All Pro Dad Efforts Continue Between Colts Coaches

In might not be written specifically in his contract, but the obligations of an Indianapolis Colts head coach go beyond the lines.

They can thank Tony Dungy for that, in a good way.

It was the coach who found success on the field but also comfort in the community, reaching out to various organizations to lend his support. Sometimes, in fact, his philanthropic efforts were praised more than his ones contained within the 100 yards of grass or turf upon which he made his living.

Now its a responsibility that’s passed on to Jim Caldwell, who took over for Dungy when he retired at the end of the 2008 season in both the Colts locker room but in the community as well.

“I think that’s the mission and scope of our franchise,” said Caldwell of the need to be active in functions outside of football. “When you look at it from top to bottom, (Colts owner) Jim Irsay does a tremendous job participating in community oriented events, sponsoring them, obviously, and then giving of his resources and time. Our players do a tremendous job of getting involved as well.”

“Tony set a great example, and we just want to make sure we keep it going.”

Hence why he took an active part in the All Pro Dad Father and Kids Activity day at the Colts complex early Friday evening. It was an organization started by Dungy and current Colts offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen while the pair were in Tampa Bay.

It was created by the pair as a way to help parents deal with their own issues as fathers, which was trying to find time to connect with their children despite busy schedules.

“We were young dads, we had young kids, and it was hard, it was hard to balance, the coaching is so demanding and not feel like a failure at home,” said Christensen of the reasons which All Pro Dad was started. “So we encouraged dads to take a day off, bring their kids out to training camp and the place was packed, they came out of the woodwork.”

Thirteen years later another packed crowd gathered inside the Colts’ indoor practice facility at the complex to participate in father-son or father-daughter events from football drills to talks from camp organizers, including Caldwell and Christensen.

“We know if we can strengthen the family, we can strengthen the schools, we can strengthen the community and obviously affect the world,” said Caldwell, who has four children. “I love to see the interaction.”

according to fox59.com