Book Review: "Quiet Strength"

The past few weeks I have had the pleasure of taking in the book “Quiet Strength.” This story takes the reader through the life of NFL coaching great Tony Dungy. Many times I come across books like these about great coaches and athletes only to be left disappointed when hearing them talk about Christ in an inaccurate manner.

It’s sad how often athletes and coaches are put in a spotlight to share their testimony and after hearing them speak we are left to wonder if they even know God? The athletic society has really watered down the meaning of the Gospel. Every Sunday afternoon you can turn on an NFL football game and see a non God fearing man catch a touchdown and then point up to Heaven as if God were pleased with him for making the catch. I’m not saying that this display after the touchdown is always false. Unfortunately, more often times than not that receiver is only thinking about their own personal glory. They are all about a prosperity Gospel: what’s in it for me.

I was so pleased to see that Tony Dungy seems to be a true follower of Christ. There was an evident point in his life when 2 Corinthians 5:17 plays out. That verse reads, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Not only was it encouraging hearing how he turned from sin, but it was also encouraging to hear about the growth in his life. Tony Dungy seems to be a man who digs deep down into the Word of God. Throughout the book he made mention of scripture that dictated the way he lived that day. 1 Timothy 4:7 says, “train yourselves for godliness.” The book makes it seem that Dungy does just that.

I would highly encourage everyone to read “Quiet Strength.” It gives great insight into the daily life of a successful NFL coach. It also does a great job of helping the reader see the connection between God and athletics. Train yourselves to allow the Gospel to dictate every area of your life, including athletics.

Brian Conklin
Omaha-Metro FCA