As the scoreboard clock ran down Sunday night, and the Chicago Bears ran of their last few plays as an exercise in formality, the great stories that have surrounded the Indianapolis Colts for the last few years came to a conclusion with a mental exclamation point.
Colts head coach Tony Dungy and future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning had both finally won the big one. The win, for Dungy, also represents the first Super Bowl victory for an African-American head coach.
The game started off with a 92-yard kickoff return for a Bears touchdown by Devin Hester. The Colt’s got going with a 53-yard touchdown connection from Manning to Reggie Wayne just past the halfway point of the first quarter. And, although the missed the extra point attempt, the team from Indy never looked back.
The Colts scored 23 more points to the Bears 10, and the rest was history. And, I do mean history, especially when it came to Dungy’s social barrier win. “"I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this," Dungy said just after the Super Bowl.
In addition, Dungy is a man a great faith who’s resolve was put to the test last year when his son James committed suicide. He acknowledged his religion, also that of his opposing coach, after the game. “"Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
As for Manning, he’s now gotten the proverbial monkey off his back and will never have to face the ridicule of never winning the big one. But, despite his MVP performance, he was more than willing to spread the credit for this accomplishment that will help solidify his greatness.
"It was a great team win. We did it together,” Manning said.
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