Super Sunday

It’s maybe 10 degrees above zero here in Indiana. It’s snowing. We’ve got a windchill of minus something. Yet those of us who have supported the Indianapolis Colts lo these many years have a warm feeling that will not easily be suppressed despite the deepfreeze outside.

I had pretty much ignored the previous two weeks of hype. It’s only a game, I muttered to a friend on Saturday. But then, on Sunday, WE WON! I was relieved: Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy could no longer be accused of not winning the “BIG ONE.” I was pleased with the team’s success, but I was more pleased with the comments of owner Jim Irsay and head coach Dungy.

Before accepting the Lombardi trophy, Irsay expressed concern about the victims of the recent tornado in central Florida and pledged his organization’s help with the recovery. He also thanked God for holding the team together.

Coach Dungy thanked God as well. He acknowledged the significance of the fact that he and Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith were the first African-Americans to coach in the Super Bowl. Something other than that, he said, was even more important: “Lovie Smith and I are not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches showing that you can win, and doing it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that.”

The best thing about that comment was that Tony Dungy really believes that. In a sports world jaded by big egos, big money, temper tantrums, steroid use, sexual promiscuity and alcohol abuse, a nice guy (a devout Christian man) finished first this time. Sports writers who followed his career from his playing days with the Pittsburgh Steelers to the present acknowledge that Tony has always been this way—hardworking, patient, leading with a carrot instead of a whip. He doesn’t raise his voice in anger, he doesn’t swear and he is a consistent witness to his Christian faith without being self-righteous. In fact, critics have claimed his “niceness” cost him victories. Not on February 4, 2007!

This photo from the locker room after the Colts Super Bowl victory captures the commitment Tony Dungy has made to his team and the Lord.