FSU should rename Doak Campbell Stadium after hero Warrick Dunn

Florida State can seize a big opportunity by naming its venue after the great Warrick Dunn.

Amid of wave of activism on college campuses that has seen Deep South schools like Clemson and South Carolina reckon with their direct associations with racist figures of the past, Florida State University became the latest to enter the fraught but undoubtedly necessary, long-overdue dialog.

Former Seminoles linebacker Kendrick Scott started a petition to rename the football team’s home venue, Doak Campbell Stadium. This due to its namesake’s support for segregation, and university president John Thrasher issued a statement Monday reflecting his interest in hashing out the issue. But there’s an enticing solution he can turn to right here, right now that would end all of this in a hurry: revoke Doak in favor of Warrick Dunn.

FSU can solve its stadium naming problem by switching out Doak Campbell for former star running back and a beloved philanthropist Warrick Dunn

After an All-American career in Tallahassee, the undersized Dunn (no relation!) made three Pro Bowls with the Buccaneers and Falcons. Dunn notably won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2004 for the work he does through two organizations he founded, Homes for the Holidays and the Warrick Dunn Charities.

Both focus on helping single-parent families become first-time homeowners, additionally providing furnishings and payment assistance.

Dunn, who was orphaned at age 18 only to become a hero to communities in his native Louisiana and beyond, is the perfect face for a new generation of not just football, but active citizenship at Florida State University.

This milestone 150th home? It came more than three years ago. The Warrick Dunn Charities’ official website lists a current total of 173, including almost $1 million in down payment assistance.

Kendrick Scott called to rename Doak Campbell Stadium at Bobby Bowden Field to “Bobby Bowden Stadium at Charlie Ward Field,” a nod to the program’s legendary coach and it’s first Heisman Trophy winner. That would go over fine with plenty of Noles fans, but we ought to be aiming for the stars in these days of national soul-searching on the subject of systemic oppression in our communities.

With that in mind, it’s time to ditch Doak and run with Dunn.