Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy was born in Jackson, Michigan, to parents who were both educators. He was one of four children. Being educators, his parents encouraged their children to focus on academics, but Tony was also interested in sports. In high school, he played basketball as well as football.

Dungy was featured in the Sports Illustrated section "Faces in the Crowd" in the January 26, 1970 issue which profiled his accomplishments as a high school athlete. He was only 14 years old at the time. He went on to play in the National Football League, first for the Pittsburgh Steelers and then the San Francisco 49ers. He ended by being a practice squad member with the New York Giants in 1980.

He started his coaching career with the University of Minnesota in 1980. From there, he served as mostly defensive back coach with a number of different NFL teams. He ended up with a head coaching gig with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 until 2001. He is still listed as the most successful coach of the Buccaneers. From Tampa Bay he went to the Indianapolis Colts where he led them to a Super Bowl win in 2007.

Dungy's favorite junk food is chocolate cake and when asked what he would do with some free time, he said he would go fishing.

In January of this year, Dungy announced his retirement. He stunned his players as well as other coaches around the nation with his decision. Dungy said he and his family felt that it was the right time. Dungy will be missed by players, owners and fans around the country.