Sports

FALL KICKOFF

Atlanta Falcons’ running back Warrick Dunn warms up for his 11th Nflseason.

You’re clutching the football tight under your arms, making a mad dash for a first down, when three giant linebackers converge on you. What do you do? Well, if you’re Warrick Dunn, you channel your inner fish and slip right through their fingers. After 11 years in the NFL, Dunn remains one of the most elusive and electrifying backs out there. He signed with the Falcons in 2002 after five years with Tampa Bay and has been a huge asset ever since, rushing for more than a thousand yards his past three seasons. As outstanding as Dunn is on the field, his contributions off the field are equally impressive. In 1997, he established “Homes for the Holidays,” a program that provides motivated single parents with down payments for a brand new home. Dunn later established the Warrick Dunn Foundation in an effort to expand this program. In 2004, he was presented with the Walter Payton NflMan of the Year Award, the only Nflaward that recognizes a player for his community service as well as excellence on the field. Here, Dunn shares how he plans to leave it all on the field this season.

How can the Falcons avoid another end-of-season slide?

“In the past, we had a lot of injuries and so on, but I think we just need to move on and start a new season.”

Do you expect the same amount of touches this season?

“I’m no spring chicken, so I can’t expect a million touches. I’m just going to go out, do my best and hopefully be productive.”

How will the Falcons rate in the NFC South?

“It’s a tough division, but it’s competitive. We have an opportunity every week to win another game. Hopefully, we can score at least one more point than our opponent—that’s all that really matters.”

How do you manage to avoid so many tackles?

“Well, I imagine that I’m running for my life, and, if you were running for your life, you would do whatever you could to make guys miss in order to live and run another day. Now that I’m older, I run smarter. I can’t make every one a homerun. I pick my spots and try to make it happen.”

What’s your ultimate goal?

“I’ve always desired to be a champion— that’s why we play the game. It’s not just about money, it’s about being the best. I want to say that I was on the best team.” —Alexandra Calamari

ATLANTA’S SPORTING EVENT CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 1-2
Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Turner Field

Chipper Jones and the Atlanta Braves take on their rivals the New York Mets for the last time at home in the regular season, in a short series that may have serious implications for the post-season picture.

SEPTEMBER 15
Georgia Tech vs. Boston College Bobby Dodd Stadium

The sting is back! After claiming the coastal division in 2006, Georgia Tech’s football team hopes to start the season strong with QB Taylor Bennett. Chances are Boston College’s underrated QB Matt Ryan won’t go down without a fight.

SEPTEMBER 23
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers Georgia Dome

The Atlanta Falcons host the Carolina Panthers for their first home game of the season at the Georgia Dome. The birds are hoping for a case of déjà vu since they swooped to a 20-6 victory in Charlotte at Carolina’s home opener last year.