With the recent release of “Uncommon Marriage,” local author Nathan Whitaker continues his partnership with Tony Dungy, the first African American head coach in NFL history to guide his team to a Super Bowl title.
Along with Dungy’s wife, Lauren, herself a New York Times bestselling author of children’s books coauthored with her husband, the trio share principles the Dungy’s have learned during their 31-plus years of marriage.
The Dungy’s draw on their own experiences to offer hope, encouragement, and practical advice to those who would like their marriages to be “better” but aren’t sure what to do differently.
“Uncommon Marriage: Learning About Lasting Love and Overcoming Life’s Obstacles Together” features personal stories from a couple who have not just made marriage work, but according to the Dungys, also have done so joyfully and with a sense of purpose and partnership. Their stories relate real-life lessons they’ve learned about developing and maintaining a strong, fulfilling, faith-filled marriage.
Tony Dungy is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “Quiet Strength,” “Uncommon” and “The Mentor Leader.” He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory in 2007, the first such win for an African American head coach, as well as the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years. Dungy retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in American.
Lauren Dungy is an early childhood educational specialist, best-selling author, and frequently sought-after speaker. The vice president of the Dungy Family Foundation, Lauren is committed to strengthening families and helping individuals acquire the life skills needed for success. She and Tony have been married for 31 years and are the parents of nine children.
Nathan Whitaker was born and raised in Florida and currently lives in Gainesville with his wife Amy, and two daughters, Hannah and Ellie Kate. A two-sport athlete in baseball and football at Duke University, he played for Steve Spurrier on Duke’s most recent ACC Championship football team. Holding Master’s degrees from Harvard Law School and the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, he has practiced law, been employed in ministry, worked in football administration for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now represents NFL and college coaches and administrators with his father.
“Uncommon Marriage” marks Whitaker’s fifth book written with Dungy, following the 2007 release of “Quiet Strength,” the #1 New York Times Best Seller. He has also authored New York Times bestseller, Tim Tebow’s “Through My Eyes.”
The multi-state book tour for “Uncommon Marriage: Learning About Lasting Love and Overcoming Life’s Obstacles Together” ($24.99) finds its way to Gainesville on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at Books-a-Million, located at 2601 NW 13th St. It is offered by Tyndale Momentum, an imprint of Tyndale House Publishers.
