Atlanta Falcons Legend Warrick Dunn Changed Lives On And Off The Field originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
For the NFL running back position, at least at the time, the league housed some bruising running backs. Former Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn stood almost 5-foot-9, and weighed around 180 pounds. But, apart from the speed and highlight reels on the field, Dunn’s legacy was also being constructed off the field.
Dunn was a fan favorite in Tampa Bay after being drafted in the 1997 NFL Draft. He would keep that title as well after his arrival in Atlanta for the 2002 season. Dunn had elite vision, was an elusive runner, and gave relentless effort. Being paired with the Falcons’ other running back, T.J. Duckett, the duo would be known as a “Thunder & Lightning” type of backfield.
For Dunn, the majority of his greatest plays were outside of the Georgia Dome. More of them occurred in and around the city of Atlanta and in parts of the southeastern United States.
Inspired by his own experience growing up in Baton Rouge, LA, after his mother, a police officer, was tragically killed, Dunn created a program called “Homes For The Holidays, that provides single parents with down-payment assistance and fully furnished homes. By the time Dunn’s career had ended, he had helped well over 100 families achieve their dream of homeownership.
Dunn has yet to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but many fans believe he is deserving, not only for his stats on the field, but also for the unique way he impacted everyone around him as a man in the community.
His legacy will always be tied to the Atlanta Falcons, thanks to the way some current players have been professionals who lead by example, inspire others, and help build a culture of class and compassion. In a sport that can be plagued by ego, Dunn was the definition of what greatness looked like.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
