A Real Class Act

The U.S. American football community got some expected, but still unwanted news – Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts is retiring….(for now). Let’s hope one day he changes his mind because he is one coach all teams should have the pleasure of experiencing. One of the best coaches in the history of the game. I just had fun watching him. Dignity and professionalism with a raging passion for the game made Tony Dungy a role model for younger coaches, and veteran ones.

With his family being his most important priority, he has chosen to spend more time with them instead of on the football field. How can you blame him. A few years ago his son committed suicide (how he carried on after that was a test of will and faith). Now with his other son having broken his leg, it is time to step away from the game, and tend to his family. The signs were clear.



Not a man who does it for the glory Dungy recognizes that one Super Bowl ring is all anyone really needs. With coaching records, and accolades from goal post to goal post he has it all. What more is there to prove….Nothing!

Here’s to you Mr. Dungy. A real class act! A true role model!

Check out this NFL video giving a little roundout of Dungy’s career. Just click.

Peace

Forget the Favre Fantasy – PRIDE His Deadly Sin

For the latest on this developing story you can check ESPN news at this story headline – “NFL grants Favre reinstatement; sources say QB job is open.” Now for my commentary.

If this isn’t the most ridiculous thing. I seem to remember a weeping Brett Favre talking about how he was done and that he had thrown his last ball. That last ball though was an interception. Go figure, as he holds the record for most interceptions ever in an NFL career (he also holds every other major passing record, PLUS has a Super Bowl ring, AND a pair of MVPs). This is rather pathetic I think. The Green Bay Packers should have swept Brett aside and told him, “Listen, stop acting like a big baby and go home. Your time in the sandbox is over. We’ve committed to this new guy and that’s it. If you want to be a consultant on building sandcastles then we’ll give you a call, but your time in the sandbox is over little Brett.”

One of the great ESPN Sports Reporters asked the question, “Who is Aaron Rodgers, and what has he done in the NFL to deserve to start over Brett Favre?” Funny, I see it the opposite – “Who is Brett Favre to take away the opportunity of someone else who is trying to build a career?” I hope Rodgers kicks Brett’s ass in training camp and on the field because this is a clear example of why PRIDE is a deadly sin. Brett can’t swallow his and he’s going to choke on it one day. What is the alternative in this situation – Brett walks away with honor. He is healthy. He can spend time with his family, who he should be thanking more for standing by him all these years while he put them through the ringers.

In a conversation with a friend I posed the question/statement – “Would you rather have Dan Marino (who has never won a Super Bowl), or Brett Favre leading your team?” My friend without hesitation said Dan Marino. I would to. Marino entered, played, and exited the game with class. Favre broke his records, but he will never be to the game what Marino was. This attempt at taking the spotlight is ridiculous and childish, and shows Brett’s true colors.

Some will say, “He loves the game too much,” and “You’ll never understand what it’s like until you’re on that stage.” They’re right, and guess what…I don’t ever want to know, if this is what I would become. Money and fame can’t be the reasons Favre is going back. He must have enough of both. He’s going back because of PRIDE, and as I said before this is why PRIDE is a deadly sin. Have fun Brett.

Peace

Super Bowl XLII History

So the day of one super contest is over, and on Tuesday another one will take place. The National Football League Super Bowl XLII lived up to the expectations. I will keep this commentary short and sweet because talk was cheap, and actions spoke much louder than words.

The Giants beat the Patriots. And they just didn’t beat the Patriots they man-handled the Patriots in a way that no one could really have believed. The Giants socked and rocked Tom Brady from pillar to post. The Giants stuffed and stomped the Patriots all day. The Giants played like GIANTS while the Patriots played less than Patriotic. Scampering for his life Tom Brady was sacked more in this game than he had been all season. The Giants got to him. When Tom Brady called out a play he got served up a white shirt and side order of dirt.

This was the formula, and the Giants touched upon it in their first meeting during the regular season. The only exception was that during the regular season they didn’t play for 60 minutes. They let the Patriots come back. But today was the complete game.

So, this is how the perfect season ends. Let’s give the Patriots the credit they deserve. Great regular season, and they survived the playoffs, but in the end the Giants kicked their butts, and took the championship. In one respect I wish they won so they could have shut up the 1972 Dolphins. I had never realized how self-obsessed they are about that perfect season. It’s not like any of them cured cancer, or devised a system for national health care. They one a game, and in the process entertained a lot of people. Anyway, that is for another article.

Here’s to the Giants. Congratulations to all!! Great game.