Two True Christian Champions

Super Bowl XLI is now in the record books. Indianapolis Colts’ coach Tony Dungy and Chicago Bears’ coach Lovie Smith have made history. Not only have they distinguished themselves as the first two African-American coaches to take teams to the Super Bowl, they have also distinguished themselves as committed Christians who have used their notoriety to bring greater fame to the name of Christ.

During the trophy ceremony following the game, Dungy told the crowd of thousands and the television audience of millions, "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this, but again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."

Dungy and Smith, who have been close friends for years, were featured in a full-page ad in USA Today on Friday before the big game. In the ad, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, the two coaches said that while they may attain the height of their profession with a Super Bowl victory, their faith in Jesus Christ is still more important.

The Sunday before leaving for Miami, Dungy spent the day at his home church, Northside New Era Baptist Church, prepping for the big game. "We could not let this get by without your Christian family saying, 'God bless you. We're proud of you,'" said the Rev. Clarence C. Moore. "I believe he preached the greatest sermon without saying a word by walking in and giving God time before the biggest game of his life." added Moore. "That's who he is and he expects that of the people around him."

Other members of the Bears and Colts organizations are determined to use their worldwide platform to express the difference their faith in Christ makes in their lives, too.

"Coaches have sold cars and airlines for years [in commercials], so why shouldn’t they promote the King of kings and Lord of lords?" said Colts chaplain Ken Johnson, a close friend and prayer partner of Dungy. "We don’t have to compromise our views for the world and Tony is not going to compromise his before the world’s media this week."

Former NFL player and Bears chaplain Harry Swayne said he’s excited that Smith and the players he’s been working with for years can share what is most important during this media-crazed week leading up to Super Bowl XLI. "I’ve told them not to set trophies before God," Swayne said. "One of the things we’ve been talking about in our Bible studies is, ‘finish,’ and I’ve told our guys not to forget who brought you here. Don’t forget Christ."

God has given each of us a platform to proclaim Christ and bring Him greater fame. Christ told his followers, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Your platform may not be in front of 90 million people on the world stage, but still it is significant. My brother, do not waste the opportunities God is giving you to make a difference.

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Gregg