Former NFL coach and evangelical Christian Tony Dungy says he would answer Aaron Hernandez’s call if the disgraced former New England Patriots tight end phoned seeking guidance.
Hernandez, 23, remains jailed at the Bristol County House of Corrections without bail on first-degree murder charges in the execution-style slaying of former associate Odin Lloyd.
Dungy, who led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win during his tenure there, once openly considered leaving the sidelines for the prison ministry. Since retiring from coaching, Dungy, 57, has visited many prisons and counseled inmates accused of the most heinous crimes.
"My approach is guys who request the help, I'm glad to do it,” Dungy told USA Today Sports, adding that neither Hernandez or anyone in his family has reached out to him. "I find it's the people who want help that respond best."
Dungy served as a mentor for Michael Vick after he was jailed and convicted on dog-fighting charges. He continued to serve as a counselor to him during his 21-months of incarceration in federal prison. It was also Dungy who was at the forefront in convincing Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and then-coach Andy Reid to give Vick another NFL opportunity.
"In Michael's situation, they called me," Dungy told the newspaper. "And it became very easy. That's usually the best way, because people are receptive when they are looking for help as well."
Dungy was asked about the Patriots and owner Robert Kraft choosing to sever all ties with Hernandez so early in the process. Kraft went as far as to tell reporters he felt “duped” by Hernandez and has moved to absolve the team of paying him any salary remaining on the $40 million contract he recently signed.
"I don't think you ever turn your back on anyone," he said. "Of course, Hernandez has to want the help. That's the biggest thing. A lot of guys want the help. It's a matter of where he is emotionally. Any player we ever had in Tampa Bay or Indianapolis, if they wanted the help, we'd be there.”
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