Tony Dungy Bests Protege Lovie Smith

[Water Dog]

That is the headline but I'll have to tell you both of those men and their coaching philosophy is much more impressive to me than who won or lost.

Much has been made of the fact that both are black and that is an important achievement to many but of more importance is their testimony to the entire world that they are both Christians and live and coach as Christians. I accidentally watched the trophy ceremony and was absolutely blown away. First the Colts owner actually thanked GOD and gave him credit for the Colts success and Tony Dungy further expounded on this theme and went on to say that both he and Lovey Smith are involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, etc.

Their legacy will be the example that they are setting to all of these young players and the youth of America out there.  These gentlement will have tremendous influence for good. "You don't have to be a hooligan; you can be a decent person as well as an athlete."

I haven't watched much professional or college sports much since the 70 tys simply because of the players, the hype, and it seems that some are not much above the level of common (albeit well paid ) criminals.

Tony and Lovey have been there all along and maybe there is hope after all for professional sports. I have despised the team 'gang colors' and general low morals and hooliganism exhibited by athletes of all levels.

I believe that I will support professional sports by watching them some again, at least those two teams.

[K_Mac]

Good post Water Dog. I completely agree with you. It is really nice to see that some in professional sports understand that the world does not revolve around them, and that there are more important things in life than winning.

[Dan:]

I also agree. Tony Dungy made a statement about "winning the Lords way" that really impressed me. The other thing that I think is really important is that these guys don't just thank God in their speeches as a cliche, they (unlike most of the other athletes who also thank the Lord) live and coach in ways that reflect their faith. They made a big deal how both guys never raise their voice or curse, and I think that is a testament to the validity of their faith.

[Nick B]

First Class guys all the way

[Fisher of Men]

AMEN to that.  I'm very proud of Tony Dungy!!

[flechero]

Both are incredible role models... too bad only one of them could take home the trophy.  Maybe next season Coach Smith will get it- that would be cool.

[Rattlinrogue]

I was very happy to see Coach Dungy win the big one.He's a class act all the way.Coach Smith is also a class act,and he'll win one eventually.Coach Dungy is not a man of the world but a man for the world.I've found in 26 years of coaching hs football that in the long run "character" teams hold it together when things don't go right (as they will every season to the best teams).On the other hand,"thug" teams generally fall apart and turn on each other with the first sign of adversity.When you allow a thug to have his way(ie. TO),it can tear a team apart.Congrats to a real gentleman and Christian(one of the few in the NFL).I'm also glad to see all of Peyton Manning's detracters having to shut their pie holes.