Kevin Carroll Katalyst

(AP Photo/David Duprey) TD’s tale a.k.a. A Hero’s Journey… Tony Dungy (TD) is a man of humility. He has overcome tremendous obstacles and adversity. He relies on his spirituality to provide him with tools to face his foes. Strength, Commitment, Preparation and Integrity are his “weapons” of choice when he wages his battles on the gridiron. He played quarterback in college and was a leader. He wanted to be a quarterback in the NFL but was told he wasn’t good enough. He believed he was “good enough” but, knew his future employer didn’t believe it. An African-American gridiron leader was out of the question. Just not smart enough. Really not leadership material they said. Reluctantly, he changed positions. Became a defensive back. Won a Super Bowl ring as a player. Still yearning to be the leader they said he couldn’t be, he becomes a coach. Probably wouldn’t ever be a head coach they said. Becomes a head coach. Then he is the leader of the football squad in the city of Indianapolis. He toiled, lead his way, and dealt with new obstacles and adversity. He relied on the same “weapons” that had got him to this point – strength, commitment, preparation and integrity. He maintained an unwavering belief in his spiritual conviction. He faced some “real” personal adversity and still remained steadfast in his commitment. Then the 2006-2007 campaign arrives. A great regular season but, still questions. One post- season gridiron victory. Then a Second victory on the road. The team’s greatest foe and constant foil of their dreams is next. The quiet leader never wavered from his commitment to lead his way – a human way. No fire and brimstone speech needed for his squad before they rushed into the gridiron fray on this day. His demeanor said it all - Just believe and together WE will find a way to defeat this foe. They did. Now it was the “BIG” game for the “quiet” leader with a BIG presence. A formidable foe and more questions of his ability to win the “BIG” game. Can YOU really lead a team to victory in the BIGGEST and most watched sporting event on the planet?! He leads them onto the rain soaked gridiron with dignity, humility, poise, quiet confidence and a fantastic game plan. He is the general and his “cleated” troops execute all facets of his plan on the field with precision and just a few mistakes. They didn’t have to wait long to see how they would need to weather the storm - adversity struck right away and with breakaway speed. His expression remained calm and knowing. His face said just worry about the next play. Find a way to answer this opponent’s plan. An unlikely answer is found via an unlikely ally - the ground game. Use what’s working the leader said. They do and they WIN. As the quiet leader is showered with liquid joy and praise, a knowing smile can be seen on his face. He embraces the opposing gridiron general who looks remarkably like our unlikely victor. He hoists the silver trophy, named after the coaching deity of the sport. The quiet leader looks nothing like him. His leadership style is the polar opposite. Yet, there he was raising the trophy that bears the name of the iconic gridiron general high above his head. The cheers of the blue and white clad believers created a wonderful celebratory cacophony befitting this day of gridiron glory for a true leader. His hero's and leader's journey is now complete.