By Anthony Suntay

EVERYONE dreams of going out on top, but very few are able to do so.

Tony Dungy retires from the sport he started in over 30 years ago on his own terms, not necessarily on top, like when he won the Super Bowl for Indianapolis in the National Football League two years ago, but while he is still on top of his game.

The Colts’ organization wanted him back, his players wanted him to return to the sidelines, and the city of Indy practically begged him to stay.

But his desire to spend more time with his family and devote more time to serving his community made him decide to hang it up.

You will have to commend him for that decision, given this day and age when people struggle so much in this dog-eats-dog world.

He walked away with some sadness in his heart, but knowing full well he made the correct decision.

The truth is, he wanted to leave last season, but owner Jim Irsay convinced his to stay and open the Colts’ new stadium, having to commute regularly using Irsay’s private jet.

“We just felt this was the right time,” Dungy said. “Don’t shed any tears for me. I got to live a dream most people don’t get to live.”

Aside from living that dream, he helped so many others realize theirs.

While at Tampa Bay, those from his staff who have had head coaching jobs are Herm Edwards, now with Kansas City, Chicago’s Lovie Smith, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and former Detroit coach Rod Marinelli.

He was a great leader, and also very charismatic.

So charismatic in fact, that after defeating the Chicago Bears (my favorite team) in the title game two years ago, I applauded his genius and the effort he and his team put in.

He was also a proven winner.

Dungy set league records for most consecutive playoff seasons at 10; and consecutive 12-win seasons at six; and leaves with the highest average of regular-season victories of any coach in league history with 10.7 games.

Despite all his achievements, he always remained grounded.

“I think I’ve got a responsibility to be home a little bit more, be available to my family a little bit more and do some things to help make our country better,” Dungy said. “I don’t know what is right now, but we’ll see.”

He was sometimes criticized for his team’s failure in the post season, but I still believe that he is one of the best.

He was also very thorough that he put in place a succession plan last year, which immediately takes effect, with Jim Caldwell, the associate head coach, as Dungy’s replacement.

Now, his beloved Colts will have a seamless transition. Up until the very end, he was a responsible leader. We can only hope that somehow, we can make those very same decisions.

Listen to Real Sports later today at 2:15 p.m. on Wave 89.1!

Have a great weekend! God Bless!

E-mail me at realsports891@yahoo.com