After Dungy and the Colts lost to the Jets in the playoffs, there was some controversy among one of the players. Mike Vanderjagt, the kicker, made a few comment during the post-game interview. He criticized both the team and Dungy. Immediately, Dungy knew something had to be done.
The normal routine for something like would probably be to talk to the player, then make one of two options. A coach could keep the player, knowing that they're unhappy and could hurt the team, or the player could be released or traded. Dungy wanted to get rid of Vanderjagt as soon as possible. Dungy gave him a call and asked to meet with him immediately.
One of Dungy's sons, Jamie, is a very friendly kid. On his terms, anybody that gives him a small bit of positive attention could be a possible friend. Vanderjagt was apparently one of Jamie's friends. Once he heard that Dungy was meeting with Vanderjagt, Jamie had to talk to him.
"Why is everybody mad at Mike, Dad?"
"Because of what he said."
"Dad, you can't get rid of Mike. He's my friend."
"I can promise you this, Jamie. I won't do anything just because of what other people are saying or because of what's in the paper. I plan to bring him in here and talk to him. If I do decide to get rid of him, it will only be because the team needs it."
After the conversation, Dungy went into the office to do a little devotion time. He came across a parable about judgement. Dungy realized that he had judged Vanderjagt purely off of his interview. He knew that he should probably get his kicker's true feelings and decide where to go from there.
Dungy met with Vanderjagt and found out that the interview was purely from frustration from the loss. All Vanderjagt wanted to do was kick for the Colts. Dungy, out of the goodness of his heart, let him stay.
The season went underway and the Colts started hot at 4-0. For the fifth game, the Colts were up against the defending national champs, and Dungy's former team, the Bucs. The game was in Tampa and the fans gave him a standing ovation to start the game. It was a very emotional time for Dungy.
The game couldn't have been more dramatic. Being down by 21, the Colts stormed back in the second half to send the game into overtime and win with a clutch field goal by Vanderjagt.
The Colts continued to have more come-from-behind victories and made the playoffs. They dominated their first game against the Broncos, 41-10, then won a tough game on the road against the Chiefs, 38-31.
It came down to the AFC Championship, where the Colts would take on the Patriots. A quick lead put the Patriots ahead and they never looked back, taking the game 24-14.
Dungy had another program going in the right direction. Another season was as close as it could get to making the Super Bowl. The organization had their trust in Dungy and knew he would make even more progress.
I admire Dungy so much for his trust in God. Even though he thinks he has a final decision, God sends a message to him that completely turns him around. It's inspirational to see how obedient Dungy can be.
Glad you are liking this book, and you do look all caught up! Could you do me a favor and ask Zach J if he would like to read this book after you? I think he might like it, and might like it better coming from you than me!
ReplyDeleteGood work - and I am so glad you are reading something that is good for your brain and your soul.