As I watched the San Diego Chargers crush the hopes of a Super Bowl repeat for the Indianapolis Colts, I noticed their esteemed coach never lost his poise. This was nothing new; Tony Dungy has been the picture of calm confidence throughout his career. In fact, the title he chose for his autobiographical book is Quiet Strength. Many find him venerable for his willingness to advocate his Christian values as an NFL coach. Although he is a multi-faceted role model, here are five things I find quite admirable about him:

1. Always poised: Watching him over the years, first as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then the Indianapolis Colts, I’ve watched him be on the short end of some coach’s challenges to calls on the field. I think he looked truly enraged far less than a handful of times and it wasn’t the usual profanity-riddled banter that you see most NFL coaches engaging in. You won’t find him jumping up and down or turning red while talking to the referees.

2. No trash talking: While professional put-downs and trash talking has become a side-sport in the NFL, you’ll never hear Dungy speak ill of anyone. A true professional, he lets his actions speak for him.

3. Has a sense of humor: Although he always looks rather serious on the field, he must have a sense of humor to do commercials like the spot for Motorola. In it, he sends in the “plays” for a Colts helmet-wearing average Joe on a date.

4. Didn’t take credit when he deserved it: Super Bowl XXXVII was an interesting case. John Gruden led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a victory against the Oakland Raiders. Gruden essentially played the team he built as he was the Raiders' head coach the following year. In addition, he took the team that Dungy built and won with them. Although many believed that Dungy deserved credit, he never asked for any and didn't utter a derogatory word about Gruden in any way.

5. Overcame immense anguish to continue to lead his team: When the unexpected suicide of his eighteen year old son made headlines, Coach Dungy kept his composure and continued to be on the sidelines for his team. Everyone would have completely understood if he needed to take time off, as it happened when the Colts were playoff-bound.

While I am not an Indianapolis Colts fan by any stretch of the imagination, I do appreciate fine coaching and I hope that Coach Dungy stays around to enjoy the new stadium they are building. His example of strength and poise is a source of inspiration for all walks of life.