Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s “Evolved Man of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous individual alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the former NFL running back and multi-time pro-bowler Warrick Dunn.
Warrick Dunn made a name for himself on the football field, but he’s made a tremendous impact off the field. In his youth, tragedy struck his family when his mother, a police officer and security guard was shot and killed. It was up to him and his grandmother to raise his four siblings. At the same time, Dunn tried to impress college scouts in 1993. Juggling tragedy, grief, and being strong for his remaining siblings. Dunn got accepted to Florida State University.
While at Florida State University, he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 3 straight seasons. He graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in information studies. He was a three-time All-ACC selection and won a national championship. He was also a noted track and field star during his time at Florida State University.
Dunn was selected in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dunn had a highly successful rookie season, was selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team, and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year. He would become a free agent in 2002 and get picked up by the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. He played his last and final season back with his original NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, during the 2009 season.
Dunn’s best career work has been done off-field in retirement. Dunn established the Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) program in 1997 and started Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) in 2002 to grow programs and services. The HFTH program rewards single-parent families for reaching first-time homeownership. HFTH recipient families are chosen through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates and WDC with complete home furnishings and down-payment assistance. As of July 2012, HFTH has assisted over 150 single parents and over 300 dependents in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Tampa, and Tallahassee. WDC believes children can thrive educationally, socially, and economically by providing families with a positive home environment.
Dunn has received many awards and honors for his charity work, including the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and the 2009 Bart Starr Award. He also received a Jefferson Award for Outstanding Athlete in Service and Philanthropy 2011. In 2008, his autobiography Running For My Life hit bookshelves. Dunn deep dives into the loss of his mother at such a young age and his battle with depression in subsequent years. Luckily, Dunn sought help.
He’s changed the lives of countless people and has led multiple charity foundations. Here’s Warrick Dunn in his own words about giving those an opportunity he once yearned for a stable home:
“…I think it’s important to help change the community and the environment, create stability for a family that could potentially have good long-term positive impacts,”
This is the start of the 2023 NFL season, and Dunn’s playing days are behind him. However, it hasn’t stopped Dunn from making some serious plays in life to improve the lives of others and service. We at the Evolving Man Project salute Warrick Dunn and his selfless work on and off the field. Today, we honor Warrick Dunn as our Evolved Man of the Week.
Evolving Folks Project 