Head coaches Tony Dungy of Indianapolis and close friend and fellow Christian Lovie Smith of Chicago gave credit to God following their respective teams’ victories in the conference championships Jan. 21.
“The Lord set this up in a way that no one would believe it,” Dungy said following the Colts’ win over New England. “The Lord tested us a lot this year, but He set this up to get all the glory.”
The news that two witnesses for their personal faith in Jesus Christ would have a two-week international spotlight for their beliefs thrilled Christian leader William Pugh, executive director of sports ministry Athletes in Action, a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ.
“We are so excited to see the Bears and Colts in the Super Bowl,” Pugh, a close friend of both head coaches, said. “We could not have picked two better coaches to represent all that is good about sports.”
AIA organizes and runs the annual Super Bowl breakfast the day before the game. Last year, Dungy was the keynote speaker just weeks after his son’s tragic death, giving an inspirational message about God’s love in the best and worst of times.
Smith is in his first tenure as a head coach and hasn’t had the public opportunities to share his faith like Dungy, but he has told the Chicago media he believes in Christ, listens to Christian music when driving his car and does not smoke, drink or curse.
“I’m so happy for Lovie who does things the right way, without cursing and shows things can be done differently,” Dungy said of Smith. “We give God all the credit.”
Dungy has served as the cover spokesman for a special Super Bowl witnessing video and tract. Several of his players, including star tight end Dallas Clark, put out a special faith-based DVD titled “Power to Win” about their faith in Christ and their need to honor Him in all that they do.
While the media will concentrate on the game itself, the men in charge of leading their teams to the big game plan on sharing the most important things in their life, something that has nothing to do with runs or passes or even the final score.
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
I’m saying Colts over Bears as Adam Vinatieri kicks the game winner with :04 seconds to go.
Colts over bears by 10…
Of course it is the kiss of death for the Colts that I am for them.
How about this you sport fans, our church is having a sweetheart sing-a-long party tomorrow night. I am sure there will be a tv around in case anyone is interested.
I enjoyed reading about the coaches faith. Now I can say that I know something about the game.
Kathy
Sweetheart sing-a-long party? Ouch!
If it makes you feel better, my son watched and the men were able to check in occassionally. The party broke up by 8:00. Loving on the widow women in February is pretty important to our church. It was either forfeit a night church time or the game. The game lost.
I was pulling for the bears by the way.
Kathy
Trey,
Remember I called the Colts a few weeks ago. I knew they would win. I didn’t get to watch the first half but who needed it anyway? Yes, the older women need attention. We played along and they were happy and the men got what they wanted too.
James
By the way, Yes it was good to see such positive press for the Christians.
James
James & Kathy …
Glad you were able to give the widows a little love. I’m sure they enjoyed it much.
I’m curious to go back and see you all picked the Colts and by how much. DJG … picked the Colts by 10.
I enjoyed the game. A big group of us got together and had a cookout. Then watched the game. I wished the game would of been a little closer, but I’m glad the Colts won. Hopefully next year the Cowboys will be there.
Yip pee
Great post, Trey. What a game, huh?
What a concluding program, too! It is such a blessing to hear coaches, players and even the owner giving the lives and their game to God as a sacrifice of praise.
Blessings to you and yours,
-bill
Bill, I agree. Enjoyed it very much. It impresses me when men of their status can’t be different. I appreciate CBS pointing out their Christian faith.