Nice guys DO finish first

Super Bowl XLI is not going to go down as the greatest game ever. If you didn't see it, I can assure you, it wasn't an instant classic. Played in what was a sunny Miami the week prior, on Sunday, the heavens opened up and for the first time in history, it rained at a Super Bowl. Because of the conditions, for me at least, it put a damper on the event. I mean seriously, who wants to watch, and play in for that matter, a soggy championship game. It even caused Prince to come out with his perm wrapped.

The Colts soundly defeated the Bears 29-17 and all the "he can't win the big one" tags were instantly removed from quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Tony Dungy. I'm not a fan of the Colts nor the Bears. But as a black man, I was perhaps more excited to watch this game than any previous Super Bowl. As noted, this was the first time a black head coach had led his team to the Super Bowl. It was more exciting because both the Colts and Bears (Lovie Smith) were led by black head coaches. It was an historic event to say the least. While I said prior to the game, I really didn't care who won because it was a win-win situation, I will admit now I was rooting for Tony Dungy. Dungy is one of the good guys. He is a man of great morals and faith who has done things the right way. He has come up short in his career in the "big" games in Tampa Bay and in Indy, but despite that has still been one of the most successful coaches in the NFL.

Dungy has overcome tragedy as well. Last year, his 18-year-old son committed suicide in Tampa and Dungy had to deal with that and try and coach his team in the playoffs. Through it all, Dungy has maintained is class and faith in God. He's not a coach who is animated and yells unnecessarily. Yet, his calm demeanor is just as effective and his players and fans respect him for that. So as the clock ticked down and the Gatorade was poured on coach Dungy, I was genuinely proud and excited for him. He's a good guy who is (should be) a real role model for everyone, particularly young black men. When handed the Vince Lombardi trophy, he wasn't ashamed to thank God in front of millions, not caring what people thought.

So yes, I was proud of Dungy. He is proof that good guys can finish first.