Where Are They Now: Warrick Dunn

Warrick Dunn is the best RB in the history of Florida State. He is also my favorite runningback. Dunn is a true legend and even more, is a great guy. It is his time at FSU though that makes him beloved at my alma mater. Dunn's #28 is one of the retired jerseys for FSU which just proves what he meant to the team. He holds several rushing records at FSU including career rushing yards. #28 is also the only Seminole ever to rush for 1,000 yards 3 times. Not only that, but he was All-ACC 3 times. Dunn was also a track standout @ FSU. Oh and there is that '93 National Championship thing too.

After FSU, Dunn was drafted #12 in the 1997 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Him being drafted by the Bucs helped make me a Buccaneers fan back in the day. He was the rookie of the year in that initial season with Tampa. While with the Bucs, Dunn was named to the Pro Bowl twice and helped turn the franchise around in a positive way.

Following his time with the Bucs, Dunn moved on to Atlanta. Dunn made another Pro Bowl trip with the Falcons in 2005 after leading the team in rushing. Following his time in Atlanta, Dunn went back to the Bucs.

Dunn spent one final season with the Bucs in 2008 and even had a 100 yd game that season. After that, his career was over. He finished with over 10,000 yards and is an unlikely, but fringe Hall of Fame candidate. I think he deserves it. Hey, if Curtis Martin is considered one of the best RBs of all-time, why not Dunn? Dunn was one of 10 rushers under 5'11 to rush for 10,000 career yards. Now how many did it 5'8 or under?

During his career, Dunn was known as one of the good guys. He started the Warrick Dunn Foundation and Homes for the Holidays, charities which he is even more involved with today. These charities are set up in cities which Dunn is famous. They exist in Baton Rouge (hometown), Tallahassee (FSU), Tampa, and Atlanta. He also helped found an organization with Cal Ripken Jr., that helps athletes get involved in charitable causes. That charity is called Athletes for Hope. Dunn also famously challenged each NFL player to donate $5,000 to the Hurricane Katrina victims. Dunn's efforts raised 5 million for the victims.

In addition to that, Dunn has been recognized by others for his efforts. Former President Bill Clinton recognized Dunn for his civic leadership by way of giving him the Giant Steps Award. Dunn was named NFL Man of the Year in 2005 as well. Dunn received the Bart Star Award in 2009 as well.

Nowadays, Dunn does speaking appearances and runs his charities. He also is a minority owner with the Atlanta Falcons. This makes Dunn the most loveable owner in sports. Despite Dunn asking for a little bit too much $$ to speak at my school's sports banquet, I think Warrick Dunn is as classy as they get. Need more guys in sports like Warrick Dunn. I hope he gets in the Hall of Fame, because he was one of the NFL's best people and not just a football player.

-Noland