How wonderful to see the choice for the cover story at USAtoday.com--and on the cover of Monday's print editions! Tony Dungy, former Super Bowl coach of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts made headlines not for what was happening on a football field but for what is happening in people's lives.
"After the NFL, Dungy is still coaching," proclaimed the headline. "His strategy now: Minister to inmates." Dungy has become a frequent speaker to inmates in prisons and is leading or participating in several kinds of faith-based social change projects.
This story is a classic example of a mainstream media source choosing to step out from the norm in three specific ways: the story was positive news, it was faith-based, and it was above the fold (in print) and the website's lead.
Mr. Dungy coached in a league where the post-game prayer ritual--where both teams gather for prayer at midfield after the game--is intentionally avoided by the networks. While broadcasters and print journalists debate over whether Coach Dungy will ever return to coaching, he has made the story a different one.
One excerpt from the story: "'Sometimes when people come in, they won't even shake your hand," said (inmate) George 'Big Country' Edmonds.' 'But he's out here in the middle of us.'"
"'He could have absolutely been doing anything else but he decided to spend time with us," said Traveguz Butler," as the story continued, noting that "Butler is serving a 30-year sentence that extends to 2029 for carjacking, robbery and false imprisonment." "'It's uplifting. I'm glad that he was able to lower himslf down to our level.'"
But Coach Dungy certainly wouldn't see it as getting "down" to their level. To him, it's a calling and a passion for him. Stories like this should be reported more. This one is a good read, as are his books, "Quiet Strength" and "Uncommon." The first was a best-seller and the new one is destined to be. I also saw him recently as a commentator on "Fox News." I wouldn't call it must-see TV, but he certainly brings a combination of positivity, faith-based purposefulness, and social impact that is wonderful and I'm glad the media is finding ways to make it known.
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I have been a looong time fan of Pippin,the first time i ever saw him
i have felt confidence and some kind of a heaven sent feeling of spiritual guidance counselor and a good friend to count if given an
opportunity to get close to him.Knowing Pippin as a busy coach have
made me give up the hope to ever get close as friend to him.But,lo,and
behold,out of the blue,God must have heard my prayers,He extended his
arms outstretch from his busy world to where he is at,to my very humble world,he said that if i needed his guidance and some serious
life advice,i can depend on him for whatever support he can afford or
is in his hands.i prefered to contact him anyhow he wants to direct me
anyway,i am the recipient of his goodness...i will do my best to follow where he leads me on his advices because i trust him as much as
others respect him.Soo,coach Pippin,i will follow where you lead...
i will try to understand everything you are going to advice me,i can
we can have a healthy arguments too..if i am allowed not just a follower but if the law says no you can't do that,i adhere to the law.
I am thankful for men of God as you .We need more men of God to do what you are doing so pray the Lord of the harvest will touch the heart of other men of influence to mentor these men so when they come out they can return back to society with a positive attitude and be very successful.These men have a lot to ofer our society and me and my prayer partner are praying for them everynight.I hope each of these men will get the opportunity to confess Jesus As LORD and invite Him into their hearts.I hope you have asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart.Roman 10;9. You must be born again.Keep up the good work for the Love of Christ.
Coach Dungy is doing what we are all ordained to do. Some of us think about waiting for the right time, alot of us talk about, but he's doing it. His spirit must be filled will unspeakable joy, for it is the gift that God blesses us with for blessing others. Peace be with you Coach Dungy and thanks for making my Right Time...Right Now...
Listening to his book Quiet Strength on a 6 hr road trip solidfied in my mind the peace that what I saw on his face was the comforting peace he has inside. Coach Dungy latest experience, i.e. Vick, the inmates, seals another feeling/belief that by being a blessing to others you are actually blessing yourself. This brings about true unspeakable Joy inside the blessor to see the smile on their face, the shining light in the eyes, and the renewed attitude of importance of the blessee. As the writer before me wrote, and I concur, Thank you Coach Dungy for making the Right Time to act, Right Now....May god continue to shine his light upon you and yours....
Woooow, thanks Coach D for that motivating and inspiring leap of faith. I have been wrestling with what I must do with my retired life. I have prayed on it and Id guess getting impatient. But, now I know just do what I love; like you, your first love is coaching now you just coach a different team. Thanks Coach D! May GOD continue to bless you.
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