Even if you're not a sports fan, you may have heard that Michael Vick, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback who served time for the "federal charge of bankrolling a dogfighting operation," has a new contract with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. What you may not have heard is that the NFL laid out a plan for Vick's rehabilitation by arranging for him to have a mentor, a man of impeccable character to help him along. That man is Tony Dungy.
At the Washington Post's site, The League, H. Gore wrote:
... the NFL mandated that Vick accept ... Dungy as a mentor as part of his conditional reinstatement to the league, but regardless of how the arrangement was brought it should benefit Michael Vick.
It's hard to think of a better person to work with Michael than Tony Dungy. When he coached, Dungy led his teams without yelling and cussing and commanded the respect of his players. Dungy's strong belief in the word of God doesn't mean Vick will become a choirboy, but their talks can lead to better decision making by Michael. And having Dungy in his corner has to be good for a guy that probably feels like the world is against him. (WaPo)
Gore continues his editorial saying that regardless of Dungy's influence, the hard work is up to Vick. It's up to him to improve his life and character. Nathan Whitaker, who has co-authored books with Dungy, shares similar sentiments.
Dungy is not only the first African-American football coach to win the Super Bowl, which he did in 2007, and a well-known Christian, but also the author of multiple books, two of which are Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance (2009), Tyndale House Publishers, written with Nathan Whitaker, and Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life (2007), his life story, also from Tyndale.
Drew D., the lead blogger at Pacman Jonesin’ recently interviewed Dungy, a New York Times bestselling author. In the interview, Dungy reveals he has other books in the works:
I have a book with James Brown of CBS Sports that will be released in the fall, and Tony and I, along with his wife, Lauren, are working on another children’s book, which will come out in 2010. We’re also giving thought to another book for adults, and in my spare time, I’m trying to work on some fiction that I’ve been wanting to write. Pretty fun stuff for a guy who was just hoping to someday write a book. (Dungy to Drew D.)
He also shares with Drew book authors he reads, and it seems Dungy likes mysteries. He named Michael Connelly as one of the authors he favors and said he's currently reading The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler."
Drew D. also reports, "Michael will be on “60 Minutes” this Sunday night talking to James Brown. Why Brown instead of someone like Oprah or Larry King? The answer is simple: Dungy."
Here's a video preview of the Vick's 60 Minutes interview.
Links:
Celebrity Examiner: Michael Vick signs with the Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles will hold a press conference on Friday morning to announce Vick's signing. The Eagles have signed him on a 2 year deal. According to FoxSports.com, Vick will get 1.6 million for the first year with an option for the second year at $5.2 million.
Nordette Adams is also a contributing editor at BlogHer.com. You can find out what else she writes at Her411..