The first couple of days of not being the defending World Champions have been a little surreal for me. It actually began Saturday when I realized that a year ago I had been on my trek to the motherland (which I wrote about in my Pilgrimage to Pittsburgh piece) to revel with the natives and retrieve our family’s favorite party favors – Miller’s Hoagies.
What a difference a year makes. Miller’s has been sold (and according to folks back home it just isn’t the same), and my beloved Steelers experienced one of the most tumultuous seasons in their storied history; missing the playoffs and culminating in only the second coaching change in the last two decades. The realization that we were no longer kings of the world came not so much in watching the Indianapolis Colts celebrate their much deserved victory Sunday night – but in seeing my avatar quarterback remove the Steelers helmet from the champions’ case on the set of Fox’s BDSSP Monday night and replace it with a Colts helmet.
The Indianapolis Colts are World Champions. It would seem that one might have a hard time giving just praise to an AFC rival – but in many ways it’s hard not to be happy for this team. I am happy for Manning, or maybe I’m just happy that we don’t have to hear the “can’t win the big game” talk anymore. I’m happy that Adam Vinatieri has a ring separate from the Patsies. I am especially happy for Reggie Wayne, who experienced the ultimate in professional and competitive highs just a few months removed from the ultimate of human lows in losing his brother to a terrible vehicle accident.
Mostly though, I am happy for Tony Dungy; and not just for the obvious reasons. Yes, everyone in America secretly or openly wanted Dungy to gain a title in the aftermath of last season’s tragic loss of his son as well as disappointing playoff failure. My reasoning (while those are certainly included) goes farther back than that. I am happy for Dungy because his foundation is embedded in the annals of Steelers history.
Tony Dungy made history in several ways Sunday. The most publicized of course is that he became the first African American head coach to both coach in and win a Super Bowl. He also becomes just the third person, regardless of race, to win a Championship as a player and head coach, joining Iron Mike Ditka and Tom Flores. But making history is nothing new to Dungy.
Tony Dungy played defensive back the way he coaches: intelligently, fundamentally, instinctually, and dependably. He was solid if not spectacular then; as he is now. He wasn’t the greatest athlete. He wasn’t the fastest or the strongest. But he knew his job and performed it the best way he knew how – with integrity. In his brief three year career as a player he holds the rare distinction of both throwing and catching an interception in the same game. The only player in NFL history to do so. He threw 8 passes as an emergency QB in 1977 with the Steelers; completing three and having 2 picked off in a game when starter Terry Bradshaw and back up Mike Kruczek both went down with injuries against Houston. His better work was done on the other side of the ball where he intercepted 3 passes as a DB that year (if he were a hockey player his +/- would be 1). The following year he led the team with six picks (second in the AFC that year) and helped them secure their third Super Bowl win; forcing a fumble against the Cowboys and performing admirably along side his Steel Curtain brethren. It was in these days with the Steelers, under the tutelage of Chuck Noll and defensive guru Bud Carson, that the foundation of ‘Tony Dungy: Super Bowl winning head coach’ began to take root.
He was inexplicitly traded twice in the following two years and decided to enter the arena of coaching at his alma mater – Minnesota – where he starred as a QB and had his name prominently scattered throughout the Big Ten record books. His collegiate coaching tenure lasted only one year before taking a job with the Steelers in 1981 that made him the leagues youngest assistant coach at 25. He quickly showed his worth as a teacher and in 1984 became not only the leagues youngest coordinator, but its first African American one. His mark on the league as both a producer of top ranked defenses but also molder of Pro Bowl players was undeniable over the years that followed in Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Tampa. It was the philosophies that were birthed during his days under Noll and Carson that would become his cover-two scheme that was dubbed “Tampa 2”.
He now sits atop his profession: a world champion coach and cultivator of one of the most impressive coaching trees in the league. His opposite in the Super Bowl – Lovie Smith – worked with him in Tampa, and in an interested twist of the coaching circle, new Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did as well. The work and character of both those men show Dungy-like influence in every aspect.
Tony Dungy, Chuck Noll, Tom Moore
Dungy humbly credits Noll and Carson for his football philosophies of strong work ethic, character, integrity, and fundamental foundation. His offensive coordinator in Indy, Tom Moore, was also shaken from the Noll coaching tree and was a fellow assistant in Pittsburgh with Dungy. I certainly don’t want to take anything away from this title for the Colts. They won it, deserve it, and are due their day in the sun. However, every championship is built over time – piece by piece; thought by thought; philosophy by philosophy; influence by influence – and this one was forged in Steel Town long ago.
Congratulations coach Dungy. Somewhere coach Noll is smiling and proud.
Way cool piece burger. I, like many others consider Dungy to be a class act. It was great to see him win the big game. I was totaly unaware of all those conections to Pittsburgh to be quite honest. It should not surprise me as they are clearly one of the best franchises in all of sports in regard to how they conduct business. It makes perfect sense now witnessing Dungy's character.
Burger-
Now shouldn't a Pittsburgh fan be talking about Primanti Brothers instead of Millers?!!? Don't let the other "Burghers" (not to be mistaken with Burger) see that! Anyway, I always thought of Primanti as laziness... basically a whole meal on a bun as opposed to having different portions and having to use a fork. Ha ha.
Anyway, this is a great piece... well done... nice tribute, and nice ties into your own team as well. Definitely enjoyed reading it... and by the way, you had to go and write a great football piece NOW, after I have already decided on my blog o' fame vote... I guess I could change it. =) I wanted to put you on there in all honesty. Great work. Later - KP
Terrific post. Professional in every way. My wife just asked me about Dungy's background as a player two days ago, but I didn't feel like googling it so I gave her the old blowoff. Now I can point her to this post. Thanks.
I enjoyed learning about Dungy's path to immortality. There are some nice credits along the way, Noll and Carson.
Good read, always like reading fellow Steelers fans take on things. As much I didn't want Peyton to win a championship, Dungy more then deserved to get one. Also, as part of that player/coach Champion triade, Tom Flores is the only one without a Pittsburgh connection. Dikta of course went to Pitt and is from Aliquippa, right up the Ohio from my hometown. It just goes to show that shadow the 70s Steelers is still long on the NFL.
Great post Burger. Good history lesson for those not "in the know". I remember Dungy well and was rather pissed when they traded him away, oh well.... Another thing people don't really realize: How many great players came from the steelmill towns of WPa, places like Quippa, Rochester, Beaver Falls, Monagahela(sic) or started their fantastic careers at either Pitt or with the Steelers. There are still great players coming out of WPA, but no steelmills pushing them to do it.
rivjo - Thanks buddy. After that great piece you did on MLB today, I feel humbled to think I educated an fine educator like you in some small way. I had been planning to write on these connections after Tomlin was hired but thought it would be good if the Colts won the SB. Class act all the way, coaching the way it ought to be.
I was surprised that it took this long for Tony Dungy to win the Super Bowl. Or should I say we are all lucky that it has taken him this long to win it.
When Dungy came to Indy my first thought was this is not going to be good for the Steelers chances in the AFC.......First there were the Patriots and now we get the Colts with the existing Manning offense and a Dungy defense.
I remember him as a player , but I didn't know he lead the team in INT's in 1978......There was just to much talent on that team back then......The other 2 DB's are Hall of Famers I think.
He's gonna make it someday........As a coach for sure!
As always good stuff Burger.....
Last edited by evilquacks101 on February 7th at 11:25 AM.
...I make mention of Primantis and give some of the history behind it. Check it out.
Glad you enjoyed the piece and no problem on the BOF vote - there are many deserving and it will all work out accordingly. Thanks for the thought though. Take Care.
Mean - Thanks pal. I'm glad to have part in gettting Mrs. D the answers she wanted. When mamma's happy, everyone's happy...
Cowher gets tons of credit (rightfully so) about doing things the Steelers way and getting a championship; but this one of Dungys actually has more of a Steelers foundation to it with Moores involvement as well. Glad you liked it and took something from it.
The more I think about it, the more I think the Rooneys were very shrewd in grabbing a Dungy disciple (Tomlin) rather than yielding to public pressure and settling for a Cowher disciple.
As always thanks for stopping.
Last edited by burger21 on February 7th at 12:01 PM.
buckles - Glad you liked the piece. Great mention of Ditka's Pitt connection as well. As fuzz and you both point out, the Western Pa influence on the NFL, past and present, is staggering.
I would have to say I am happier for Tony Dungy, than for Peyton Manning & the Colts Organization. I am a Tony Dungy fan, just not a Indianapolis Colts fan. Some people might call me a Peyton Manning & a Colts hater. However, I don't believe that the Colts truly belonged at this Super Bowl. They were lucky to get in by the misfortune & sel####estruction of San Diego. The far less than stellar performance of the Colts in this game showed me that they did not deserve the praise. The Colts will live with the legacy that they won one the worst Super Bowls ever to be played. For as many mistakes that Rex Grossman & the Bears made, Peyton Manning & the Colts did not dominate the game at all. This game was more of who could goof up less than their opponent & they would walk away with the win. I think the Bears are better off losing this one. At least they can say that they played terrible & did not deserve to win. But, can you really feel good about yourself winning, after playing so poorly in the biggest Game of your career?
A win is a win during the regular season & you’ll here how disappointed they are when they win after a poor performance, but this was the Super Bowl. Look at Phil Simms when he & the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI. He played terrible during the regular season, only to come back & rack up some great numbers in the Super Bowl to win MVP & will always be known for this.
One mans opinion of what many people felt about Super Bowl XLI.
clinch - Interesting suggestion on an avatar change. Busie would fit my stature a bit more aptly, but I like the tribute Ben was paying to him in this photo (from the Grammys) by wearing his ND throwback jersey. However, if Ben shows up in any more of the drunken photos that are circulating the net, I may me compelled to make a change.
Your interviews are going nicely. I read Dan and Dudskis and learned much about them. Keep up the good work.
fuzz - I thought you would remember Dungy as a player. You are dead right about the Western PA pipeline to the NFL - current players and Hall of Famers alike. We should post a list of them. This is off the top of my head so I'll surely miss someone, and it's in no order of importance.
Marino
Montana
Unitas
Namoth
Marc Bulger
Gus Ferotte
Mitch Ferotte
Ditka
Grimm
Dorsett
Curtis Martin
Ty Law
Jason Taylor
Charlie Batch
Mike Logan
LaVar Arrington
Jeff Christy
Brandon Short
Kevan Barlow
Sean Gilbert
Artrell Hawkins
I know I'm forgetting some old timers help me out...
links - It wasn't a pretty Super Bowl to be sure, but those things happen. They did more under the circumstances of the condidtions to garner a win and that's that. There's no garuntee SD would have beaten Indy anyhow, especially with Marty in charge. Championships in every sport are won in sub-par performances at times, but the journey that gets them to that point is where titles are won as well.
Thanks for stopping in and commenting and come back again soon.
I think Dungy's real strength as a coach is his experience on both offense and defense. It's a pretty impressive background, star QB at a Div I school in college and part of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
Also, you make a great point about winning a championship as both player and coach. I hadn't recalled that in thinking about the Colts' win, but realize now how special an acheivement that is.
Burger-
I just checked out that Primanti related post... that's great. You know, and honestly, I was just joking when I said it was a meal on a bun... and basically as you stated in there, that is what they did on purpose. That's funny.
Later - KP
Nicely done, Burger. I have a lot of respect for Dungy, and really didn't like all the criticism he had taken for not ever winning a Super Bowl. He is a GREAT football coach, and is just plain great for the game.
And also, I have a lot of respect for Lovie Smith and the job he did this year. People labeled the NFC as the weaker conference, but I don't think that takes away from the season that the Bears had. I expect that Lovie will be motivated to bring an improved team back next year for another shot at the title.
Burger: You have a better memory than I!! I have been wracking my brain for the QB who played for the Rochester Rams and eventually went to the NFL,it has been on the tip of my tongue for long time. Some of those guys I barely remember, but..... I watched Dorsett play against Beaver Falls when he attended Hopewell High and of course at Pitt. Namath, I played against him in school, he was year younger than me. Reconnected with him thru his family when I was a cop in his hometown. I know you know Johnny U's history. Was from Bloomfield & played some semi-pro sports/cut or traded by the Chief and wound up in Baltimore and that's the rest of the history. Kids did almost anything to escape being a steelmill hunky back then. Regards, Fuzz
Nooch - Thanks for coming by, and I really appreciate the nod over on the HOF blog. If I make it in I want you to be my presenter in Canton...oh, wait...wrong HOF...
Anyway, the whole winning one as a coach and player thing really is amazing. I think it shows how difficult it is not only to get there but also to be a coach in the league as an ex-player. Few have the patience for it. Dungy has the perfect demeanor. His acheivments at UM were extremely impressive as well.
KP - I'm glad you caught up with that post. Primanti is an amazing story. Thanks for taking the extra time to go back and give that a look see. Did you see the Lions final recruiting class today?
Shooter - Thanks bro. You are right that coaches like Dungy are great for the game and sports in general. I have much respect for Lovie Smith as well. It wasn't that long ago that the Bears were laughing stocks. He has done a tremendous job.
burger21 ...Without a doubt Dungy epitomizes what's good about the game. And above all his honesty and maturity sends a signal to the league and across the sporting realm that this is how the game ought to be played. Have fun but above all be respectful of your opponent and play fair !
He's instilled that character into his players and it reflects the way in which they play the game.
It's about time we see that from some other teams and in team sports in general !
That's something that's not often said because it's all about winning at any cost nowadays. Because with the immediacy of winning such a way we think it us makes a much better human being. When infact it just makes us more conceited and egotistical !
That's not really a positive sign that we ought to be sending to our kids !
justanotherfan .....
Last edited by justanotherfan on February 7th at 10:01 PM.
ed - Thanks Radio star!!! Philly hoagies are lethal...a wonderfully good lethal - but lethal nonetheless!
Good point on the pic. Only basketball would have appropriate photos of participants in shorts, and even then the players not the coaches. That is a classic pic. Those jokers must have been as tight as they look because that's the closest thing to a grin ever seen on Noll's face.
justanotherfan - Thanks for visiting the Truth. Dungy is a good man - plain and simple - and you are right that we need more good people in sports. The negative headlines far outway the positive nowadays, and men of integrity like Dungy and his proteges are just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for stopping by and for the true comments.
Burgermeister - you have some mad skills. This is a great piece and I learned a lot about Tony Dungy. I rate this a 5 star, double thumbs up and a full 10 pig ####s.
I am a die-hard Steelers fan in hostile territory - Central Ohio!! I have infiltrated this vast mission field to spread the love and the light to all those who have yet to be indoctrinated in the Gospel of the Chief. Before you suspect any bandwagon nonsense, know that my family history and heritage are immersed in Western Pa, so my current residence in this foreign land has not kept me from remaining a true American and staying loyal to the 'burgh. I am not all about hatin' my current home though. Although I despise the Buckeyes, Bungels, and Clowns, I do have some love for the Tribe and Cavs, so maybe we'll go there in future posts. Other than that it is all about the 'burgh (including Pens and Bucs), the NBA, and much love for JoePa. So grab a Pepperoni roll from Mancinni's and lets go!
