Sports

Tony Dungy: ‘I am pro-life and I’m not going to be ashamed to say that.’

Was legendary NFL football coach Tony Dungy fired by NBC because of his Christian faith and related pro-life convictions?

During a podcast interview with former ESPN host Sage Steele, the Super Bowl-winning head coach and former NBC Sports analyst discussed his departure from the network – including suspicions about why they parted ways.

Tony Dungy, who is now 71, spent 17 years as an analyst with NBC’s “Football Night in America.”

In his role on the program, Coach Dungy would regularly weigh-in on coaching decisions and game strategy. As a former NFL player for 13 seasons (Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers), he brought a unique perspective on a wide range of other issues – including occasional commentary on players who talked about their Christian faith.

“I feel like that’s one of the reasons God has me at NBC, to be the voice for some of these Christian athletes who want to say those things,” Dungy once reflected.

But behind the scenes, some network executives were growing increasingly nervous.

“There are some things that in TV especially, they want you to be careful because they want to attract everybody,” Coach Dungy told Steele. “They want to have an audience of everyone. They don’t always appreciate you speaking about your faith.”

Despite the unspoken misgivings from the brass, the former Indianapolis head coach plowed ahead.

“For me, I’m always going to do that, and I’m going to try to do it in a respectful way,” he said of discussing his faith and the beliefs of others. “People are going to know that I’m a Christian. So that part is never going to leave. I am pro-life, and I’m not gonna be ashamed to say that.”

Back in 2020, Dungy was asked about his tendency to invoke his faith on national television. In his usual nonplussed manner, the coach was unfazed and direct.

“There are people who don’t think Christianity specifically, but religion at all, should be involved in the information we give. I just don’t believe that,” he said. “You are Christian wherever you go. You can change jobs, but what you can’t change is who you are as a person.”

As the issue of abortion grew in the public sphere following the reversal of Roe, Coach Dungy was unapologetic about his support for preborn life. In 2022, he campaigned against a Michigan proposal to enshrine abortion “rights” and attended and spoke at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in 2023.

So, was Dungy’s contract not renewed because of his commentary and pro-life support?

Coach Dungy never makes that direct accusation and even acknowledges how unusual it is for a network show to employ and feature someone for such a long period of time. 

But then again, how many national television sports shows have the privilege of hosting someone with the impressive resume of Tony Dungy?

Yet, given his public fervency of faith and extended broadcast tenure, the beloved analyst said he was anticipating a change.

“I kind of knew that was going to be the case,” he shared with Steele. “They wanted to get a little younger and change the voices, and they appreciated what we had done. But they were moving on and reshaping the show. So it was tough, but that’s happened before in my football career and happened there. So you just have to think, okay, what does this mean? Where am I going to go? What’s going to be my path now?”

Following his departure from NBC, Coach Dungy expressed confidence about the way forward.

“God has always directed me in these moments and while I’m not sure what the next step will be for me — whether it will be in football, in broadcasting, or getting more involved in church and community outreach — I know God has plans for my life and I can’t wait to see them unfold,” he said. “And I am reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Bible – Romans 8:28. ‘God works all things for His good for those who love the Lord.’”

In September, Dungy announced the launch of his own media brand called “Road to Sunday” – an online venture that will feature profiles and interviews with NFL players.

Don’t Underestimate the Oversized Role of Christian Coaches in America

When Minnesota’s Becker High School football team charges onto the field for its opening game on Thursday night against Orono High, the Bulldogs will be led by Coach Dwight Lundeen – the same man who’s been guiding the squad for the last 57 years.

The 79-year-old Lundeen recently announced this season will be his last – the end of an era for a local legend who says, “My filter is ‘Christ-centered’ and faith is the most important thing in my life.”

Coach Lundeen has led his team to more than 400 wins and four state championships, but that’s not what has motivated him all these years.

“My purpose is to use football as a life-lesson setting so that we can draw kids to Christ by modeling the things we should model – and by inviting them to FCA.”

FCA is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an international sports ministry that was born out of an observation from a basketball coach named Don McClanen. As a student at then-Oklahoma A&M – now Oklahoma State University – Don noted that athletes often leveraged their celebrity to sell commercial products but rarely used that influence to share their Christian faith.

“If athletes can endorse shaving cream, razor blades and cigarettes, surely they can endorse the Lord,” McClanen told Dr. Louis H. Evans, Sr., the well-known pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian Church. Dr. Evans encouraged him to write to Christian athletes and invite them to publicly share their testimony. FCA was born.

Back in the late 1960s, Coach Lundeen’s team was composed of just 20 players. He’s now coached more than 4,000 young men. Each year, he says his goal has been to “impact young people in a positive way through the coaching doors the Lord has opened up for me.”

Over a million young men in America will be playing football this fall, and millions more boys and  girls will be engaging in various other sports.  All of them will be influenced by a coach and often more than one.

Discussions and debates about American education understandably revolve around teachers in the classroom and the curriculum students are being taught. These two factors have an inordinate influence on young people, especially as they develop their critical thinking skills and form their worldview. 

But who is coaching young people after school is also a critically important matter and one that’s often overlooked. In many cases, small schools scramble to find individuals who are qualified. At times, some may just get hired because of their availability rather than their coaching ability. 

It’s been said that when the famed General George C. Marshall was recruiting during World War II, he told his colleague, “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” He wasn’t just saying he wanted someone proficient on the gridiron, but someone who had been well-coached, too.

Mitch Lyons, who went on to play in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and who is now a successful financial planner, credits his high-school coach David Sukup’s FCA Bible study with sowing the seeds for his eventual conversion during his NFL career.

“Those nights at Coach Sukup’s house turned out to be the stepping stones in my faith journey,” he has shared. “He helped me find my faith. And for that I am eternally thankful.”

Ahmed Hassanein, who currently plays for the Detroit Lions, has expressed appreciation to Boise State coach Spencer Danielson for introducing him to Christianity. “Coach D, you changed my life,” he said. “I did not know God until I got to Boise State.”

An FCA representative recently asked Becker High School’s Coach Lundeen what Scripture best guides the way he coaches. He cited two.

1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.” 

“Whatever’s going to happen the next day, we’ll be able to deal with it,” Coach Lundeen explained. “I don’t need to hang on and worry about things.”

He then cited Philippians 4:6: “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.” 

“Those verses define my faith and my coaching. I really feel the Lord will get me through whatever is coming up the next day.”

Coaches who possess God’s Word in their hearts also help their players recognize that the Lord will help get them through any trouble and challenge both on and off the field.

Major League Baseball Admits It Was Wrong to Threaten Christian Players

According to Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred, Jr., the San Francisco Giants pitchers threatened over putting Bible verses on their caps “were neither fined, nor disciplined, nor will they ever be.”

The admission comes just days after league officials warned the Giants’ Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker for writing “Gen. 9:12-16” beside their team’s rainbow logo.

The modified cap was part of San Francisco’s far-reaching “Pride Night” spectacle, an event that included various other manifestations, including on field drag queens. While complying with the team directive to wear the cap, the players chose to reclaim the biblical meaning of the rainbow. By including the scriptural reference to God’s use of the meteorological and optical phenomenon as a symbol of God’s covenant of mercy and faithfulness, the pitchers were simultaneously witnessing and objecting to having to wear propaganda on their head.

Mr. Manfred’s explanation came in response to a letter from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In his letter, Senator Hawley noted MLB’s “dubious” claim that they maintain a “content-neutral policy” and that MLB “respect[s] players’ right to free expression.” 

Senator Hawley also noted:

Your organization’s recent action follows an undercover investigation which revealed an admission from a Washington Nationals executive that a Catholic player on the team was not included in promotional materials for the team because of his faith. That executive has since been fired, but not before the anti-Christian bigotry was exposed. 

Commissioner Manfred responded within only a matter of days, explaining that MLB’s verbal warning was made without knowing that the San Francisco Giants’ club had not properly or clearly communicated league policy to players. He specifically noted league policy doesn’t require players to wear any special uniform that “make them uncomfortable.”

“Unfortunately, this year the Giants’ communication with players was inadequate and not clear,” Manfred wrote. “Some players apparently did not understand that they had the option to wear their normal uniform and elected to add messages to their hats bearing the pride logo as a result.”

Mr. Manfred assured Senator Hawley, “MLB believes in the right of our players and fans to express their religious beliefs …”

At the same time, the commissioner emphasized league policy regarding independent messages on uniforms – a policy MLB has not consistently enforced. 

“We respect players’ right to free expression,” he wrote. “However, writing of any kind, with any message, is prohibited per Major League Baseball’s uniform regulations, which provide in part that, ‘(a) player may not write, attach, affix, embroider or otherwise display nicknames or messages on apparel or playing equipment…’”

We appreciate Senator Hawley’s swift action in reaching out to Major League Baseball. Not only did he expose the league’s overreach, but he also forced the commissioner to acknowledge and affirm the players’ religious freedoms. 

Yet, at this point, it seems MLB officials remain committed to charging full steam ahead with their full LGBT embrace, especially during the month of June. Instead of blindly bowing to radicals pushing the sexually confused agenda, they would be wise to consider what most of their fans really want. The Texas Rangers’ Faith and Family Night has been a rousing success, a welcome breath of wholesomeness in a culture too often caving to immoral special interests.

Major League Baseball has admitted it was wrong to threaten Christian players – and we pray that in the days and years to come, the league will come around and do what is right by reemphasizing the faith and values of many of its fans. 

From the World Cup to the Stanley Cup, the Lord’s Cup Overflows

Christian athletes aren’t a new phenomenon, but the public boldness of their witness appears to be contagious and growing. 

From track star Eric Liddell (“When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.”) to baseball-player-turned-evangelist Billy Sunday to C.T. Studd (“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”), the famed British cricket player who gave up the sport to become a missionary, followers of Jesus have long honored the Lord in sport.

In recent years, we all remember Tim Tebow’s unapologetic defense and promotion of his Christian faith. From referencing Scripture verses in his eye black, kneeling in prayer on the sidelines, and joyfully giving thanks to his Savior in post-game interviews, the former star quarterback took lots of grief from cranks who criticized him for proselytizing on his various platforms.

The recent boldness of San Francisco Giants’ pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker, all of whom added Bible references to their teams “Pride”-themed caps, was a response to being bullied. But if it seems that some athletes are more often and more vocally acknowledging their faith in media interviews, it might just be because they are.

We’re only in the opening days of the FIFA World Cup, but after their very first match, the USA’s Mark McKenzie led his teammates in prayer after their 4-1 win over Paraguay. The USA’s Christian Pulisic is another strong Christian who often talks about his “Bible time.”

“The Bible is a big part of my life,” he recently shared on social media. “I want to use my platform in a positive way.”

Pulisic has told reporters he always feels as though the Lord is watching over him while he’s playing. “I reach out to God to give me strength. With that behind me, nothing can stop me, really.”

With an expanded 48-team format, World Cup play is expected to reach over 5 billion people. Not an insignificant portion of those soccer fans follow McKenzie and/or Pulisic or other openly Christian athletes in social media. The various platforms are rightly criticized for dispensing lots of garbage – and yet at the same time they also publish and promote the Gospel through their online forums.

The Stanley Cup Finals just wrapped up this past weekend with the Carolina Hurricanes edging out the Las Vegas Knights four games to two. Hockey players are known for being tough, rough and aggressive, but the NHL also features devout followers of Christ on nearly every team.

Carolina Hurricanes star defenseman Jaccob Slavin is one such convictional Christian. The Colorado born Slaven has been playing in the NHL since 2015. Known for his workmanlike dedication, he is well grounded.

“If the Lord wanted to take hockey away from me tomorrow, I’m still good,” he once said. “My identity’s not in this sport. My relationship with Christ is the only thing that doesn’t change.”

After Jalen Chatfield joined the Hurricanes five years ago, Slavin became a mentor to the fellow defensemen both on and off the ice.

“He’s known about all my struggles, because I was very open with him and talking to him about stuff,” Chatfield has said. “Whether it was my first year or second year, getting scratched or things like that, he’s always been there for me and he’s been my best friend.”

He also added:

“Just his guidance, and seeing how he is as a father, as a teammate, as a leader, I learned a lot from him and I appreciate (him) every single day. And especially being able to work with him, play with him. It’s special, for sure.”

Jaccob’s wife, Kylie, also wound up mentoring and discipling Jalen’s girlfriend and now wife, Drew. The Chatfields were drawn to the Slavins – and Jaccob wound up baptizing both of them in the couple’s backyard pool.

Only the Slavins brush off any credit.

“God literally did everything and just let us be a part of it,” reflected Kylie. “I think that was also so that we could never boast about it. We didn’t do anything. … It’s been cool to see God move so evidently.”

It was King David who wrote, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5). Indeed, the world is full of many hostile actors who are resistant to the Gospel. But the Lord remains in the middle of it all, working through all kinds of individuals, with all types of platforms. 

From the World Cup to the Stanley Cup, the Lord’s cup is the most important and most abundant of all. May He continue to instill boldness and joy in athletes on the world stage as they share the Good News of Jesus.

The Texas Rangers Continue to Resist ‘Pride Month,’ Will Hold ‘Faith and Family Day’

When it comes to resisting the pride month propagandists, Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers are batting 1000.

Owned and run by majority owner Ray C. Davis of the Rangers Baseball Express, LLC, the club remains the only team to not hold an event or recognize “Pride Month” in June. Instead, the team is planning again this year to hold “Faith and Family Day” on June 18.

Here’s how the team is promoting the special festivities:

Join us for a special afternoon of community, connection, and celebration. Tickets purchased through this offer include an exclusive experience featuring personal testimonies from Rangers players Wyatt Langford, Josh Jung, Cody Bradford, Jacob Latz, Jalen Beeks, and others, sharing how faith impacts their lives both on and off the field.

Josh Jung, who plays third base for the Rangers, has been especially vocal when it comes to sharing his Christian faith. Jung has said he finds his identity in his faith in Jesus Christ, not being a Major League baseball player.

“Sports aren’t gonna last forever,” he reflected. “Being a baseball player is not gonna last forever, and eventually your name will fade away. When all that’s over, where is your identity gonna be? Who are you gonna be?”

According to Jung, who committed his life to Christ as a freshman in high school, Christianity is core to who he is and everything he does. He also believes it’s what should be motivating him to accomplish far more off the field than on it.

“God has equipped us and gives us strength to go out into the world and spread the Good News, to spread the Word of God,” he says. 

Davis, known for being reserved and understated, lets the team’s actions speak for themselves. He’s chosen not to address what the Rangers aren’t doing and focused on what they are. The silence has frustrated the agitators, but oh well.

Last week, Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Blake Treinen chose not to wear the special rainbow “pride” themed hat that was part of the team uniform on Friday night. Similar to Davis, Treinen didn’t talk about it – he just followed his conscience.

It’s not the first time he resisted riding the woke wave.

Back in 2023 when the Dodgers featured the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” – the drag queen “nun” group – Treinen spoke out and denounced the event. At the time, he said he was “disappointed” to see them “honored as heroes” – and noted “many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.”

Was he run out of town for his comments? No. He’s helped his team win two straight World Series since pushing back and speaking up. 

With 29 out of 30 MLB teams still jumping on the pride month bandwagon, it’s obvious the tide, while turning a bit, is still strongly churning in favor of same-sex propagandists. They wield and yield tremendous influence and power. But the steadfastness of the Texas Rangers and players like Blake Treinen demonstrate that those with the courage to resist represent a formidable and principled opposition. 

They have earned our admiration and appreciation – and are deserving of our prayers.