Contact: Daniel Son 202-226-4379

Washington, Jan 12 - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement after Tony Dungy retired as coach from the Indianapolis Colts today:

“Today we bid farewell to the most successful coach in Indianapolis Colts’ history, Tony Dungy.

“Coach Dungy was a winner. He led the Colts to the playoffs in each of his seven seasons at the helm and he electrified the Hoosier state when he became the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl during the Colts magical 2006-07 season. In addition to making history in 2006, Coach Dungy was also the first NFL coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams.

“While his myriad on-field successes establish Coach Dungy as a great coach, his civic work and community involvement prove him to be an even better man. From his days in Tampa Bay, through his tenure in Indianapolis, Coach Dungy has always been an active force for good in the community, never allowing his success to be an excuse for complacency. His example of a life lived in the service of others was highlighted and honored when President George W. Bush appointed Coach Dungy to serve on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

“As a longtime Colts fan and Hoosier, I want to thank Coach Tony Dungy for not just the touchdowns and the victories, but for being an honorable, dignified and exemplary public citizen. He represents the best of professional athletics and community service. We wish Coach Dungy, his wife Lauren, and the rest of the Dungy family well in all their future endeavors.”