INDIANAPOLIS – Coach Tony Dungy has been reluctant to speak publicly about the Dec. 22, 2005, suicide of his 18-year-old son James, but the tragedy came up during a news conference Wednesday at the Indianapolis Colts west-side complex.

“For me, I think it was really a test,” Dungy said.

“I think God gives you tests to see if you’re going to stay true to what you believe and stay faithful. For me, that’s what it was, having to continue to believe. Sometimes when you have disappointments, it makes that final destination that much sweeter.”

Dungy clung to his beliefs, both personally and professionally. When his team lost four times in a six-game stretch in November and December, he just kept preaching fundamentals, telling his team, in so many words, to keep the faith.

The Colts did, like their coach, and they will meet the Chicago Bears on Feb. 4 in Super Bowl XLI in Miami.

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