By BRETT BOWMAN
I’ll admit I was totally surprised Monday when I heard that Colts coach Tony Dungy was going to retire.
Even though the popular coach had hinted at retirement for some time, in my mind I figured he would at least stick around one more year. But, after having twice read his book “Quiet Strength,” I suppose I shouldn’t have been too taken back by his announcement.
Since the Colts relocated in our state 25 years ago, I have been a fan through the beginnings of Frank Kush to Dungy and all the coaches in between — but there was just something special about Dungy.
His presence made being a Colts fan seem so special. There was just a certain air about him that exemplified class, something that is sorely missing in the cut-throat world of the National Football League.
In his book it’s obvious the man has his priorities where they belong — God, family, then work. The organization he founded, All-Pro Dads, is one of many of the legacies for which he will be remembered.
It was All-Pro Dads that gave me the opportunity to get close to the popular coach this past October. When my 7-year old son, Blake, came home from school with a pamphlet inviting us to take part at Lucas Oil Stadium, I couldn’t fill out the paperwork quickly enough.
Since the days when Dungy was an assistant coach, then on to his time as head coach at Tampa Bay, I always admired the way he carried himself. When he was fired by Tampa Bay, I recall mentioning to a co-worker how awesome it would be if somehow the Colts could hire him.
When it was announced seven years ago that he would lead the team, needless to say, it made those early years as a Colt fan seem like a bad memory from long, long ago. Although I am, and will continue to be, a die-hard Colt fan, I was just as much a die-hard Tony Dungy fan.
Seeing him at the All-Pro Dads event only solidified my feelings for all that he represents. He addressed those in attendance, mingled among the kids and fathers and simply put, made the day one that I will never forget. Although, in my eyes, he was larger than life, there he was that day, just another father enjoying a Saturday afternoon with all those around him.
Looking back, maybe that is what makes him so special. During his time as coach of the Colts, we fans have seen him prosper through the unimaginable — losing his son — yet he still kept his faith and never questioned, “Why?”
He’s said that he wants to mentor youth, serve in the prison ministry and devote more time to the All-Pro Dads organization.
Although we may have lost the best head coach the Colts will ever have, through his organization and with his faith, there will be countless more who will for sure be touched by him in one form or another.
Next July the team will meet up for camp and prepare for another season but even though Dungy was only around for a brief time, he has set a benchmark that all others will be measured by.
So, thanks coach for the great years you provided the fans and for one special day that my son and I won’t ever forget.
Brett Bowman is the Tribune’s racing columnist. He may be reached by e-mail at brettbowman29@aol.com.
