GO, TONY, GO!

While perhaps many of us may wish for such, few of us go out on top. Most Presidents (not just the current one) have plummeting poll numbers when the end draws near. Most athletes leave with weak knees and sagging statistics. Most coaches are terminated before having opportunity to graciously resign. So when a coach voluntarily leaves his post still with masterful command of his team, we notice.

Tony Dungy, we will miss you.

Tony Dungy leaves after 13 seasons as a head coach in the NFL - first with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the past 7 as the calm, confident leader of the Indianapolis Colts.

We watched him lead his team through an unprecedented 10 consecutive playoff seasons. We watched his peaceful, sideline demeanor - win or lose. We watched him mouth “money” when Adam Vinatieri kicked that winning field goal. We watched him hug Peyton Manning, who matured via Dungy’s example. We watched as Dungy stood stoically on the sidelines, having buried his then 18 year old son, James, after a heartbreaking suicide the week before. We cried then... wondering how Tony could be so faithful, when some of us were faithless.

Still we watched when his 2007 Colts won the Superbowl that muddy Miami night, even though Chicago’s talented Devon Hester gave us a scare at first. Way to go, Tony! Few deserved it more. Lovie Smith, coach of the opposing Bears, I’m sure even said the same.

I’m reminded of the Tampa Catholic church, whose pastor on that February 4th Sunday, concluded his message by reminding his parishioners to enthusiastically cheer, “Go, Tony Dungy!” It’s said that day, the applause was “thunderous” in worship.

Something about Tony Dungy makes us applaud. Perhaps it’s his public example. Perhaps it’s his example within the sporting community that sometimes seems so full of ego and egged-on personalities that quiet wisdom and hard work are easily overshadowed. There is something within Tony that is different and attractive.

You led your team well, Tony. You were an example to us, too. Way to “go out on top”! We look forward to what you do next. I’ve heard that yes, there is life after football.

God’s blessings to Tony and the entire Dungy family...

AR