Posted by
richarnold on Friday, January 16, 2009 6:55:22 PM
This post will seem like it's about football but it's more about life and a celebration of God. The Colts coach Tony Dungy retired this week as one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history. He is the all time leader in wins for 2 teams (Bucs and Colts) and he's done it with class and grace that will be hard to reach let alone surpass. His Colts team won him his first and only super bowl 2 years ago (29-17 over the Bears). In that game much was made of the first match up of 2 black head coaches, guaranteeing one would be the first black head coach to win a super bowl. When Tony was asked about this after the game he said he was more impressed with their faith in God than their racial make up. What a statement. This accomplishment, combined with the election of Obama might finally get us to the point where we no longer have to notice, or care about the race of people. Tony will go on to more important things in life, sharing his love and faith in Jesus to help better everyone's life he comes in contact with. Didn't someone pretty famous once say "the content of one's character is more important than the color of one's skin". Tony Dungy is the living embodiment of this statement. Someone in the NFL will have to pick up the torch as Tony passes it on.
One possible candidate for this position is Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. He is a 2 time National Champion and a Heisman Trophy winner (he's probably the favorite to win it again next year). I know I know he is staying in college for one more year but mark my words he will be drafted as a QUARTERBACK (despite what the so called experts think) in the 2010 draft. Tim is the son of missionaries. He spends his summers on missions in the Philippians with his parents. He's getting quite famous for his biblical passages in his eye black (the dark rectangle patch worn just below the eyes to cut down on glare). Here are the 2 he wears most often:
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
There are plenty of people in today’s sports and entertainment fields who profess their love and thanks to God every time they win something, or find themselves in front of a camera. I'm instructed not to judge what's in ones heart, but this young man seems to walk and talk the talk, and I find that incredibly impressive in today's lowest common denominator society. While I dream of my Buckeyes beating Tim's Gators in next years national championship game, I wish him nothing but success in his pro football career to come and more importantly in picking up the torch that Tony Dungy is passing on to all those willing and capable to pick it up.
John 3:16 (NKJV)