Tony Dungy Encourages Roswell Fathers To Focus On Children

Patch Staff Report

As a former NFL assistant and head coach, Tony Dungy understands the hard work and long hours fathers have to put in to provide for their families. But the famous coach, best-selling author and TV commentator knows a father’s most important job is being there for his children.

“I know what it’s like to have a time-consuming job and to feel pressures,” Dungy told a group of more than 950 fathers on April 9 during a Fellowship Christian School Dads on Campus (DOCS) event held in the sanctuary of Fellowship Bible Church. “But your job is not the most important thing in your life.”

Dungy, who began the All-Pro Dad organization following his retirement from the NFL in 2008, encouraged the group of fathers from the school, Fellowship Bible Church and the Roswell community to focus on their children. He also spoke to groups of high school and middle school students in separate events on April 9.

“You need to spend time with them, build strong relationships and be involved in their lives,” Dungy told the group of fathers. “I commend you all for being here today and being involved in your kid’s lives. That is so important. You all need to be strong Christian men and examples to your children.”

“We are so blessed to have Tony speak to us today,” FCS Athletic Director Bryan Lindner said. “His message was inspiring. Tony’s is such a gifted speaker, who is passionate about his Faith in God and Jesus Christ and fatherhood.”

In this modern age, Dungy shared that men can get pulled in so many different directions and get involved in so many activities that they don’t invest enough time and energy into helping their sons and daughters build a strong foundation in the lives with God.

In 28 years an NFL assistant or head coach, Dungy has watched the changes in players. He reached the pinnacle by becoming the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.   

“As a rookie assistant in 1981 I remember meeting the families of our rookies at training camps,” Dungy fondly recalled. “What a nice bunch of kids and families. It was a joy to get to know their families as well. Through the years you seemed to meet fewer families coming to training camps.”

That helped motivate Dungy to try and make a difference in the lives of all families with All Pro Dads. He has learned from his own mistakes and wants to help other fathers succeed. 

“You truly can make a difference in your schools, neighborhoods and communities,” he said. “That’s what life is really all about. We all work and we all have pressures, but being a good Christian husband and father is so important.”

During his coaching career Dungy set an NFL record by leading teams to the NFL playoffs for 10 straight years. 

He joined the Colts in 2002 after a run as the most successful head coach in Bucs history. During his career, he served the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings as an assistant coach. He played three seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1978.

Dungy is involved with many charitable organizations, including Family First, All Pro Dad and Abe Brown Ministries. He is also a New York Times bestselling author of Quiet Strength, Uncommon and You Can Do It!