2023S0209-1 02/27/23
By: Paxton, et al. S.R. No. 249
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize best-selling author and decorated National Football
League coach Tony Dungy, who led the Indianapolis Colts to
victory in Super Bowl XLI; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Kevin Dungy was born on October 6, 1955,
in Jackson, Michigan; he graduated from Parkside High School in
1973 and attended the University of Minnesota, where he played as
the quarterback of the football team and was selected as the
team's most valuable player in 1975 and 1976; the following year,
Tony was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor for demonstrating
extraordinary athleticism and academic excellence; and
WHEREAS, Tony began his career as a professional football
player when he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free
agent; after playing in the National Football League for three
seasons and winning a championship ring in 1978 with the Steelers
in Super Bowl XIII, Tony began his coaching career in assistant
coaching positions with the Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and
Minnesota Vikings; and
WHEREAS, The youngest assistant coach and coordinator in
league history, Tony soon gained a reputation for transforming
losing teams into competitive teams; his vision and
understanding of defensive strategy paved the way to his success
as a head coach; it led to him being the first NFL head coach to
defeat all 32 NFL teams and to becoming the most successful head
coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the franchise's history; and
WHEREAS, Tony continued making football history when he
led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4,
2007, the first African American head coach to lead a team to
Super Bowl glory; Tony also became the first head coach whose
teams made the playoffs for 10 consecutive years, and he was
inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016; he retired
from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a sports analyst; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his remarkable achievements in the
domain of sports, Tony is a New York Times best-selling author
whose books include Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices,
and Priorities of a Winning Life; Uncommon: Finding Your Path to
Significance; and The Mentor Leader; in 2007, President George W.
Bush appointed Tony to the President's Council on Service and
Civic Participation, and in 2009, President Barack Obama invited
him to join the Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighboring
Partnerships; and
WHEREAS, A devoted Christian with a generous spirit, Tony
has selflessly given of his time and talents to benefit numerous
worthy organizations and serves as national spokesman for All Pro
Dad, the fatherhood program of Family First; he and his wife,
Lauren, are loving parents to their children, whom they have
taught to face the challenges of life with courage and strength;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend Coach Tony Dungy on his many
outstanding achievements and positive contributions to the Lone
Star State and to the sport of football and extend to him best
wishes in all his future endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of high esteem from the Texas Senate.