Dungy Receives Presidential Appointment

When you get sick of those like Pac Man Jones and Tank Johnson littering the world of professional sports, remember that there are still some genuinely good guys out there. Take a look at this.

from msn.com

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — Tony Dungy has a Super Bowl title, a best-selling book and now a presidential appointment. On Tuesday, President Bush announced his intention to appoint the Indianapolis Colts coach to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
The term runs for two years.

After the announcement in Washington, Dungy told reporters at training camp he was first asked about taking the position when the Colts visited the White House in April, a traditional honor for Super Bowl champions. Indianapolis beat Chicago 29-17 in February, winning its first title since moving from Baltimore in 1984.

"You have to fill out a lot of paperwork, and they have to do some checking, that sort of thing. That came through OK," Dungy said. "It's a great honor, and it's something we always talk about with our team — how to serve your community and make your community better."

Dungy, a devout Christian, has said most of the proceeds from his No. 1 selling book "Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life," will go to charitable organizations. He has not, however, identified which charities would receive money.

Since joining the Colts in 2002, Dungy's community work has included the Baskets of Hope, a program that benefits Riley Hospital for Children; a faith-based program called All-Pro Dad; and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

In Tampa, Fla., where he coached for six seasons before moving to Indy, Dungy helped start Mentors for Life, a program that provided Buccaneers tickets to area youth and their mentors, and participated in the Prison Crusade Ministry. Dungy's wife, Lauren, volunteered at a shelter for abused women and children in Tampa, too.

So when Dungy was given a chance to make a national impact, he took it.

"I think it's something where I can share some ideas and a little expertise, and maybe use it as a platform," he said.

But he insisted the new position will not distract him from his full-time job of coaching football. Nor will it lead to a political career when he's finished coaching.

"Not at all," Dungy said.