It shouldn't surprise anyone familiar with his work that former Falcons running back and current limited partner Warrick Dunn is being recognized for his community work.
Dunn is committed to charity through his Warrick Dunn Family Foundation, and he'll be honored Monday during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., when he — along with 16 others from around the country — receives the Jefferson Service Award, known as the "Nobel Prize for Public Service."
Dunn was selected to receive the Jefferson Award in the category of Outstanding Athlete in Service and Philanthropy.
The Jefferson Awards are bestowed in five categories: national recipients, unsung heroes at the community level, champion winners (affiliated with companies or organizations), schools, and, for the second time, professional athletes.
"We are proud to recognize Warrick Dunn," said Sam Beard, founder and president of the American Institute for Public Service and The Jefferson Awards, in a release. "What Warrick Dunn has accomplished in his lifetime is nothing short of extraordinary. He is the consummate team player, on and off the football field, first taking care of his family after the untimely death of his mother and later taking care of the communities closest to his heart."
Past recipients of the 39-year-old award include General Colin Powell, television personality Oprah Winfrey, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
