Warrick Dunn And DeShaun Watson
January 10th, 2017
Special bond with college champion quarterback.
Joe isn’t sure there is one human being that doesn’t like Warrick Dunn.
Not only is the former Bucs stud running back loved by Bucs fans for his awesome play on the field, he may be forever remembered for what he has done off the field to enrich lives.
Dunn, who is now a part owner of the Dixie Chicks, started a foundation when he was drafted by the Bucs to give away homes to needy single-parent families, specifically a mother-led family.
Part of the genesis of the charity was that Dunn grew up with just a mother as head of the household and struggled after she was gunned down while working a second job as a security officer for a bank. Dunn’s mother’s primary job was as a Baton Rouge, La. police officer.
To this day, Dunn continues to give away houses to deserving families. As of last year, he had donated 150 homes to families in the Tampa Bay area, Atlanta, Tallahassee and Baton Rouge. Some 10 years ago, per David Hale of ESPN.com, Dunn’s charity gave away a home to a family of four in Gainesville, Ga. Included in that family was an 11-year old boy who like just about every American youngster, wanted to grow up to be a football player.
Last night at the Den of Depression, that same young man threw the national championship-winning pass as Clemson beat Alabama for the national title.
That young man’s name is Deshaun Watson, likely the top quarterback in this spring’s draft.
Who knows what would have happened to young Watson had a generous man like Dunn not given his family a safe and secure home for him to grow up in?
had this on my camera roll… here’s Warrick at the presentation of Deshaun’s H4H home. Deshaun in black sweatshirt. pic.twitter.com/lIXqKovRr1
— David Hale (@DavidHaleESPN) December 14, 2016
January 10th, 2017 at 7:26 am
Nice story, J oE. Thanks
Too bad Trump’s new tax plan will cause single mother’s to pay more next year while many of us, especially those with enormous wealth will pay less. Apologies to all for bringing this up, but people need to be aware.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:52 am
Great story! Small world!
January 10th, 2017 at 7:53 am
BK….you forget how generous Trump is. They may pay more taxes, but Donald will send them an autographed picture of himself sporting a “make America great” hat. That should be enough to fill their stomachs and keep the rain off their heads, shouldn’t it? You miss the point…it is only words and slogans that count, isn’t it?
January 10th, 2017 at 8:02 am
Really guys @BKNY and @Mark really???!!!
January 10th, 2017 at 8:11 am
The hat should be in Russian…bad grammar and all.
January 10th, 2017 at 8:12 am
Dunn is so awesome
I was so upset when the bucs let him go to Atlanta……..but he’ll always be a buc forever!!!!!
January 10th, 2017 at 8:26 am
That is just awesome. Dunn is just an awesome human being, that is so cool.
January 10th, 2017 at 8:32 am
What a great story and Dunn is a great man.
January 10th, 2017 at 8:40 am
Den of Depression? Really????
The interns non-Bucs fans wrote this!
Come’on lets make this website GREAT! lol
January 10th, 2017 at 8:58 am
That’s a great story! But according to many posters here that is just evidence that WD wasn’t really a great RB because he’s just not mean and nasty enough.
It’s those freaking FSU players…too much class, too nice and not mean enough…I’m looking at you Derrick Brooks. (OK snark font off)
January 10th, 2017 at 8:59 am
I KNOW this wont be a popular opinion but for the record let’s be clear… Dunn himself does not provide the house or the groceries or anything else given when a house is provided. His team simply brings all the parties together. He may or rather his charity that is may provide some funding but let’s be VERY clear it is not his personal money.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:25 am
I personally never expected him to use his own money. The fact that he understands the need and facilitates the purchase and ownership of a home for a needy family is enough for me. Owning a home is a huge investment and is the main key to building personal wealth and self esteem. Kudos to Warrick Dunn
January 10th, 2017 at 9:33 am
Nice story. Story book ending for Clemson.
I’m not a scout but I’m not predicting that Watson will be a successful NFL passer. Clemson and Alabama play a different game entirely versus what we see on Sundays. I’ll be happy though, to see some other team have to find out.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:56 am
I’ve always had a lot of respect for Dunn, on and off the field. This charity helps people. That speaks volumes for me. Sure wish we could get those old uniform designs back. THE NEW UNI DESIGNS ARE GODAWFUL!!
January 10th, 2017 at 10:55 am
Now that is a quality story!
January 10th, 2017 at 11:14 am
@OnlyGodnoles
Agreed! Very tasteless, not funny at all! Just killed the vibe of the whole story!
January 10th, 2017 at 11:15 am
Buc50 I sincerely hope you understand I am in NO way diminishing Warricks charity. I am simply pointing out it is NOT his personal money. When I hear or read that Warrick provides houses and groceries etc I can’t help but wonder how many people think he is the one furnishing these things.
January 10th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Not saying that at all…please accept my apologies if it came off that way.
January 10th, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Buc50 do you work for his foundation or are privy to his tax info? Why is it people like you have to take a feel good story and make statements all in the name of so called putting the truth out there? How do you know he doesn’t use any of his personal money? The man made mega millions from the Bucs and the Chickenhawks so unless you have real info you should keep it to yourself. Maybe you were a recipient who knows?
January 10th, 2017 at 12:23 pm
DavidBigBucsFan99…dude go F yourself. I already apologized and I didn’t mean it like it sounded.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:00 pm
@BucBeliever
I certainly accept your point but it’s not really relevant.
Time = Money. WD has been more than generous with his time, showing up at many of the events connected with his charity. Of course the teams want to horn in on any good charity PR…look at all the stuff in RayJay.
Meanwhile…what has Warren Sapp done with his time? He’s been a real force for good eh? Other than help employment in the hooking industry and slapping chicks around what has this guy done with his time. Well before he messed up he spent all of it promoting Warren Sapp…had a nice broadcasting career.
To those who are given a lot a lot is expected. Mike Alstott has his charities and his volunteer coaching at his kids High School. Nobody eclipses DB55 and his Brooks bunch…again what has Sapp done?
While I accept your point I do not think it detracts one iota from WD’s efforts. But then as some here who I seem to irritate..lol…can vouch that I’m a sucker for good people.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Couldn’t agree more Stpetebucsfan.
Sapp provided shoes…the other guys provided shelter and life experiences. That’s it in a nutshell.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Comments killing a story? I’m sorry some of you find my comment “tasteless”. Don’t shoot the messenger when it’s the package that is tasteless.