MIAMI February 2007 - Well before the opening kickoff, it is already clear that Super Bowl XLI will be one for the history books.
That's because both competing coaches – Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears' Lovie Smith – are of African-American heritage. On Sunday night, one of them will become the first black coach to win a Super Bowl.
That's not just a piece of sports trivia. It is part of the civil rights movement, an important chapter of American history that for many will outshine even the most amazing gridiron heroics.
By leading their teams to the biggest game in football, Coach Smith and Coach Dungy may open doors for a new generation of African-American leaders just as pioneering blacks opened doors for them.
That's because both competing coaches – Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears' Lovie Smith – are of African-American heritage. On Sunday night, one of them will become the first black coach to win a Super Bowl.
That's not just a piece of sports trivia. It is part of the civil rights movement, an important chapter of American history that for many will outshine even the most amazing gridiron heroics.
By leading their teams to the biggest game in football, Coach Smith and Coach Dungy may open doors for a new generation of African-American leaders just as pioneering blacks opened doors for them.
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