Quiet Strength, a Memoir by Tony Dungy

I didn’t become a football fan until I was in my 40’s.  I’m sure the fact that I was dating a dashingly handsome, fanatical football fan at the time, probably had a lot to do with it!  Suddenly I found myself enthralled with the game.  We both had our favorite teams, the Redskins and the Lions.

It was almost impossible not to notice the NFL coaches and how they handled their teams, the referees and the fans.  I found myself being fixated on Coach Tony Dungy.  There was something really unique and special about this guy, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

As I watched him lead his Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later his Indianapolis Colts through both losses and victories during his long career, I finally figured out what I liked about him.  He was a very quiet man. A very humble man.  A very respectful and respected man.  He was a true believer and a Christian and, in subtle ways, it came shining through.

Eventually Mr. Dungy was convinced to write this book back in 2007 and it is still available today.  After reading it, I can understand why it became a #1 New York Times Bestseller.  The book takes us from the beginning when he grew up in Jackson, Michigan, then follows his life-long pursuit of football in his younger years.  It tells the story of his strong, personal commitment as he made his way through the ranks to become a coach in the NFL, eventually leading the Colts to win Super Bowl XLI.

But this is so much more than a book about football.  This is a book about a man with quiet strength – quiet faith.  It’s a book about putting principals, practices and priorities into everyday life and the profound effect spiritual faith has on each of our lives.

Anyone who is a football fan will be delighted to read this book.  The “behind the scenes” look at the football teams he coached over the years, as well as the inside scoop on some of the opposing teams, will give you a whole new meaning and appreciation of the game.  It’s also a wonderful trip down Memory Lane.

Anyone who needs some motivation or guidance as they go through life will also appreciate this book.  It’s an affirmation that life is filled with tough decisions and is meant to have good times as well as bad times.  It shows us how the bad times can help teach us lessons, make us stronger and are meant to challenge our faith and beliefs.

It is about a man who loves God, his family, and football – a man who sets a fine example to everyone both on and off the football field of how to live a fulfilling, Christian life.  He readily exposes himself as he shares the extreme grief he felt when he and his wife lost one of their young sons.  The story brought me to tears – and then to joy, as I realized how he overcame his grief, followed the Lord and continued to make a positive impact on so many lives.

The title of this book couldn’t be more appropriate – Tony Dungy is truly a man of “Quiet Strength.”

You can find Quiet Strength, the Principles, Practices & Priorities of a Winning Life in bookstores and online.