SAN FRANCISCO (WISH) — The Colts and Patriots did not get along when Tony Dungy was the head coach in Indianapolis.

But earlier this season, Dungy was invited by Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel to talk with the team. Dungy brought good luck to New England, as the Patriots won nine straight games after he talked with them.

“I said this is unusual for a Colt to be invited into a Patriots meeting room and all the guys laughed,” Dungy said.

Getting the opportunity to talk to the Patriots is something Dungy really appreciated.

“I was honored, really,” Dungy said. “It just told me that the amount of times we had played each other, the respect that was built up, and he had respect for me, I had respect for him, and the fact that he felt I could talk to his team and add something, it made me really feel good.”

Dungy also shared what he spoke to the team about.

“We talked about things that are bigger than football and bigger than rivalries and what it means to represent your team well, what it means to be a great teammate and part of something special,” Dungy said.

Dungy knew at the time they were building something special, and credits Vrabel for their success.

“The Patriots are playing very disciplined, they’re playing together,” Dungy said. “They’re playing without mistakes, and they’re playing with belief, and I think that’s really a tribute to Mike Vrabel. He has reestablished the culture. He’s done it in a way he wanted to do it, and he’s done it in a way that everybody embraces it. They’ve all come together. I didn’t think it would happen this fast, but to get a team to the Super Bowl one year after only winning four games is unbelievable. He does things differently, but he has made up in his mind how he wants to do it, and he’s authentic. That resonates with his players. They believe in him, and they’re going to do well for a number of years there, there’s no doubt in my mind.”

The Patriots went 14-3 in 2025, and are playing in their first Super Bowl since the 2018 season. A win on Sunday would give the Patriots the most Super Bowl victories in the NFL.

Dungy also spoke with the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots opponent in the Super Bowl LX, in the preseason.

Dungy was the head coach of the Colts for seven years. He had a record of 85-27 in Indianapolis, and helped lead the team to a win in Super Bowl XLI.

The Patriots and Seahawks are scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.