Christian First, Coach Second
In accepting the Vince Lombardi trophy, Coach Tony Dungy offered one of the most important and inspiring statements ever made in such a context.
Asked about the "social significance" of his victory (i.e. the fact that he's the first black coach to win the Super Bowl), Coach Dungy acknowledged that he was proud on behalf of all African American coaches in the NFL.
But more than that, he said, he was proud to win as a Christian coach, mentioning the strong faith of Bears coach Lovie Smith, as well.
His comments were the mark of a true person of faith. For such people, their religious identity transcends race, politics, gender and every other distinguishing feature. It's clear from the way he lives his life and the kind of person he is that Coach Dungy's distinguishing feature is, indeed, the fact that he's a Christian.
Congratulations!
Asked about the "social significance" of his victory (i.e. the fact that he's the first black coach to win the Super Bowl), Coach Dungy acknowledged that he was proud on behalf of all African American coaches in the NFL.
But more than that, he said, he was proud to win as a Christian coach, mentioning the strong faith of Bears coach Lovie Smith, as well.
His comments were the mark of a true person of faith. For such people, their religious identity transcends race, politics, gender and every other distinguishing feature. It's clear from the way he lives his life and the kind of person he is that Coach Dungy's distinguishing feature is, indeed, the fact that he's a Christian.
Congratulations!
posted by LadybugUSA at 7:17 PM
8 Comments:
Even more impressive was the genuine-ness of his embrace of the coach of the Bears. Finally a sports example we can share
Well said. What a great model for us all to follow. Thanks for sharing this!
Christians are called to be witnesses for Christ and Dungy is just that. Not long before the coach's comments about his spirituality, which came after his team won the biggest prize in football, the game announcers mentioned that Dungy never curses or even raises his voice.
Dungy is as classy as he is successful. He shows the world how Christians are supposed to be, and in so doing, shows how witnessing is supposed to be.
Based on all accounts, by his actions he shows himself to be a Christian. How incredibly refreshing. How sad we don't see more of it from more who are in the public eye.
Amen!
We can all learn a lesson from his priorities and his humility.
Those two Hail Mary pass interceptions were a gift from you know who, to Dungy.
There were no "Hail Mary" passes in this game. There were two crucial interceptions. But neither was the result of a "Hail Mary" pass.
There was plenty of time for the Bears at the time. "Hail Mary" is when you only have one shot - a looooong shot - and you just heave the ball and hope a miracle happens with your team ending up with the ball in the end zone.
The point of Carol's post was to congratulate Dungy not only on his team's victory, but also on his proven graciousness and humble character.
We can all benefit from emulating those qualities. Isn't it worth a try?
Perhaps, Earth. But Smith and Dungy are cut from the same cloth. The Lord wins either way.
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