Warrick Dunn Charities 28Challenge

By Jason Fleck

Athletes spend a lot of their lives working towards their ultimate goal of playing professionally. Their days are filled with workouts, practices, film sessions, meals, and sleep. Once their dreams are realized and they get their shot at playing professionally, it doesn’t get any easier. They are under magnified scrutiny. After all that, one bad day or an injury could mean the end of their professional career. Knowing how hard it is for them, you can’t blame them for wanting to be in the background and live a modest life once their playing days are over. They deserve it. A lot of them will worry only about themselves and remain out of the spotlight and enjoy their lives of luxury. A meaningless life in the eyes of some.

Meaningless can't be used to describe the life of Warrick Dunn, a 12-year veteran of the NFL and 3-time pro-bowler. He hasn’t just sat back and basked in his riches since retiring from the NFL. Dunn has chosen to make a difference in the lives of complete strangers. He has chosen to use his status for something with far more meaning than the material items he can buy. He has shown how one can be successful both on and off the field.

Warrick Dunn didn’t wait until his career was over to make a difference either. He founded Warrick Dunn Charities in 2002. Before that, during his rookie season, he started Homes for the Holidays in honor of his fallen mother. She was a single mother that worked tirelessly towards the dream of owning a home but was killed before ever being able to realize that dream. His mom worked hard for him and now he is working hard for others. He is supporting the same community that supported him and his family after the loss of his mother.

Warrick Dunn Charities has served 145 families with down-payment assistance, food, home furnishings, and other necessities. The assistance is used to combat poverty and hunger and to improve the quality of life for those in need. His program eases the stress and worry for a family who is having to choose between paying bills, eating a warm meal, or finding a way to work.

His 28Challenge encourages a donation of $28 over 28 days from 28,000 donors. To donate visit www.28challenge.com or visit www.wdc.org/donate.  Join the cause so dreams can continue to become real life.

Warrick Dunn is an example of a true hero who continues to go above and beyond for the success of others. Let’s follow in his footsteps and continue to make lasting impressions in the lives of those that truly need it.

"I am challenging companies, my followers, friends, colleges, professional athletes and others to give back. Making someone's life better is what every person should try to do...like a pay it forward model. My family was supported by the community after the loss of my mother. I'm keeping it going. Being able to transform a life is priceless." - Warrick Dunn

By: Jason Fleck