on 1/29/07, Coach Dungy’s remarkable legacy was once again highlighted. In Jackson, Michigan, his hometown, he participated in an event at Frost School honoring his mother. The article concludes:
Thank you, Coach Dungy, for living your faith.
Thirteen months ago, Tony and his family suffered the terrible tragedy of the death of James Dungy, his son. How does one respond to such an event? Coach Dungy responded from the foundation of the Christian belief in which he places his faith. In an address to the Athletes in Action breakfast prior to last year’s Super Bowl, he spoke about his son’s death. But it was not a message of despair. It was a message of incredible hope. Given at a time that could have been filled with personal darkness, Coach Dungy testified that through his son’s death, others were given an opportunity to see the light of Christ. His address at that breakfast was a phenomenal testimony of Christian faith. After reading it myself, I swore to make it the first entry in my blog site. I did on May 16, 2006.
I also promised to revisit this testimony, and this seems to be the appropriate time to do so, especially since the Colts Head Coach continues to conduct himself as a true, living ambassador for Jesus Christ. Simply put, the man expresses total, humble gratitude to God for the opportunities he has been given. Following the Colts AFC Championship win, both the Colts owner (Jim Irsay) and Coach Dungy verbally thanked and praised God when receiving the trophy, as did some other players. In the two weeks between the AFC Championship game and the Super Bowl game, Coach Dungy has remained as peaceful, calm, and unflappable as ever. He is genuinely filled with Christian joy. I am certain that Coach Dungy wants to win the Super Bowl game more than almost anything else right now. I am fairly certain that if the Colts do not win, that the Coach’s mild, humble demeanor will be criticized. But what cannot be criticized is his approach to life as a devoted man of God. It shows in every way.
In an Associated Press story printed in the Kokomo Tribune on 1/29/07, Coach Dungy’s remarkable legacy was once again highlighted. In Jackson, Michigan, his hometown, he participated in an event at Frost School honoring his mother. The article concludes:
Dungy’s deceased parents were both popular educators, his father at Jackson Community College and his mother at Jackson High School. With two ministers in the family – Dungy’s grandfather and uncle – and a deeply devoted mother, attending services at United People’s Church was part of the routine, as well as simply treating people well. ‘Our dad wasn’t a man of many words, but he made it clear that getting an education and working hard were important,’ [Sherrilyn] Sims said. ‘My mother was more outspoken, and she would always say, ‘Love is the most important thing.’ She didn’t just say that. She lived it and made sure we did likewise.’ Dungy returned the love last summer when he went to a Jackson Community College dinner and auction to raise funds for the Dr. Wilbur Dungy Endowed Chair, honoring his father. He brought along two former assistants – Bears coach [Lovie] Smith and Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli – then made time the next day for kids at a football camp. In June, Dungy is expected back in Jackson for the camp. ‘It may sound Cinderella-ish, but Tony Dingy is only too good to be true if you don’t know him,’ Russell [Davis] said. ‘In Jackson, we’re lucky enough we know him.’
Thank you, Coach Dungy, for living your faith.
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