Warrick Dunn made it only as far as the NFC Championship game in his time with the Falcons, but his experience on the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee has given him a whole new perspective on the game he always hoped to be in.
“It makes me think if I ever played in a Super Bowl, the focus I would have to have during Super Bowl week. So many things are going on, and you’re being pulled in a million directions,” the retired Pro Bowl running back said.
Dunn is making room for one of those million things this weekend. On Saturday, Dunn will represent the Host Committee as an honorary captain in the 19th Annual Celebrity Flag Football Challenge, a flag football game that is a part of the weekend of events at the SunTrust Confidence Classic.
The lineups include the likes of rap icon Quavo and former NFL stars Michael Vick, Michael Irvin and Doug Flutie.
Dunn is excited for the chance to play against former Falcons teammate Vick, but he still thinks he has the best quarterback on his side.
“I’m just happy now that I have an opportunity to play against him. Being his teammate, I understand his skill set. Now in flag football, I’m going with a guy who has been there and done that in Doug Flutie,” Dunn said.
Dunn’s role on the host committee includes working with volunteers around the city and letting them know that their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated as Atlanta prepares to host the big game.
“With all the festivities and getting ready, I can understand now this is a huge undertaking from ground level with the volunteers, but also as a city. Being prepared for the Super Bowl is a team sport,” Dunn said.
Working with volunteers is natural for Dunn, whose charitable endeavors such as Homes for the Holidays won him Walter Payton Man of the Year honors in 2004. He said he wants those who visit Atlanta this weekend to feel “that Southern love and hospitality.”
Dunn also owns a minority stake in the Falcons. He summed up his thoughts on the team’s disappointing season in 2018.
“We just had a lot of injuries last year, especially on defense. I think if we can get guys back healthy and have coach (Dan) Quinn get guys going again, the sky is the limit,” Dunn said.
The SunTrust Confidence Classic Fan Fest is free to the public from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at SunTrust Park. Tickets are required for entry to the celebrity flag football game.
