Super Bowl Commentator Stands His Ground over Christian Remarks

Former coach and NFL sports commentator Tony Dungy appears to be standing his ground against social media criticism about his Christian-laced analysis during the Super Bowl.

A devout Christian and former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dungy pointed to the deep spiritual convictions of the underdog Philadelphia Eagles as they defeated the five-time champion and heavily favored New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Much of the regular season’s success came behind the leadership of well-known Christian, Carson Wentz. After the quarterback was lost due to injury, journeyman signal caller Nick Foles stepped in to lead the team through the playoffs and emerge as the Super Bowl MVP. Foles, who’s career has seen highs and lows, recently said that his post-NFL plans include becoming an ordained pastor. Dungy, picking up on the prevalent Christian leanings of the Eagles’ team, expressed his opinion about how faith supports this football team. Unfortunately, members of the secular community took exception to God and Dungy stared them down on Twitter.

Dungy Claps Back

“NBC pays me to express my opinion. And it was my opinion that Nick Foles would play well because his Christian faith would allow him to play with confidence. And that he’s a good QB. I think I was right on both counts,” Dungy Tweeted in response to the anti-Christian sentiments.

Dungy’s remark has garnered upwards of 50,000 likes and he followed that with another challenging post to a non-believer.

“Why would you find it hard to believe that the Holy Spirit could speak to Nick Foles just as much as a coach could speak to him? If he credited a coach for saying ‘Stay calm and be confident’ that’s good. But if he tells me Christ says that to him, I shouldn’t report it???”

The NFL insider was vindicated for his spot-on commentary by Foles’ post-game remarks.

“First and foremost, all glory belongs to God. I wouldn’t be here without Him and this is just very humbling and unbelievable,” MVP Quarterback Nick Foles said. His sentiments were widely repeated by the Eagles coaching staff and other key players.

“I can only give the praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity,” Head Coach Doug Pederson said following the game. Another underdog, Pederson was coaching high school football just nine years ago.

Injured starting QB Carson Wentz tweeted “God is so good!!!! World Champions!!!! So proud of this team!!!! Told y’all my boy @NFoles_9 was gonna shine tonight! Well deserved my bro! #AO1 #flyeaglesfly”

Underdogs Gain Strength through Praise

From the beginning of the season and throughout the playoffs, the Eagles were a team of underdogs that pulled together under God’s banner. Foles, a journeyman quarterback who had played for three teams during the last three years was roundly known for unsteady play. After finding like-minded Christians in the Eagles organization, he and other members took center stage as a faith-based team.

Wentz, wide receiver Torrey Smith and special teams player Chris Maragos shared how faith had inspired them on and off the field in an inspirational video.

“On every Monday night, we have a couple’s Bible study. We have a Thursday night team Bible study,” Wentz says in the video. “And then Saturday nights, we actually get together the night before the game and just kind of pray; talk through the Word; what guys have been reading, what they’re struggling with, and just kind of keep it real with each other.”

“To have that here in an NFL facility like this, it’s really special,” Wentz reportedly said.

Clearly, Dungy’s knowledge about the players and his own process helped correctly inform his on-air comments.

Dungy’s Christian Commentary Supported

Dungy spent time with Foles during the season, who expressed doubt about his on-field abilities and considered quitting.

“Tony Dungy is right and Nick would agree. Tony knows what it’s like to have people doubt your ability,” reporter Shawn Brown told CBN News. “After all, he was fired from Tampa Bay, replaced by Jon Gruden who won a Super Bowl with a team Dungy put together. You’d have to believe Dungy went to God with questions. He relied on his faith to get back in the saddle and lead the Colts to the Super Bowl.”

“In the same fashion, Nick Foles was about to walk away from the game this offseason. He was traded by the Eagles to St. Louis Rams, who released him to Kansas City. After he wasn’t signed there, he had no job. He was about to throw in the towel,” Brown reportedly said.

“Through prayer and putting faith in what He believes God had for him when the Eagles signed him as a “backup.” He humbled himself believing that His opportunity would come.”

During his NFL coaching career, Dungy earned a reputation for putting his Christian faith to work. He reached out to fallen star Michael Vick and helped shepherd him to moral health and back into the NFL. Dungy knows a thing or two about the power of Faith and has the courage to walk the walk.

~ Christian Patriot Daily


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