[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3356-3357]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


    CONGRATULATING THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS FOR WINNING SUPER BOWL XLI

  Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 75, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk 
will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 75) congratulating the Indianapolis 
     Colts on their victory in Super Bowl XLI.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. BAYH. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the Super Bowl 
Champions from my home State of Indiana, the Indianapolis Colts. The 
Colts' 29-17 historic win over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI was 
the first professional football championship for the State of Indiana 
and a proud moment for our State and country.
  As Tony Dungy hoisted the Lombardi Trophy high into the rainy Miami 
night, the first African American coach to do so, I was reminded of 
what people used to say about the great Joe Louis: ``He is a testament 
to his race, the human race.'' This was a great moment for African 
Americans but one that we all should take pride in. Tony Dungy, Peyton 
Manning, Jim Irsay, and the entire Colts team and organization are a 
testament to what professional athletes should be, and they should be 
commended for winning with class, courage, and character.
  It is rare in today's sports world that an organization carries 
itself with such character and class, on and off the field. Throughout 
the year, the Colts battled week after week, fighting uphill, and never 
buckling under the pressure.
  Once the playoffs started, the Colts' true character shined even 
brighter. They never lost faith in themselves and prevailed as a team. 
Their conduct this season should be an example for all other teams, not 
an exception.
  I will never forget sitting with my two young boys cheering as our 
team won the Super Bowl, but it was just as important that they got to 
see professional athletes carry themselves with such integrity. I 
congratulate the Indianapolis Colts on their Super Bowl victory and for 
the example they set for my children and the millions of others who I 
hope are inspired by their example.
  Mr. LUGAR. Madam President, I am pleased to join my colleague Senator 
Bayh in supporting a resolution congratulating the Indianapolis Colts 
on

[[Page 3357]]

their historic season, culminating Sunday in a thrilling victory over 
the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
  Like so many of my fellow Hoosiers, I have enjoyed cheering on the 
Colts since the Irsay family brought them to Indianapolis almost a 
quarter of a century ago. Over the years Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay 
and president Bill Polian have brought together a remarkable group of 
dedicated professionals such as Tony Dungy and players who through 
their hard work and dedication to community service are a credit to the 
Colts organization, the City of Indianapolis, and the State of Indiana.
  Special recognition should be given to Tony Dungy as the first head 
coach of African-American descent to lead his team to victory in the 
Super Bowl. I have enjoyed following Coach Dungy remarkable leadership 
and appreciate the example he sets for all Hoosiers.
  I am hopeful that each of my colleagues in the Senate will join 
Senator Bayh and me in congratulating the Colts on this signal 
achievement.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution be 
agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 75) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                               S. Res. 75

       Whereas, on Sunday, February 4, 2007, the Indianapolis 
     Colts defeated the Chicago Bears by a score of 29-17 to win 
     Super Bowl XLI;
       Whereas Colts owner and chief executive officer Jim Irsay 
     and the Irsay family have worked to build the Colts 
     organization not only into a championship caliber team, but 
     also a group dedicated to service in communities across the 
     State of Indiana;
       Whereas Tony Dungy is the first head coach of African-
     American descent to lead a team to victory in the Super Bowl;
       Whereas Peyton Manning, having thrown for 247 yards and 
     made 1 touchdown, was named the game's Most Valuable Player;
       Whereas the Colts' defense and special teams were able to 
     force 5 turnovers and to limit the Bears to 17 points;
       Whereas Colts president Bill Polian, widely considered the 
     ``architect'' of much of the Colts' recent success, and the 
     Colts management have assembled a group of players and 
     coaches that has worked together to win 4 straight 
     championships in the Southern Division of the American 
     Football Conference;
       Whereas the Colts' regular season record of 12-4 marks the 
     team's fourth straight year with at least 12 wins, and makes 
     the Colts only the second team to achieve such consistent 
     success in the history of the National Football League;
       Whereas the Colts are committed to community leadership, 
     working to help those in Indiana communities who are 
     disadvantaged and underserved, through the generosity of the 
     Irsay family and player groups such as the Peyback Foundation 
     and D.R.E.A.M. Alive, Inc.;
       Whereas tens of thousands of fans braved bitterly cold 
     temperatures to line the streets of Indianapolis, Indiana for 
     a victory parade and the rally that followed in the RCA Dome; 
     and
       Whereas Hoosiers from across Indiana and the Nation have 
     rallied together to cheer the Colts not just for winning, but 
     for winning the right way, with dignity and professionalism: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the Indianapolis 
     Colts on their victory in Super Bowl XLI.

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