The Bucs’ 10 Best Draft Picks: #7 – Warrick Dunn

by The Bull Gator on Jan 20, 2009 12:53 PM EST in News Comment 9 comments

7. Warrick Dunn – RB – 1997 – 1st Round (12th Overall)

Although Warrick Dunn spent six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, he was originally one of the key contributors to the Bucs’ rise in the late 90’s.

Dunn immediately became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay and rightfully so, as he gave the Bucs the offensive excitement they had been missing. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1998 and 2000 and has never caught less than 39 passes during his six seasons with the team. Dunn continued to perform when he went to the Falcons and surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards in 2007.

Dunn signed a 2-year contract with the Bucs this past off-season and immediately made an impact. He led the team with 786 rushing yards and tied for second with 47 receptions.

In addition to his performance on the field, Dunn is known for his extensive charity work. As well as the Warrick Dunn Foundation, Dunn – along with a number of other sports personalities – formed Athletes for Hope, an organization that helps other athletes become more involved in charitable activities.

I'm definitely glad it looks like he will be able to finish his career in Tampa.

8. Paul Gruber – T – 1988 – 1st Round (4th Overall)
9. James Wilder – RB – 1981 – 2nd Round (34th Overall)
10. Doug Williams – QB – 1979 – 1st Round (17th Overall)

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One of my favorite Dunn memories was the 2000 MNF game versus the Rams.

He was just electric in that game.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 20, 2009 12:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mine too.

I was going to mention it above, but figured I would wait and see how long it would take someone to bring it up. Good job! 4 minutes! Haha.

That game was absolutely great.

by The Bull Gator on Jan 20, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He was the reason I became a Bucs fan.

I have to admit, I had no NFL loyalties until he was drafted out of Florida State.

Not only did we draft a great player, but an even better human being. If we had a top 10 list of human beings ever to play in the NFL, we would have two of them in Brooks and Dunn sitting just behind Reggie White.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on Jan 20, 2009 3:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

....and by Brooks and Dunn

I don’t mean Boot Scootin Boogie.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on Jan 20, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sick reference, ha!

Warrick Dunn is my absolute hands down favorite sports athlete EVER… Loved following his career with the Noles (tormenting the Hurricanes and anybody else who doubted him, I still think he got in against Virginia in our first ever ACC loss). Like Joel mentioned the guy couldnt be a better guy. His life story is fascinating and full of sorrow and triumph… alright let me stop I’m leaning closer and closer to an Oprah Winfrey segment.

I’ll just finish by saying Warrick Dunn led me to the Buccaneers as well. As a kid I grew up idolizing the Cowboys and 49ers, but once Warrick Dunn blessed us with his college career i was determined to root for whoever he went too. And so my Buccaneer fandom began….

Good stuff Joel!

Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!

by JScott on Jan 20, 2009 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs