Many of us NFL fans remember the little Warrick Dunn as one of the best running backs to play the game of football. Probably one of the bests to ever strap on some cleats and step foot on turf.
Dunn was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the 1997 NFL Draft as the twelfth overall pick, coming off a great career from Florida State. The 5’9″, 190-pounder played until 2001 before moving to Atlanta to play with the Falcons. He teamed up well with quarterback Michael Vick and played with Atlanta until the 2007 season when he returned to play with the Bucs in 2008, which would result in his final season.
He is now 35 years old and hasn’t stopped in his life with football. Dunn has had several accomplishments in his career, becoming a three-time Pro Bowler, became Offensive Rookie of the Year, also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2004. He would finish with rushing for 10,600 yards along with 49 touchdowns.
Dunn has had impact on many people’s lives. He started a foundation called the Warrick Dunn foundation where he helps impacted people’s lives. He has great things involved with it like Homes for the Holidays along with a yearly golf charity event. Dunn has made huge impact in charities, which earned himself as one of the recipient of the Heisman Humanitarian Award. Dunn was honored of this.
“I was surprised to be selected and honored with such a prestigious award. I’m always willing to help my foundation and this award is sure to gain a lot of attention for our mission,” Dunn told me in an exclusive interview with him. Dunn has had several accomplishments with his foundation, which you can read about at wd-ff.org.
Dunn’s former teammate, Michael Vick, as we all know was arrested for dog fighting and animal cruelty. As he returned, signing the Philadelphia Eagles to a two-year contract, he didn’t do much in his first season with the team. However, he has made some solid impact this year, becoming a starter and already one of the early candidates for the NFL Most Valuable Player award. Dunn is very happy for him.
“He’s taking the steps to better his life on and off the field,” Dunn said.
With a lot of impact on his former teams, I asked Dunn of what he feels towards his former teams. Dunn replied with a nice, quick, and short response, showing a lot of love for a certain team.
“It’s all about the Falcons for me!” he replied.
I can see why, as Dunn was promoted as one of the limited partners and owners of the Atlanta Falcons, working with the head office and with several big names like Arthur Blank. Dunn is doing all he can to help the Falcons. He was very honored of being promoted by Atlanta, after doing so much for them in his playing career.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity and I’m honored. I look forward to learning more about the business side of pro football,” he said.
Dunn looks to do all he can to help the Falcons and his foundation to become a success. He already has some main goals in mind for both.
“Expand services/win a Super Bowl!” he said.
I believe Dunn can do so. He’s had a lot of success and is a role model for so many. I wish all the best to him and wish the best of luck forward to him with the Falcons and with the foundation. I appreciate his time in letting me do this interview him. It was a real honor to do an interview with Mr. Dunn!
Thanks to Jenn Maxwell, one of the spokesman for the Warrick Dunn foundation, for helping me set up the interview with the All-Pro running back. Please visit wd-ff.org for more about the foundation, along with much much more!