Fellowship of Christian Athletes recently welcomed legendary coach Tony Dungy, who provided inspiring words to coaches, athletes and the local community during a special event on Monday in Kansas City.
Goals for the evening were to build up coaches in their calling, inspire athletes toward excellence and encourage the community to support coaches and athletes — all with the clear focus of the gospel of Jesus Christ in mind. Musician Marvin Mumford also provided worship at the evening event at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the work that FCA is doing in the heart of Kansas City to offer the hope of Christ by bringing people together through sports.
Earlier in the day, before the Super Bowl-winning coach and respected Christian leader took the stage at Municipal Stadium, FCA opened its newly redesigned Hall of Champions at its National Support Center in Kansas City to the media, friends and donors.
Dungy is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “Quiet Strength,” “Uncommon” and “The Mentor Leader.” He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on Feb. 4, 2007, the first such win for an African-American coach. Dungy established another NFL first by leading his teams to the playoffs for 10 consecutive years.
One of the most noted Christians in the sports world, Dungy was inducted into FCA’s Hall of Champions in 2000 and has long used his platform as an athlete, coach and sports commentator to support and promote the ministry of FCA. He has also been a popular speaker at FCA conferences, banquets, clinics and camps.
Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.
In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed Dungy a member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. That same year, the United States Sports Academy awarded him the Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award. In 2010, Dungy’s name was added to the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.
Dungy retired from coaching in 2008 and now serves as an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.”
This article was republished with permission from the original publisher, Lee’s Summit Journal.