Tony Dungy Hits Back At Intolerant Jerk Who Criticized Him For Mentioning The Lord

Who knew that mentioning the Lord on Twitter was one of the most unforgivable, gross offenses you could ever commit?

At least, that’s what it seems like.

It all started after Tony Dungy mentioned the Lord in his tweet, congratulating Eagles QB Nick Foles.

Congratulations to the Eagles. Nick Foles told me last week that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment and he played like it tonight. pic.twitter.com/BgYvucnK6Q

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 5, 2018

Foles hasn’t been shy about his faith, and I love him for that. In fact, before the game, I joked that the Pats were going to lose, because Foles had Jesus on his side. (It’s a joke that came true, OK?) His story is actually really inspiring. He was prepared to quit the NFL for good but decided to stick it out a little longer. Now he knows why the Lord led him to do that, and he thanks Him for it.

Foles even said that he wants to become a pastor after he leaves the NFL for good.

“I want to be a pastor in a high school. It’s on my heart,” he told the AP. “I took a leap of faith last year and signed up to take classes at seminary. I wanted to continue to learn and challenge my faith. It’s a challenge because you are writing papers that are biblically correct. You want to impact people’s hearts.”

Foles is part of a team that has a strong Christian brotherhood. MVP contender Carson Wentz has been outspoken about his faith and many players spend a lot of time together in prayer, studying the Bible and sharing devotionals.

Foles was one of the study leaders during his first stint in Philadelphia and has become a go-to source for younger guys. Left guard Stefen Wisniewksi also plans to become a pastor after his career ends.

“Guys like Nick and Wis can spit out scripture all day and it’s awesome to take in that knowledge,” said special teams ace Kamu Grugier-Hill.

Foles is passionate about helping students find their way and plans to use his experiences to inspire and encourage them.

Nick Foles – Super Bowl MVP and Champion – has a powerful message about failure, faith & family pic.twitter.com/cmqNUK0CO7

— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) February 7, 2018

He’s a faith and family man. That much is evident. Dungy simply acknowledged that.

Congratulations to the Eagles. Nick Foles told me last week that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment and he played like it tonight. pic.twitter.com/BgYvucnK6Q

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 5, 2018

Cue this intolerant jerk.

@TonyDungy unbelievable you would use your employer, @NBCSports, to spout this nonsense on the air. @TweetofGod

— Eric Adler (@eladler) February 5, 2018

There were a few other jerks too. Dungy responded to them with such class. He didn’t back down.

NBC pays me to express my opinion. And it was my opinion that Nick Foles would play well because his Christian faith would allow him to to play with confidence. And that he’s a good QB. I think I was right on both counts. https://t.co/4HOfXt78UZ

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018

There’s more where that came from.

I’m just not wanting it as a part of football analysis. Humans are not the Holy Spirit.

— Stephanie Stradley (@StephStradley) February 6, 2018

Why would you find it hard to believe that the Holy Spirit could speak to Nick Foles just as much as a coach could speak to him? If he credited a coach for saying “Stay calm and be confident” that’s good. But if he tells me Christ says that to him I shouldn’t report it??? https://t.co/I7P4IU26GH

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018

If player told you he worshiped Satan & felt strongly that was reason he succeed would you report that? Or his sincere belief that there was no God and that gives him great clarity by limiting distraction- would you report that? I HIGHLY DOUBT IT. You are a self serving fraud.

— Russell, Scott (@Finn_Fann) February 6, 2018

You don’t know me well enough then. If NBC sent me to do a story on you I would report exactly what you told me. I wouldn’t try to paint you as something you’re not. Can we do the same for the Christian players?

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018

Here’s your bellwether, @TonyDungy : If a player said Satan gives him the strength to conquer opponents on the football field, would you report THAT?

— Mamie del Toro (@Skol_Grrl) February 6, 2018

They have to jump to hypotheticals. They have no choice, because they have no basis for a rational argument.

If that’s what he told me I would report it. That’s my job. I wouldn’t have to agree with it, just as you don’t have to agree with Nick.

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018

So does that mean the patriots lost because they didn't believe in God?

— Richard (@ra_romero88) February 6, 2018

Didn’t say that at all. Is that how you interpreted it? I said Nick Foles played well when he took over because he had an inner strength and confidence that wasn’t rooted in his own abilities. That’s all!

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018

Bingo. I totally get that. I completely know where Foles is coming from. I’ve experienced it myself. It’s not about us. It’s not about our abilities. It’s about God’s abilities. If Foles said that and Dungy’s reporting it, what’s the issue?

Coach, this is why I like you so much. I don’t have to agree with everything you say, but you stand your ground with your faith. In appreciate that.

— Scott Cruz (@scruzcpa) February 6, 2018

Amen and thank you for being open minded even when we might not agree.

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 6, 2018

You go, Dungy. Stand your ground. The intolerant left can get over it.

h/t Twitchy