The Falcons have turned the page on the Warrick Dunn era.

The popular running back — who touched fans on and off the field — was released Monday.

"I had some of the best years of my career there," Dunn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday night. "I hope people always remember the way I played and that was with all my heart. I left everything I had out there on the field – always. These are the hardest times as an athlete."

After signing with the team as a free agent in March of 2002, he helped lead the Falcons to the NFC championship game after the 2004 season and to league rushing titles from 2004 to 2006.

Off the field, his Homes for the Holidays charity provided down payments for single mothers in an affordable home ownership program. He helped 17 mothers and 43 children and dependents in Atlanta move into their first homes. The charity also does work in Dunn's native Baton Rouge, Tampa Bay and Tallahassee. As of December 2007, the program has assisted 74 single parents and 192 dependents.

The team released Dunn on the same day it introduced its free-agent signees, including Michael Turner. It was the signing of Turner that led to Dunn's release.

Dunn said he did not specifically ask for his release but when the Falcons told him that he did not fit into their plans and that they could try to trade him or release him, Dunn said he told them, "release me."

Falcons coach Mike Smith spoke with Dunn Sunday night, informing him the team was moving in another direction.

"It's always tough to release a veteran player, especially someone that has had the accolades that Warrick has on the field and off the field," Smith said. "He's a class person and he's very, very successful. What he's done off the field has been just amazing. I know from our conversations of last night that Warrick will always be an Atlanta Falcon."

Dunn, who plans to continue his career, said he already has had conversations with Tampa Bay. "I can still play this game," Dunn said. "This is tough. I'm not going to lie. I have a very strong base in Atlanta, a strong following, a lot of friends that I built over six years. There are a lot of people in the organization that I'm close to. They're family to me and it's hard to leave family."

Dunn was the Falcons' leading rusher the past four seasons. He eclipsed the 10,000-yard career rushing mark last season.

Thomas Dimitroff, the team's new general manager, has been swift in reshaping the roster.

"I don't know Warrick personally, but from afar I've respected him, where he is today and where he may go," Dimitroff said. "I understand that he may end up on another team and do well. We wish him all of the luck."

After the team agreed to a six-year, $34.5 million contract with Turner, there was no way it was going to keep Dunn. He was to make $4 million in base salary next season.

"It was definitely a tough business decision," Dimitroff said. "I think at times because it is a business decision, you have to put your emotions to the side."

Dunn said the most emotional moment came when he spoke to Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Sunday night. "When I talked to Arthur, that was one of the hardest conversations that I had because I respect him so much," Dunn said. "In his first year buying the team, I was his first guy he signed. We had a special relationship and that's why it's so tough. There are no hard feelings and I'm happy they did what was best for Warrick Dunn and that was letting me go."

Going forward, Turner and Jerious Norwood will share the running back position. The Falcons plan to build a power running attack around the 5-foot-11, 237-pound Turner. Norwood is more of a perimeter runner with breakaway speed.

"What that allows us to do is add another dimension to our running game," Smith said. "Our opponents now are going to have to contend with a power back and Jerious Norwood."

The Falcons would like to simulate the one-two running back attack that Jacksonville utilizes with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

"We talked about how we did things offensively in Jacksonville in terms of the two running backs that we have here," Smith said. "I think you can basically tap into both of those styles of runners, depending on how people are trying to defend us."

Turner was viewed as the top running back in free agency. He was highly coveted, but after a dinner meeting with Blank and other team officials Saturday night at New York Prime, he was sold on the Falcons.

"It's been a long wait for me to get my opportunity to start," Turner said. "I had a list of teams that were interested in me, but Atlanta stepped up first."

In addition to Turner, the Falcons introduced tight end Ben Hartsock, safety Erik Coleman and cornerback Von Hutchins at a press conference Monday. Quarterback Chris Redman, who re-signed with the team, was in attendance.

RB COMPARISON

A look at how the new Falcons running back tandem of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood compare:

Player Yrs. Carries Yds. TDs Rec. Yds.

Turner (above) 4 228 1,257 6 11 71

Norwood 2 202 1,246 3 40 379

ROSTER TURNOVER

With Alge Crumpler and Warrick Dunn released and Michael Vick on indefinite suspension, the only Falcons players remaining on the roster since 2002 are:

LB Keith Brooking

C Todd McClure

RG Kynan Forney

RT Todd Weiner

— Staff writer Jennifer Brett contributed to this story.