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University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Tony Dungy
2/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Tony Dungy
Sport: Football/Basketball
Years: 1973-76
Hometown: Jackson, Mich.
Occupation: Analyst for NBC Football Night In America
Head Coach of the Super Bowl XLI Champion Indianapolis Colts
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee - Class of 2016
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
I miss the fellowship and camaraderie I had with my teammates. The good times we had working hard for a common goal were awesome. Nothing will replace those friendships.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Make sure you work as hard at growing as a student and as a person as you do at growing as an athlete. You have a tremendous opportunity to improve yourself in all three ways. Don't take any of them for granted. Get your degree, make those connections and help make the University better by your presence.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
I was able to go to see the `96-97 Men's Basketball team beat UCLA in the Regional Final and advance to the Final Four. It was a great atmosphere and there was a tremendous school spirit in watching that team do something special.
What are you grateful for?
I am thankful that God has blessed me with a great family and also with some great experiences. The people who have come into my life have taught me so much, especially those I met while going to school at the U of M.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month recognizes the accomplishments of so many African-Americans. It lets the whole country celebrate what these men and women have done to help make America great. I want my children to know our history and be proud of the accomplishments of all Americans, and Black History Month is a big part of that.