In the largely secular space that is professional sports, it’s not uncommon for those expressing overtly Christian beliefs to get mocked in the media. Case in point, Tim Tebow.
After the Philadelphia Eagles’ big win over the Patriots this Sunday, NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy also found himself under fire for his comments on the faith of Eagles QB Nick Foles.
The commentator for “Football Night in America” ruffled feathers in the Twitterverse with his congratulatory statement to the Eagles in saying, “Nick Foles told me last week that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment and he played like it tonight.”
Congratulations to the Eagles. Nick Foles told me last week that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment and he played like it tonight. pic.twitter.com/BgYvucnK6Q
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 5, 2018
For the next two days, social media users slammed Dungy for his lack of journalistic integrity, “bigotry,” and audacity to “spout this nonsense on the air.”
The retired NFL coach and outspoken Christian who “lives by Mark 8:36” according to his Twitter bio (“what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul”) responded to his critics with poise and confidence.
“Why is it bigoted to believe in Jesus Christ? I don’t follow you???” Dungy questioned in response to being labeled a bigot.
“Does that mean the lord hated the Patriots,” snarked another irritated commenter. “Does NBC want you preaching on air?”
“No. They want me to give my opinion and that’s what I did. I’m wrong a lot, but I believe I was right this time,” answered the commentator in defense of his original statement about Foles.
And the social media minefield of hateful remarks certainly didn’t end there…
But amidst the cutthroat Twitter war, a grounded Dungy battled with class:
NBC pays me to express my opinion. And it was my opinion that Nick Foles would play well because his Christian faith would allow him to to play with confidence. And that he’s a good QB. I think I was right on both counts. https://t.co/4HOfXt78UZ
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018
Why would you find it hard to believe that the Holy Spirit could speak to Nick Foles just as much as a coach could speak to him? If he credited a coach for saying “Stay calm and be confident” that’s good. But if he tells me Christ says that to him I shouldn’t report it??? https://t.co/I7P4IU26GH
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018
If player told you he worshiped Satan & felt strongly that was reason he succeed would you report that? Or his sincere belief that there was no God and that gives him great clarity by limiting distraction- would you report that? I HIGHLY DOUBT IT. You are a self serving fraud.
— Russell, Scott (@Finn_Fann) February 6, 2018
You don’t know me well enough then. If NBC sent me to do a story on you I would report exactly what you told me. I wouldn’t try to paint you as something you’re not. Can we do the same for the Christian players?
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018
Here’s your bellwether, @TonyDungy : If a player said Satan gives him the strength to conquer opponents on the football field, would you report THAT?
— Mamie del Toro (@Skol_Grrl) February 6, 2018
If that’s what he told me I would report it. That’s my job. I wouldn’t have to agree with it, just as you don’t have to agree with Nick.
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018
So does that mean the patriots lost because they didn’t believe in God?
— Richard (@ra_romero88) February 6, 2018
Didn’t say that at all. Is that how you interpreted it? I said Nick Foles played well when he took over because he had an inner strength and confidence that wasn’t rooted in his own abilities. That’s all!
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018
In spite of the army of Internet trolls slamming Dungy, there were a few encouraging souls who backed the NBC Sports analyst for his courage to share Truth at the cost of ridicule:
Paster Chris Teis put it best in saying, “Thanks @TonyDungy for sharing the truth, even at the cost of those who will throw stones.”
Kudos to Tony Dungy for planting his feet on the foundation of Christ so that he may withstand the war that followed. He’s certainly a shining example of what it means to stand firm in the faith while slaying enemies with grace and Truth.
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