Warrick's Way

If you are from Baton Rouge then you know of her son named Warrick Dunn. A person small in size but great in stature. His accomplishments on the football field are those of legend. He was All State Quarterback in high school. Later becoming an All American during his college days at Florida State. Those talents eventually led to a career in the National Football League. So far his 12 year career has spawned nearly 11,000 rushing yards, three trips to the Pro Bowl, and an endless fanbase across the nation. All of this while missing a grand total of 11 games in his life as a pro. That's someone who comes to work. Believe it or not, this isn't what defines him. It is the events outside of the boundaries of the football field that carved his character. Unfortunately one of those events led to tragedy.

January 7, 1993. Cpl. Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge Police officer, was killed in the line of duty. The loss of his mother trusted Warrick to be the head of his family's household. He had to grow up in real short amount of time. But he wasn't alone. A city rallied around him and his five siblings. A place full of strangers showing care and compassion to those who lost the pillar of their foundation. Then again Warrick Dunn was like a member of Baton Rouge's family.

It was nineteen years ago that a show called Sportsline Friday Nite hit the airwaves. Designed to build upon the lore that is high school football in south Louisiana. In it's debut, a younger Warrick Dunn provided one highlight after another. Everyone knew of the kid from Catholic High.

But nobody knew the impact he would bring back to his community. His foundation helps single parent families live the dream of buying their first home. His larger than life persona leaves many in awe. But if you ask him he isn't fond of being in the spotlight. So when Steve Schneider, our sports director, approached Warrick about doing a Player of the Year award named in his honor he dodged it. Just what he does when playing against some linebacker. However two years ago he changed his mind and wheels started turning. Just has he has impacted single parent families he now does the same for some our local football talent across the region. This award does more than recognize a player's accomplishments on the field but the character displayed off it as well.
Just like B.R.'s favorite son.