Tony Dungy's Story

It is no wonder that there was a "Committee to Elect Tony Dungy President of the United States." He is a great man who has suffered much and gives strength to others through his strong Christian faith, family values, and respect for others. He has proven himself to be a great leader by building championship football teams, and teaches and follows the philosophy that faith and family comes first. Tony Dungy became a football legend when he was the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl in 2007. However, there is much more than just that to Tony’s life story.

Just before Christmas in 2005, tragedy struck the Dungy family when their nineteen-year-old son committed suicide. The strength and faith he and his wife showed throughout this ordeal inspired all who came into contact with them. Tony recalls that time in his book, "Quiet Strength," where he praises those who gave them the love and strength to go on.

President George W. Bush appointed Tony to serve on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Tony commented that he couldn’t believe a football coach could get such a high honor. Tony is active in many public service organizations, including Mentors for Life, Family First, and many more. Tony’s celebrity appeal was acknowledged when he was rated in the top fifteen for public advertising appeal, ranking right up there with Tom Hanks.

Tony does not want to be remembered as a football coach, but as a person who made the communities where he worked into better places to live. He wants the young men he coached to be inspired to become involved in the community. No matter what happens in football, Tony will be there to help others.