Named as one of the "101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports" in May 2003 by Sports Illustrated magazine, we honor Warrick Dunn not only for his outstanding athletic achievements, but also for his accomplishments outside sports. According to SI, "Dunn is the Falcon's top rusher, but his impact is even greater off the field."

The oldest of six children of a single parent, Dunn knows what it means to survive personal challenges. He acted as father figure while his mother, Betty Smothers, who was a police officer, often worked several jobs to put food on the table. Moving from place to place, Dunn grew up hearing his mother's dream to own her own home.

Unfortunately, while working a second job as a security officer, she was escorting an employee to the banks night depository where they were robbed. Betty was shot and died instantly. Dunn, eighteen and preparing to graduate high school, was left to care for his siblings. He took on the task of giving his family the second chance they deserved. A high school football superstar, Dunn received offers from powerhouse schools such as LSU and Florida State. He accepted a full scholarship to FSU while friends and family cared for his siblings.

Dunn felt the only chance for his family was for him to make it big in football. He did just that. He finished college with a degree and was the all-time rushing leader, setting an FSU record of 3,959 yards and scoring 47 touchdowns, also a school record.

Dunn was first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He accomplished quite a career as the Buc's electrifying running back. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1997 and 2000. He ranked second all-time with 4,200 career rushing yards and fifth on the Buc's all-time receptions list with 259 career catches for 2,384 yards. He had 26 career touchdowns and was the sixth best total all-time while his 17 rushing TD's are fifth. He averaged 52 receptions per season in his five-year career. He also played 76 career games with 65 starts. In March 2002, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent. In his first year with Atlanta, he made 68 receptions, ranking fifth best among NFL runners. He rushed for 557 yards and tucked away three touchdowns. 
 
Shortly into his professional career, Dunn established residency and received full legal guardianship of his siblings. He couldnt forget his mother's dream of buying her own home. He was financially stable, so he fulfilled that dream and even extended it beyond his family. He founded Home for the Holidays where he teams up with local officials to help single moms buy their first home. Each woman obtains credit counseling and upon credit approval, is fitted to a house. Right before Thanksgiving and Christmas, Dunn and local city officials present the key to the house just in time to celebrate the holidays. Dunn pays the down payment and teams up with local merchants to furnish the home with furniture, linens, yard tools...even the kitchen is stocked for the family's holiday feast.

Home for the Holidays has gained national attention. Dunn received the Giant Steps Award from former President Bill Clinton and the Oprah's Angel Award from Oprah Winfrey. Since the program started, over 35 moms and over 100 children in the Tampa Bay, Baton Rouge, Atlanta and Tallahassee areas have been helped.

With Dunn's encouragement, former Buccaneer Derrick Brooks, Dunn's agent Leigh Steinberg, New York Giants Jason Sehorn, and St. Louis Rams Kurt Warner have started programs similar to Home for the Holidays in St. Louis, New York City, southern California and Pensacola.

Betty would be proud of the big brother who cares for his siblings and makes dreams come true, so are we.