An Uncommon Coach’s Real Victories

When I heard Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy was retiring, I, like many fellow Colts fans, felt a surge of emotion.

There was panic, of course, but then I remembered the Colts still had the best quarterback in the league.

There was some grief, too. And, not surprisingly, there was some anger. As a lifetime Colts fan, I couldn’t help but bitterly wonder when the next time I’d see Indianapolis in the big game would be.

After hearing Dungy’s retirement speech, I felt ashamed to have thought so selfishly, considering the selflessness he once again displayed.

After 31 years in the NFL, with Super Bowl wins as both a player and a coach, Dungy didn’t step down for the usual reasons. He wasn’t tired, or old, or struggling to put up as many wins as in years past. He just felt he could do more.

“I think I’ve got a responsibility to be home a little bit more, be available to my family a little bit more and do some things to help make our country better,” Dungy said. “I don’t know what that is right now, but we’ll see.”

Considering his involvement in the Indianapolis community, it’s difficult to fathom how this football icon could have anything left to give. Among dozens of endeavors, Dungy has worked for various nonprofit organizations, raised money for institutions such as Riley Hospital for Children, and started a mentoring program for young people.

President Bush even appointed him to the 25-member President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in 2007.

His motivation for his civic involvement is his faith, something Dungy isn’t afraid to exhibit. When he earned the coaching job in Indianapolis, he told the city that his faith would always come before football. And it did. He paid for lunches at church summer day cares, attended Bible study groups and answered prayer requests from his fans.

These simple acts of faith far surpass the average celebrity’s religious affiliation. In a society where promoting evangelical religious beliefs is becoming increasingly taboo, he’s refused to deny his relationship with God.

In 2007, Dungy attended an Indiana Family Institute banquet. The group is known for its support of an amendment to Indiana’s state constitution that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Though he was attacked by gay rights groups, Dungy wholeheartedly supported the Institute.

“I’m on God’s side,” he said.

To those who challenge or doubt Dungy’s religious beliefs, I remind you of perhaps the quietest example of the strength he finds in his faith: his quick return to coaching after the death of his son in 2005. Despite the pain that loss must have inflicted on his life, this remarkable man has again and again shared his time, resources and faith with anyone who’s needed it.

Mr. Dungy will be at the IU bookstore in the Union today at noon to sign copies of his new book, “Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance.” I invite you, regardless of your football or religious preferences, to share some of your time with him.