When I say the word “coach” what comes to your mind? Maybe you picture a Bobby Knight type of persona that has a strong demanding approach to the game. Maybe you have a favorite coach from the past that comes to mind because of the way he or she taught you.
This past week saw the retiring of who I believe to be one of the greatest coaches of all time – Tony Dungy. The reason I say “one of the greatest” is because he was able to not only see incredible success on the field, but also have incredible success off the field. Tony Dungy was not just a teacher of football; he also was and is a teacher of life principles.
I loved reading and hearing the quotes of other coaches and players concerning this great man of God. Check out this quote from Tampa Bay running back Warrick Dunn:
"The good news is that Coach Dungy may leave football, but what he's really doing is moving his extraordinary influence to other places. Just like he did for me and for countless other players, he will always be able to help teach young men how to be grown and able men. And we need this, not just in football, but in the bigger game of life."
Not to long ago I read Coach Dungy’s book entitled “Quiet Strength.” It is an incredible account of his life and influence (and the influence of his parents.) I would highly recommend this book to each of you.
Basically Coach Dungy has rewritten the book on being a football coach. Most would consider that position to require a hard-nosed, in-your-face personality. Yet here is a champion coach that did it while exhibiting the fruit of the Spirtit.
"I think his impact on the league has been somewhat transforming. He's changed the way coaches view the position and how they relate to the players and the types of values they put in place for the football team. I think he's changed the face of the league in some ways, and it's ever-changing that way right now for the good because of Tony Dungy." -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
I would love to mature in my walk with the Lord to the point that I had this kind of testimony as a coach, a father, a husband, etc. - to be a man that is approachable, encouraging, and yet still strong.
Coach Dungy is a man that fits the following description found in Colossians 3:
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
“Meekness” is the key word there in my mind. Its literal definition is “strength under control.”
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