Inductee: Warrick Dunn

"Because I have been able to build a reputation as a talented player, I have been able to build futures. Because I am able to play, I am able to make a difference. Because I have been blessed with a talent, I also have been given a responsibility."

That’s it. He wrote my blog for me.

These words are what we’re (I am, hopefully you are too) searching for in athletes these days. This is that rare star who puts humanity first. This is a man who sees success as a gift that should be given to others. This is who we want, and need, as a leader in our world.

Warrick Dunn’s life challenged him in unimaginable ways. And this man, as soon as he’s given an opportunity in life, feels he has to use it to help others.

Most sports followers know Dunn as the Running Back for the Bucs and Falcons with the reputation of excellence in both franchises.

Or maybe you were there when his alma mater, Florida State University, retired his jersey after winning a national championship and being a three-time All-ACC selection.

Or maybe you knew he was also an accomplished track star in college.

You could have seen any one of his Pro Bowl selections or franchise record-settings (both teams).

Or maybe you saw his induction into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor, being one of just ten players to have this distinction.

Any one of these accomplishments is more than most could wish for in a lifetime, but none of this seems to matter to Dunn unless he’s giving back.

“Warrick Dunn” has become synonymous with “philanthropy” because of how many lives he’s personally changed and how many people he’s personally helped.

The Warrick Dunn Foundation, which he created, is focused on a program called “Home for the Holidays.”

You see, Dunn grew up with a single mother, a policewoman, who aspired to provide for her family and someday buy them a home. However, when Dunn was a teenager, his mother was killed during a robbery attempt. This left Dunn to raise his younger siblings and forced him to grow up fast.

He turned this around and, just about four years later, created the program. Home for the Holidays helps single mothers become first-time homeowners, in honor of what his mother tried tirelessly to do for his family.

The organization puts down payments on new homes and then has in-kind donations to furnish it. The organization’s staff and volunteers design and decorate the homes based on the recipient’s preferences. The end product, however, is always a surprise to the new homeowner.

Dunn has assisted 150+ single parents to date, along with 400+ children or dependents.

Dunn has received great recognition for his actions, such as being awarded the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year, but has always remained a humble, good guy.

“My mom inspired me to do what she did in her life-help others. People say I’m giving back, but I think I’m getting a lot more than what I put in. We can all make the world a little better by doing just a little bit with whatever we have to offer,” he says.

Warrick Dunn’s consistent commitment to using his recognition for the greatest possible good is why we find ourselves in awe of what he’s done.

We could go on forever about the merit of Dunn’s work and how wonderful a person he is, but I truly believe his own words speak the loudest. Because he’s able to play, he can make a difference. And what a difference he’s made.

This post isn’t enough to grasp his full impact and his full story that led him here. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you read Dunn’s novel, Running for my Life. You'll learn about football, philanthropy and life.

I am inducting Warrick Dunn because he has taken honest, humble steps to make ACTUAL change. He created something real and relevant and necessary by doing something meaningful to him.

An athlete, a philanthropist, an inspiration…Warrick Dunn, welcome to the Good Guy Hall of Fame!