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Tony Dungy Indianapolis Airport Story

02/18/2009 by Jason Bean

I recently had the story below forwarded to me. I’m not sure about the validity of it so I’m wondering if anyone can confirm?

Last Friday I was going through the Indianapolis Airport.  People in the Security Checkline were grumbling about what nonsense the process was, blah, blah, blah.  An elderly lady (in a different line) was struggling with her luggage, pocketbook, etc.. She was also confused about what to do, how to do it, couldn’t get her shoes off (and a host of other things). The Security Officials weren’t helping the situation either (they can be mighty callous at times).

I started to move her direction, but before I could get out of the line I was in, a gentleman (close by) sat down all of his stuff, and began to help the lady. I thought he looked familiar, but it didn’t register; it was fascinating to see him come to her aid (nobody else was making a move to help!). He was talking to her, making conversation, helping her untie her shoes, putting her things in one of those bins, and making sure she was AT EASE. He helped her through the screening gate, then calmly put his things on the belt, went through and immediately began to help the lady put her non-slip shoes back on, gather her belongings, to be ready for everything.

In the meantime she had reached in her purse to show him pictures of her family. He made a big fuss over the photos, then asked for a wheelchair so he could get her to her gate. Honestly, it was a Hallmark script.  They disappeared down the concourse together….he was pushing the wheelchair and she was jabbering with him. It made me smile…a lot. NOW HERE’S THE KICKER: I got through security and went to get something to drink. Just beyond the little restaurant was a group of people gathered, all excited, shaking hands, etc., and in the center of them was THE KIND GENTLEMAN. Guess who it was? TONY DUNGY, the recently retired coach of the Indianapolis Colts! I looked at his hand and, SURE ‘NUFF there was the HUGE diamond Super Bowl ring.

The point:  The elderly lady didn’t know who he was, or care WHO HE IS, of would even have known had she been told. HE DID THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASON.  Important people serve others with a sense of purpose.

If you can confirm or deny this as truth, please let us know in the comments.

Filed Under: Indy People, Indy Sports Tagged With: chivalry, gentleman, Indianapolis Airport, Super Bowl coach, Tony Dungy

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. J. McAhren says

    02/21/2009 at 9:19 AM

    Why doubt the validity of it when there are numerous other stories just as touching as this? Check out:
    http://www.snopes.com/glurge/dungy.asp

  2. DMC says

    02/20/2009 at 1:26 PM

    Yeah, but I'm not the one with a blog, posting unverified anecdotes that register nine out of ten on the BS scale, am I?

    But, if you're the type of person who forwards emails that say that Bill Gates will pay you to do so, you may have enjoyed the story.

    Best,

    DMC

  3. Dan says

    02/20/2009 at 8:59 AM

    Since DMC is so smart, perhaps he should've checked with the PR folks himself, then at least he could have left a comment of value to this blog.

  4. Jason Bean says

    02/18/2009 at 7:26 PM

    DMC, why wouldn't I post it? It's a great story and something I would absolutely expect as true from Tony Dungy.

  5. DMC says

    02/18/2009 at 2:39 PM

    I'd love to be wrong, but Oh. My. God. Does this sound fake. And you posted it trying to find out if it is accurate?

    I'm sure the Colts public affairs person would have handled this for you, whether or not Dungy was still employed by them, especially since it happened in Indpls. Or at least someone from the airport authority.

    I guess anyone can have a blog, though…

  6. Ryan Crozier says

    02/18/2009 at 1:32 PM

    Thanks for sharing this story!

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