May 10, 2022 by The Foundation for a Better Life
Helping to raise his brothers and sisters was a lot of weight to put on a young man’s shoulders, but Warrick handled it well, still graduating from high school and earning a scholarship to Florida State. At the same time, Warrick had to grow up fast, take on adult responsibilities while still charting his own course. He used his mother’s life insurance to fulfill one of his mother’s dreams: to buy a house for the family.
His effort paid off with an NFL contract, and in his first year for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Warrick not only continued to take care of his siblings, he began Warrick Dunn Charities to help single mothers achieve first-time homeownership. He spent 12 years in the NFL, even though many thought he was too small. Perhaps being underrated drove him, or maybe it was the need to provide for his family and make his mother proud. Whatever his motivations, Warrick achieved rare greatness as an athlete and as a human being.
Adversity comes in many forms, and often to the people we least likely expect. Warrick’s drive and example not only help single mothers but also inspire them to continue their upward journey. Over 90% of them are still in their homes, working hard, getting an education, taking care of their families and thankful for the start that Warrick Dunn gave each of them.
On the field, Warrick Dunn played cornerback, quarterback and running back. Since retiring, he has been playing give-back. Since 1997 he has helped over 200 single parents and over 500 dependents achieve first-time homeownership. He works closely with Habitat for Humanity to build and furnish the homes and provide down-payment assistance. He also works with other professional athletes, guiding them to make a difference in their communities.
Perhaps most remarkable, Warrick Dunn later met with his mother’s killer and offered forgiveness. Seems life is too short to harbor hate and bitterness. For each of us, we can face our challenges, great or small, with the same courage.
Helping Others...PassItOn.com
Get Inspired, Sign Up to our PassItOn Blog: www.passiton.com/passiton-blog
SHARE this inspiring story with your friends and family to uplift their day. If you find these posts inspirational, consider favoriting PassItOn on Facebook so you never miss out on our weekly posts.
photo credit: Facebook
PassItOn.com is Excited to Announce the ✌ #PEACEPASSITON Giveaway to Help Spread the Value of PEACE. Everyone is Better Off when we Live our Values, and PassItOn to Others. Receive two FREE PEACE STICKERS when you participate.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
*First five thousand (5,000) individuals to sign up at https://www.passiton.com/peacepassiton on or before 11:59 p.m. MDT on June 15, 2022 will receive two (2) free Peace Stickers. Must be 18+ and a resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia to participate. Limit two (2) stickers per individual. Stickers will be shipped to the U.S. mailing address provided. (Posting a photo and following on Instagram/Facebook not required to sign up for stickers.) *
Help Spread the word and SHARE our #PEACEPASSITON Giveaway Facebook Post to your friends and family.