What they're saying

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 23, 2005

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"I always consider Coach Dungy a friend. I can't imagine anything tougher to go through than what he's going to go through right now, he and his family. I can't even imagine it. It's real sad. He was hired when I was hired here. Right away, we went out on a boat together, just sat and talked for 2-3 hours, just him and I on the front of the boat. From then on, I really always thought a lot of him."

- JIM LEAVITT, USF coach

"This is just a tragic thing to happen for him and his family. Our hearts go out to Tony and his family."

- JEFF BOWDEN Florida State offensive coordinator

"When things like this happen it adjusts our perspective on life. What was considered major yesterday doesn't amount to more than a footnote today."

- Posting on a Colts fan Web site

"The entire Steelers organization is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of James Dungy. James' father, Tony, was a well-loved player and coach for the Steelers during the 1970s and '80s. We remember James very fondly as a young child when Tony coached our defense. The entire Dungy family has always been held in high regard throughout the Steelers organization and around the National Football League."

- ART ROONEY, Steelers president

"The Dungy family will always be a part of Golden Gopher athletics, and our thoughts and prayers are with Tony, his wife, Lauren, and their family during this difficult time. Tony is a caring individual who is dedicated to his family, and the loss of his son will affect us all."

- JOEL MATURI, athletic director at Minnesota, where Dungy played quarterback