Former NFL head coach, NBC analyst Tony Dungy throws subtle CFL shade

Photo credit: NBC Sports Group

Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dungy threw some subtle shade the CFL’s way during Football Night in America in prime time on Sunday.

The former defensive back and head coach has two Super Bowl titles on his resume and was known as a defensive guru during his coaching career. Dungy served as defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, while also serving as head coach with Tampa Bay and Indianapolis.

Former CFL quarterback Chris Streveler took over from Kyler Murray early in Sunday’s Week 17 game between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams. The former CFL quarterback threw a touchdown on his second pass attempt, but struggled to move the football the rest of the way.

Streveler threw a pick-six in the final minute of the second quarter to Troy Hill, who returned it 84 yards for the score. While NBC host Mike Tirico was doing the highlights of the Arizona Cardinals-Los Angeles Rams game, Dungy made a pointed comment.

“He’s the CFL Grey Cup champ, he throws a pick and this one is Troy Hill going back the other way,” Tirico said.

“Defences in the NFL a little bit tougher than the CFL defences,” Dungy added.

Streveler finished the game completing 11-of-16 pass attempts for 105 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His passer rating (81.5) ranked 26th of the 39 quarterbacks who attempted a pass on Sunday as the Cardinals fell to the Rams by a score of 18-7.

Rod Pedersen, the host of his self-named show, replied to a fan on social media and asked if Dungy ‘crapped‘ on the CFL. Dungy replied: No. Just said it’s different than the NFL.

Different and ‘a little bit tougher’ aren’t the same. Mr. Dungy, the passionate and loyal followers of the CFL want clarity. Don’t make the same mistake that Boomer Esiason did.