Fansided

25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

By Brad Weiss

Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson runs down the field as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20 - 9 on December 17, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images)
Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson runs down the field as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20 - 9 on December 17, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta running back Warrick Dunn (right) rushes away from Carolina defensive end Michael Rucker (left) during the first half Sunday, January 1st, 2006, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta running back Warrick Dunn (right) rushes away from Carolina defensive end Michael Rucker (left) during the first half Sunday, January 1st, 2006, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

25 best NFL running backs of the 21st century

Warrick Dunn. 22. player. 44. . .

It did not take Warrick Dunn long to make an impact in Tampa Bay, the team who took him with the No. 12 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. The NFL’s Rookie of the Year that season, Dunn helped round the Buccaneers into playoff contenders, and while he was not on the Tampa Bay team that beat the Oakland Raiders in the Super Bowl, his play helped make the Bucs a destination for free agents.

Dunn would play in Tampa Bay through the 2001 season, before heading to Atlanta from 2002 through 2007. He would return to Tampa Bay for a two-year stint to close out his career, but it was the Falcons who would induct him into their Ring of Honor.

The speedy running back was an all-purpose back that dominated through the air and on the ground. Posting five 1,000-yard seasons, Dunn rushed for nearly 11,000 yards in his storied career, setting 11 Atlanta records, and five Tampa Bay marks. He is still in the top-20 in terms of all-purpose yards and finished his career with three Pro Bowl nods, as well as the honor of winning the Walter Payton Award.

Dunn has also made an impact off the field, as his foundation, Warrick Dunn Charities, has donated over 170 homes to single parents.

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