DEFINITION: UN•COM•MON [UNH-KOM-UH N] ADJECTIVE, UN•COM•MON•ER, UN•COM•MON•EST
1. not common, unusual, rare.
2. unusual amount or degree above the ordinary.
3. exceptional; remarkable.
What It Means to Be Uncommon
The mandate to be Uncommon actually came to me from three different sources. The first was my dad. When I was growing up, he always talked to us about not following the crowd and not doing something just because everyone else was doing it. He encouraged us to chase our own dreams, even if it meant being ridiculed for being different.
When I arrived at the University of Minnesota as a freshman football player, my coach, Cal Stoll, built upon my dad’s theme. In our first meeting, he said, “Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man.” He told us he was looking for men who had the attitude and desire to do what everyone else could do, but most people wouldn’t.
The third, and most important source of the Uncommon idea was the Bible. One of my mom’s favorite scriptures was Matthew 7:13-14 where Jesus talks about entering through the narrow gate and traveling the narrow path rather than the broad highway. He was talking about salvation and the way to heaven, but I think it applies to life as well.
We should never be afraid to take the tough road, to follow a higher calling, or set a higher standard. In short, we should never be satisfied with being average, but should strive to be Uncommon.
- Tony Dungy, 2007 Superbowl Champion Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts and 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Uncommon Ministry vision is to challenge and encourage professional and collegiate athletes, coaches, sports executives, business leaders, and their families by influencing and inspiring them to be Uncommon Leaders™. Our mission is to prepare them to create meaningful change, live a life of intentionality, and positively influence others in honor and glory to the Lord.
Uncommon Ministry
After leading the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl Championship in 2007, Coach Dungy retired in 2009 to devote time to his family and to focus on strengthening families and mentoring leaders to be Uncommon. In 2013, Tony Dungy, Tom Lamphere, Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren, and successful businessman Paul L. H. Olson launched the inaugural Uncommon Award Dinner™ to recognize Uncommon Leadership™ in the sports world and to support Tom and Jeannie Lamphere’s ministry, to NFL coaches, executives, and their wives.
Tom and Jeannie Lamphere
Tom Lamphere has dedicated his life to mentoring college and professional athletes and coaches, leading many to faith, guiding them to live with integrity, and showing them how they can use their accomplishments for something greater than themselves. Tom serves with Athletes in Action.
Tom wrestled for the University of Minnesota, trained for the 1980 Olympics in Eastern Europe, and wrestled internationally with Athletes in Action. While in campus ministry at Colorado State University, he met Jeannie. After they were married, Tom and Jeannie served athletes and coaches at Colorado State and then the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. They also worked in Bush villages with the Native Alaskans in Northern Alaska.
In 1985, the Lampheres transferred to Minnesota. Tom and Jeannie worked with Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota North Stars. In 1989, Tom, along with Paul Olson, played a significant role in launching the first Super Bowl half-time outreach video, a program that continues to be an effective outreach today. For over 30 years, Tom has been steadfast in serving professional and college athletics and coaches.
Tom now focuses on the Minnesota Vikings Coaches, the NFL Coaches Fellowship, the NFL Executive Fellowship and University of Minnesota Coaches.
Jeannie Lamphere dedicates her time to encouraging the wives and children of athletes and coaches. She leads women’s Bible studies and meets with them one on one. In addition, she assists Tom in coordinating outreaches and events. Tom and Jeannie have five adult children.
“Tom made it his mission to help me grow in my faith and in my leadership abilities. He wanted to equip me to use that greater platform when I got it.” – Tony Dungy, from his book, Quiet Strength.
Annual Uncommon Award™ Winners
Tony and Lauren Dungy
Tony Dungy won Super Bowl trophies both as a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, the first such win for an African American head coach. In 2016, he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Tony is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Quiet Strength: Men’s Bible Study; You Can Do It!; Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life; Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance; The Mentor Leader; and Uncommon Life: Daily Challenge. Tony now serves as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. Tony played football for the University of Minnesota and professionally for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers.
Lauren Dungy is an early childhood educational specialist, best-selling author, and frequently sought-after speaker. She is also a devoted wife and mother. She is a graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in elementary education. She taught school in her hometown of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and volunteers as a reading specialist in the Title I schools in Tampa. As vice president of the Dungy Family Foundation, which is committed to strengthening families and helping individuals acquire the life skills needed for success, Lauren has a great passion and love for children. She works closely with several adoption agencies and women’s shelters in the Tampa area. She is heavily involved in her church.
Donate
If you are inspired to join our mission by giving a tax-deductible contribution, please use the form on this page or contact us for more information. Thank you for your support and generosity.
Donations can be sent to:
Uncommon Ministry Fund 501(c)(3)
825 11th Avenue SE
Minneapolis MN 55414
Phone: 612-979-9600