FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons today released 11-year veteran running back Warrick Dunn.
Dunn spent six seasons in a Falcons uniform and finished his tenure in Atlanta ranked third on the franchise’s all-time rushing yards list (5,979) behind Gerald Riggs (6,631) and William Andrews (5,986). He helped the Falcons lead the League in rushing for three consecutive seasons (2004-2006) while reaching the 1,000-yard plateau in each campaign.
“Warrick Dunn holds himself to the highest standards of the National Football League,” said Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank. “His contributions, not only to the Falcons but to the entire NFL both on and off the field, have been well documented. The legacy he leaves in Atlanta will be long-remembered and appreciated by his fellow players, fans and the community. In my mind, Warrick will always be part of the Falcons family. At times like this our hearts are heavy, but the nature of the game sometimes requires making these kinds of decisions, however difficult they are for all of us. I wish Warrick continued great success in his future endeavors.”
In 2005, Dunn logged his best season with the Falcons when he registered a career-high 1,416 rushing yards on 280 carries (5.1) to earn his third-career Pro Bowl selection. The Florida State graduate also owns six of Atlanta’s top 10 longest rushes in team history, which includes a 90-yard touchdown scamper in 2006.
“Warrick Dunn epitomizes all that is good about the National Football League and professional sports,” said Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “What he has done on the field is remarkable. What he has done off the field with his well publicized “Homes For the Holidays” program has changed and impacted lives. We wish him all the best as he moves forward in his NFL career.”
Dunn’s performance last season was highlighted when he eclipsed the 10,000-yard rushing total against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, becoming the 22nd running back in the NFL to accomplish the feat. He is currently the only active running back in the league to reach 10,000 yards rushing and 4,000 yards receiving and ranks seventh all-time in the category.
Dunn’s career rushing totals include 2,484 carries for 10,179 yards, a 4.1 yards per carry average and 47 touchdowns. He has also tallied 463 receptions for 4,009 yards and 15 scores.
“Warrick has performed at an extremely high level for a very long time,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. “Making moves like this one is never easy. It’s tough. But we have to do what we feel is in the best long term interest of the Falcons. Everyone here in our organization wishes Warrick success in all of his future endeavors.”
As one of the most recognized community leaders in the NFL, Dunn was honored as the 2004 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a player for his outstanding community service and on-field performance. Through his Homes for the Holidays program, Dunn helps single parents and dependants become first-time homeowners by making the down payments on new, fully-furnished homes. As of December 2007, his program has assisted 74 parents and 192 dependants. Dunn also received the 2004 Jessie Tuggle Humanitarian Award, which is a team award given to a player’s community service.
Throughout his career, Dunn also captured the “No. 1 Good Guy” Award from the Sporting News, made the list as one of the 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports by Sports Illustrated, was selected as one of Oprah Winfrey’s “Angels,” and earned the NFL’s Extra Effort Award.
