Former NFL great Warrick Dunn was a dominant force on the football field. His love for the game of football was evident in his talent and skills which would make any football lover smile–and we have his grandmother to thank for some of that.
“She loves football…In the off season she’s watching the replays…falling asleep.”
And he’s still making people smile.
This Sunday, before the start of the Cowboys- Giants game Dunn will be teaming up with country music star Rodney Atkins for the ‘Crown Royal Heroes Project’ – an ongoing commitment to honor, recognize and give back to America’s finest – including police officers, fire fighters, military personnel and more.
If you are in Dallas on Sunday head over to the East Plaza at the stadium. Adults 21 and over will be provided the opportunity to support the military by stuffing special care packages to be sent to Dallas servicemen and women serving overseas this holiday season.
For Dunn, who’s mother, Betty Smothers was tragically gunned down  in an armed robbery during an off-duty shift, this event hits home.
“We wanna give people a time to come out and have fun. We all grew up on those purple bags. I’m doing it because my mom was a police officer and she lost her life when I was 18years old. There’ll be some spirits there, but be responsible. Don’t drink and drive. Crown Royal with this ‘Heroes Project’ honors those who keep us safe.”
For every bag stuffed, Crown Royal will donate $10 to The Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, a non-profit organization committed to generating awareness and garnering support for Texas volunteer firefighters.
But giving back is nothing new for Dunn. His foundation ‘Homes for the Holidays’ rewards single parents and children who have reached the American Dream of first-time home ownership in Atlanta, Georgia, Â Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida.
He’s looking to expand his reach with ‘Betty’s Hope’, a non-profit which will provide counseling services and resources to children who’ve experienced tragedy and loss.
“What I found out is that most kids, when they’re young, they are not apt to accept counseling. But in a group setting with other kids they’re more apt to open up. They find other kids with similar situations…and are then able to heal.”
So what’s he doing when he’s not giving back? Well, Dunn is in school, earning his MBA!
“I’m at school at Emory working on my MBA,” said Dunn.  ”So I have no life in reality…I slap myself everyday asking myself ‘what did I get into?’ I graduate May 2013…It’s hell right now.”
So, with his busy schedule running his national non-profit organization and going to school he still finds time to show appreciation to those who are TRUE heroes, and giving back with Crown Royal is fitting.
“I’m lucky to be with Crown Royal and the Hero’s project because I’ve lived that life and I know what they go through. It means a lot to say thank you.”
So join Warrick Dunn, Rodney Atkins and Crown Royal on Sunday in the East Plaza at Cowboys Stadium.
Smart. Talented. Giving. That’s what I call winning!
Your JGF,
~Angela Davis
