Carol Stream, Ill. (April 29, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Lauren and Tony Dungy have penned a new book, Uncommon Influence, to release from Tyndale House Publishers and Compassion International in August.
In their new book, Tony and Lauren Dungy remind readers that in order to live our fullest life, we need to be prepared to say yes to the opportunities God puts in our path. They counsel that when we make ourselves available to the possibilities that come from God, we discover a sense of fulfillment and contentment that is unparalleled by any other circumstances. While the exact situation will look different for everyone, the choice to say yes is the same for each of us. As demonstrated in their own lives, through the proactive, intentional choices they make every day, the Dungys teach that the only way to know a life of true fulfillment and profound meaning is to give that life away. It is their hope to help readers develop a regular practice of choosing wisely to begin living a life of uncommon influence, impacting the people around us for good.
The foreword is written by Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion International. He shares, “As someone who fights daily to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name, I’m never more impressed than when I see people joyfully giving of themselves to lift others up. Lauren and Tony have intentionally ordered their lives to invest in those who are marginalized, oppressed, or caught in the crosshairs of others’ poor choices. I’m so grateful for the small part Compassion can play in providing this inside look at their life strategy. The Dungys didn’t stumble into significance, and we can all learn from the lessons they share as we, too, strive for lives of uncommon influence.”
Regarding this acquisition, Tyndale associate publisher Linda Howard offers, “Tony and Lauren have touched numerous lives through the years, and now they are sharing the daily practices that have resulted in a life of meaningful influence. We are thrilled to partner with the Dungys to share this timeless message.”
Lauren Dungy is an early childhood educational specialist, best-selling author, and frequently sought-after speaker. She is also a devoted wife and mother. A graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in elementary education, she taught school in her hometown of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and volunteers as a reading specialist in the Title I schools in Tampa, Florida. The vice president of the Dungy Family Foundation, which is committed to strengthening families and helping individuals acquire the life skills needed for success, Lauren has a great passion and love for children. She works closely with several adoption agencies and women’s shelters in the Tampa area. She is heavily involved in her church. Lauren and her husband, Tony, have been married for 31 years. They are the parents of eleven children.
Tony Dungy is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include Quiet Strength, Uncommon, The Mentor Leader, and Uncommon Marriage. He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years. Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, he played three seasons in the NFL. Dungy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including All Pro Dad, Abe Brown Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs. He has also worked with Basket of Hope, Impact for Living, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association. He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of eleven children.
Uncommon Influence will be supported by a significant marketing budget as well as a national media tour. Tyndale has acquired world rights in all languages.
Lauren and Tony Dungy are represented by D. J. Snell of Legacy, LLC.
For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.
Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.
Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 27 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over 2,000,000 babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 10 in Forbes’ “America’s Top 100 Charities” list in 2021, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit compassion.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
