“Have you ever heard of a guy named Billy Graham? Well, put Tony Dungy right beside him because that’s just how powerful and strong he is. He commands respect everywhere he goes.” – Former Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp.
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“Tony Dungy taught us all how to handle triumph and tragedy with dignity and grace.” – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
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“His teaching ability, his example and most importantly, his unshakable faith and optimism inspired us all. Most of you don’t know that it doesn’t rain on a Tony Dungy practice. Terre Haute or Indianapolis could be up to its ankles in water, but it doesn’t rain on a Tony Dungy practice. It wouldn’t have rained in Miami (at the Super Bowl) except that I’m sure Tony and God talked about it and said it would be OK.” – Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian.
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and each one is remembered differently. We had no idea what kind of journey we would go on, or how long it would last. But we certainly had some dreams we wanted to accomplish and certainly those things were far exceeded by Tony.” – Colts owner Jim Irsay.
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“The good news is that Coach Dungy may leave football, but what he’s really doing is moving his extraordinary influence to other places. Just like he did for me and for countless other players, he will always be able to help teach young men how to be grown and able men. And we need this, not just in football, but in the bigger game of life.” – Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn.
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“I’m happy for Tony and his family, but sad for our league because we are losing one of the all-time great coaches. He is one of the modern-day pioneers of our game. His resume includes achievements no other NFL head coach has accomplished, which I’m sure will lead to a spot in the Hall of Fame. And as great of a coach as he is, he’s an even better person. I owe Tony a lot. I would not be in my position today if it wasn’t for him providing me with an opportunity and mentorship. I learned a tremendous amount of football in my time with Tony in Tampa and made a friend for life. I’m proud to be a member of his coaching tree.” – Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith.
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“He was always about coaching his way. He had a certain style. At times, people looked at his style, like maybe he wasn’t forceful enough because he wasn’t demonstrative or anything like that. He was always a guy who felt that he was a teacher first and foremost. He comes from a family of teachers. He was a big proponent of teaching fundamentals and techniques and being smart, not beating yourself, and helping the players become better football players and better men.” – Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards.
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“I certainly look forward to partnering with him on various community projects in Tampa. He certainly meant a lot to me as a role model displaying high character, great integrity and consistency as a man. We cannot ask for a better ambassador for the game of football than Coach Dungy as he has always lived his life by faith, family and football, in that order.” – Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks.
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“We wish Tony and his family all the best as he heads into retirement. Tony has been a class act on and off the football field for his entire career. We thank him for his major role in helping turn this franchise around. He will be missed all across the National Football League.” – Buccaneers executive vice president Joel Glazer.
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ut and using the platform that God has blessed him with to bless the lives of many. He’ll definitely be able to dedicate more time to his family. There’s so many wonderful things about Coach Dungy that I know I can relate to. He’s not just about coaching players to be better football players, but to become better men.” – Titans linebacker and ex-Colts linebacker David Thornton.
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“I think his impact on the league has been somewhat transforming. He’s changed the way coaches view the position and how they relate to the players and the types of values they put in place for the football team. I think he’s changed the face of the league in some ways, and it’s ever-changing that way right now for the good because of Tony Dungy.” – Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
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