The Heath Mullikin Project

Figuring it all out one day at a time

NFL

Lion Chaser Monday-Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy is a rare man.  It’s not because he was the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl.  It’s not because he’s one of only 3 men to win a Super Bowl as a player and a coach.  It’s not even because he walked away from coach at the top of his game.  No, Tony Dungy is rare in that he has accomplished all of this with a level of integrity and depth of faith and character that is “Uncommon.”  He may well be the most respected man in and around the NFL.  He left coaching to pursue a higher calling:  helping young people.  His highest profile case so far is Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick whom Dungy took under his wing while Vick was serving prison time for running an illegal dog fighting ring.  My respect for him only grew as he endured the toughest thing a parent can face, the tragic loss of his son, with bravery, dignity, and hope.  Here are some comments on that event and a great testimony from a Super Bowl breakfast a few years ago.

He is Lion Chaser because of his pursuit to serve Christ to the best of his abilities and use the platform he has been given to make a difference.  To find out more about him you can visit his bio here or his home page here. On top of all of this, he is a best selling author of two great books, Quiet Strength and Uncommon.  There are also small group materials available.  Tony Dungy:  a class act, a great coach, and a true Lion Chaser.

Clemson 2009 and a Perry Noble vid

Here’s a hilarious vid of Perry Noble and Dabo Swinney.  I hope I don’t have to explain the joke to you.

Now, yesterday I told you I would give you my preview for this year’s Tiger team.  I think Tommy Bowden’s legacy can be summed up in two words:  unfulfilled potential.  Not only in his coaching, but in the program’s failure to turn blue chip recruits into NFL studs.  Guys like Todd McClinton, Wily Korn, Roscoe Crosby-guys who came in highly touted but never reached their full potential.  15 Bowden coached Tigers are in the NFL.  By comparison, over 20 Gamecocks are on NFL rosters.  The full blame doesn’t fall on Bowden or the program, but they must share some responsibility.  Sadly, will we add CJ Spiller’s name to the list?  He is a great player, but has he improved since his freshman year?  He was fast and elusive when he got here.  Think he regrets not playing 4 years with Tim Tebow at Florida?  For new coach Dabo, this year is a wash.  Unless the Tigers go 2-11 or something crazy like that his job is not on the line.  I see 7-8 wins for them(sound familiar) and a mid range bowl bid.  Dabo either takes the program places Bowden could not or he is gone after three to four 6-8 win seasons.  If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results then…

Thoughts on a Variety of Topics

1.  I wonder how a pro-life supporter can kill someone(in a church)in cold blood because that person is pro-choice.

2.  I wonder how many pastors(youth pastors especially) we will see get “let go”, “fired”, “inner circle word for getting fired(copyright, Heath Mullikin 2008)” before the Wesleyan denomination steps in and adds some real job protections to the Discipline.  How about when the youth pastor signs a yearly housing lease(because he’s asked to by the board) and shortly after is let go with a pricey out clause?  In the corporate world, that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.  On the flip side, if the pastor jets in an untimely and unclassey way then he should be penalized like a college basketball coach.  At some point, a DS should step in and say, “nope, you ain’t gonna do that to these good people.  You’re taking a year off.”

3.  I wonder if the John Wesley movie is going to be as bad as I think it is.  I wonder if the 5’4″ Wesley appreciates being portrayed by a guy big enough to be an NFL TE(that’s Tight End for all you non-fantasy football players).  I wonder if, as Wesleyans, we are obligated to promote a substandard product which may do more harm than good.  Of course, the film may be great and I will see it regardless.  I thought “Amazing Grace” was great.  I just don’t see Mr. Calvin getting this kind of theatrical treatment.  When I see the movie(can’t find the release date on www.comingsoon.net which isn’t a good sign) I will give it a fair review and probably take a bunch of people to see it with me.  We may even rent out the whole theater.  I’m sure Jam can get us a deal at Cinemark in Asheboro.

4.  I wonder if TLC is “The Learning Channel” then what are they teaching us with season 5 of Jon and Kate(episode 2 is on as I type).  Why would the couple or the network sign on for 40 episodes in the midst of the beginnings of the current scandal(oh wait, I just dropped a dollar, now where was I)?  This season is going to be like Nascar-everyone is watching for the wrecks.

5.  I wonder how I game I am so terrible at(golf) brings me so much joy?  I will break 100 before year’s end.  Just gotta get my arm fixed first.  Is there such a thing as golfer’s elbow/forearm or that just called old man syndrome?

6.  I wonder why I made my wife wait while I finished typing this.  I’m an idiot.