Hall of Fame football star and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach turned NBC analyst Tony Dungy is coming under fire for crediting Eagles quarterback Nick Foles's faith for his big Super Bowl win. Foles, who was the team's backup quarterback after Carson Wentz's season ending injury, said "all glory to God" after beating the Patriots.
It was Foles's faith in God, Dungy said on air, that “would allow him to play with confidence.”
Viewers took issue with Dungy using NBC to spout such "nonsense."
@TonyDungy unbelievable you would use your employer, @NBCSports, to spout this nonsense on the air. @TweetofGod
— Eric Adler (@eladler) February 5, 2018
Thankfully, he didn't apologize.
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
Others took issue with his analysis, but he stood his ground.
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
Following the Eagles' historic victory Sunday, their first Super Bowl win, several players joined Foles in giving all the credit to God.
“I can only give the praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity," Head Coach Doug Pederson said to the packed stadium.
“Glory to God first and foremost,” Wide Receiver Zach Ertz agreed.
Foles has shared his plans to become a pastor when he retires from football.