CUMMING, Ga. -- Running back Warrick Dunn ran the 40-yard dash in just a shade less than 4.3 seconds when he was drafted out of Florida State in 1997. But he never ran out on his education.
The 11-year veteran passed along the importance of learning and other messages at Vickery Creek Middle School Tuesday morning as part of the NFL's annual "Take a Player to School" program and its partnership with the JCPenny Afterschool Fund.
Dunn started the day at the home of seventh grader Mary Henner, who was picked from more than 70,000 applicants vying for a chance to bring a Falcons player to their school. Dunn and Henner made their way to campus just after 9 a.m. in a stretch limo.
They were welcomed by hundreds of excited students.
"We need great role models for kids and that's what (Dunn) is," school principal Kathy Rohacek said. "We're glad he's here."
"If I wouldn't have stayed in school I probably would have ended up in trouble," added Dunn, who took part in the "Take a Player to School" program for the fourth time in his career Tuesday morning.
Dunn and Henner moved on to homeroom, where the running back was quizzed on Spanish and peppered with questions ranging from his ability in the weight room to how he ended up with his famous No. 28.
"It's always good to go back to school," he said. "A lot of people have done a lot of things for me. It's good just to come out and tell kids to keep dreaming and strive to be the best."
The three-time Pro Bowler credits his mother for keeping him focused in school and dedicated on the practice field. His mother passed away when he was 18, but Dunn stayed on the right path. He honors her memory with the Warrick Dunn Foundation, which supports home construction and furnishing for single mothers in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, La. and Tampa, Fla. Dunn plans to expand the program to Tallahassee, Fla. soon.
His message for the class and a gathering of the school's seventh grade, focused on respect, education and physical fitness. A roaring response that seemed to rattle the gym signified the student body's approval.
Henner, who plays basketball at the school, introduced Dunn to her classmates, shaking off nerves from earlier in a morning she simply described as "crazy."
"Inspire yourself to be better than just average," Dunn said before closing out the day with photos and an introduction to the school's undefeated football team. "Be the best that you can be."
Dunn was one of several Falcons in the community Tuesday.
Wide receiver Michael Jenkins, offensive lineman Justin Blalock and safeties Daren Stone and Jimmy Williams talked about health and exercise on a Falcons First Down for Fitness stop at Fickett Elementary School while quarterback Joey Harrington, wide receiver Adam Jennings and linebacker Travis Williams paid a visit to patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
The team will also launch a large community initiative Sunday at the Georgia Dome when the FalCan Food Drive begins.
