Quiet Strength Tony Dungy Summary

Quiet Strength: Tony Dungy
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Quiet Strength is a biography of Tony Dungy life. The book was released in 2007 and it is an inspiration book to Christians and others who would like to live in the faith of Jesus Christ and can be read by the whole family. In 2007 the biography reached first position at the New York Times Best Seller list, in the hardcover nonfiction section. Dungy`s inspiration of having his story told was to convey positive thinking in the sports world. Dungy was a former professional American football player and head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. Tony Dungy`s story about his life has an astonishing and inspiring effect on people and he has won the respect of players as he did not fall into the demands of sports ensuring that his family needs were met.
The first chapter begins on a sad note when Tony had just been fired as the head coach of the Buccaneers. On the night of January 14 2002 he packs his office things in boxes and reminiscing of past events when his children did homework in that office. It had just started to rain and a reporter takes a picture of him as he goes to his car. He is in a hopeless mood and wonders what God has in store for him. It had been a difficult season for him that ends painfully with him being fired. He tries to take comfort on his accomplishments as a coach but it goes without saying that he is in pain and is concerned about his family livelihood. The other chapters focus on football successes and failures. Dungy is a private person and does not dwell in lengthy discussions about his family. The only family member who is discussed is his son James who in 2006 took his own life at the age of eighteen. He tries as much as possible to ensure that his family lives a normal life despite him being an NFL coach. James` death brought suffering and pain to his family and Dungy discusses the effects in his biography in the hope that it may help someone in need. In the sermon of James`s Burial Dungy`s words touches a girl who gets saved. This tells us that by talking about our emotions we may help others to cope with theirs and also touch people hearts and inspire them to change.
When he is finally at the top, he gives glory to God, his family and the team. This is illustrated through his comments when his team won the Super Ball. When he was in the worst situation he praises God and is optimistic for the future, for example in the first chapter when he is fired and his son`s death. The book also talks about Dungy`s childhood and how he grew up in the sixties in the small town of Jackson in Michigan. His parents raised him to be knowledgeable and of good character. His parents also encouraged him to participate in sports but the most important thing that they taught him is to believe in Jesus. His father was a scientist who impacted his idea that accolades and memories of success are not as important as the way one responds when opportunities are denied. This was a great lesson as he became persistent and lived up to his full potential even when life became difficult. So as Christian we can emulate his way of handling failure.
At the University of Minnesota he managed to stick to his values and le...