Book Review: Quiet Strength

Yesterday I finished the book Quiet Strength by Coach Tony Dungy. I have been wanting to read this book since it came out. I finally got it and finished it all in a 24 hour window!

Before I review, let me say that I have followed Coach Dungy since he started coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He and his family had quite an impact in the Bay Area both through football and the faith arena.

I was struck, as was most of our community, when his son, James committed suicide two years ago just before Christmas. And while it was a sad sad event. In the midst of the tragedy, the Dungys created a platform for this man (and his family) to share their incredible faith with the world.

Then, last year the Colts won the Super Bowl. And in the midst of this HUGE triumph for Coach Dungy and the team, he again used the platform to proclaim his faith especially during the post-game celebration.

So, the book already had accounts of things I remember well: the hiring by the Buccaneers, the first time in years that they made it to the playoffs, going from a team that couldn't fill a stadium to one that had sell-outs game after game. And I remember the day the man was fired when they didn't win the final playoff game.

The book also tells about Tony's roots of faith and family. He describes being raised in a home where education was valued and practiced. He shares again and again some of the twists and turns his own journey has taken him.

The theme I love throughout the book is one he uses when he coaches..."stay the course. Do what you do." He talks a lot about the way teams often have knee-jerk reactions when they are playing a higher-ranked opponent or a difficult game. And while you DO occasionally have to make adjustments, he abides by his belief that if you stay the course and do what you do, you'll win in the end.

His message to the Colts at the first season meeting a few years ago was, "Be patient. Keep doing the ordinary things better than anyone else. Be uncommon. Do what we do."

He also shares the important message that it's not all about football. I'm sure there are many football players, coaches, and even fans out there who might disagree. But Tony simply believes that football is not the thing that defines him. Sure he loves it. He plans to keep doing it as long as God has him there...but it's clear that if he were called away from it, he'd go.

If you are not a football fan, this book may be more difficult for you to read. If you like the sport at all, and especially if you are at all familiar with this man, I highly recommend the book.

And whether you ever read a page or not, may I encourage you in the words of Coach Dungy to "Stay the course...and do what you do."