Tony Dungy lost his eldest son, Jamie, three days before Christmas in 2005. NBC’s “Football Night in America” studio analyst and the son of the late, legendary Indianapolis Colts head coach has been ruled a suicide by investigators.
At Jamie’s memorial service in Tampa, Florida, Dungy delivered the eulogy and talked about how he regretted not touching his son on Thanksgiving, just a few weeks before Jamie’s death.
The coach broke his silence on Jamie’s death six weeks after the funeral, when he told a Athletes in Action (AIA) breakfast audience, “It was rough, and it was very, very terrible, but as horrible as it was, there were some beautiful things that came out of it.”
At the brunch, Dungy spoke about the many parents who had reached out to him and his wife, Lauren, after their son’s suicide. They had sent cards, letters, phone calls, and even met them in person.
He valued the feedback of parents who, after seeing Coach Dungy speak, made a conscious effort to strengthen their relationships with their children.
The First Steps
A letter from a young woman who regularly attends the Dungys’ church in Tampa was one of many heartfelt expressions of support the couple has received.
This young woman attended Jamie’s burial because she had known him for a long time. Dungy read from the girl’s letter at the AIA breakfast: “When I watched what happened during the burial, and your family, and the celebration, and how it was handled, that was the first time I understood there had to be a God.”
Life has changed for me since the day I made Christ my Lord and Savior. Dungy returned to coaching the Indianapolis Colts just days after Jamie’s death. Even though he knew he wasn’t 100 percent yet, he was determined to steer his playoff-bound squad to victory.
Dungy told the AIA gathering, “I have the peace of mind in the midst of something that is very, very terrible, because of Christ’s spirit in me.” That is what I’m hoping for. To wish for universal tranquilly.”
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What Follows Is More Of The Same Message
Dungy still counsels parents who have lost a son or daughter to suicide years after Jamie’s death. Dungy states, “I believe in my heart that Jamie’s death has influenced and helped many people.”
“I also know that if God had spoken to me and said, ‘I can help some people see; I can mend some relationships; I can save some people’s lives; I can give some people eternal life, but I have to take your son to do it,’ I would have said, ‘”Bring your son. To which I would have said, “No, I’m sorry.
It’s all really nice, but I just don’t feel like doing that. Which is why God is so incredible. There was a decision involved, and He made the right one.
Dungy earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame by dedicating himself to mastering his trade and obsessing over the smallest of minutiae, which, he believed, would bring his team unrivalled success.
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When Dungy returned to coaching the Colts after Jamie’s death, he still did not know how he would turn his sorrow into solace for those who have dealt with or will cope with loss.
Dungy says, “After the fact, it’s tough because we can only rely on our faith and God and eternity.” After something like this has happened, all you can do is tend to your other loved ones and do your best to heal from the wounds you’ve suffered.
Dungy is adamant that many suicides might be averted with the support of unconditional love and honest communication. One must always ask, “How can I keep in touch with my kids?” May you tell me how I can make them realise their own value and worth?
Dungy acknowledges that he could have done better in each of these areas with Jamie. He could not help his family or himself by beating himself up during this trying period. Openly discussing the tragedy that affected his family has been therapeutic for him.
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Dungy has discussed Jamie’s passing on multiple occasions and in front of various audiences. Suicide has become an epidemic, he adds, and he knows that it’s worst among America’s young people.
He estimates that he meets with the parents of 15–20 children who have died by suicide each year. There is difficulty. That’s not a lot of fun. Also, it hurts a lot.
Dungy and Lauren’s response to Jamie’s death is reflected in the advice they give to parents. It is only through trusting in God and leaning on Christ, he argues, that one may survive. At various times, Lauren and I each felt great and at other times we both felt terrible. Basically, all we had to do was back each other up.
The most crucial thing for us… with our family was to have an open channel of communication. They discovered that talking to one another about their feelings helped the most.
Additionally, Dungy hears from parents who lost a kid to a cause other than suicide. He says, “Losing a child is heartbreaking in any circumstance.” You should spend more time in prayer and meditation. You should strive for that.
Dungy describes how his family was in disbelief after Jamie’s death in the pages of his book, Quiet Strength. For those who love the Lord, we know that no circumstance is without purpose, as God has promised.
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Conclsuion
Having lost his oldest son Jamie to suicide, Tony Dungy describes how he and his family got through it. This post is required reading for everyone who is struggling to make it in the real world. The crucial point to remember is that you have support from others.
