Warrick Dunn was known as a reliable running back during his NFL career, but his work off the field is much more important – just ask Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson.
After Clemson defeated Alabama for the national title on Monday, a photo featuring Dunn and a young Watson surfaced on Twitter. In the photo, Dunn is giving the key to the Watson family to their new house, built via Dunn’s charity Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) and Habitat for Humanity.
Warrick Dunn giving the Watson family the keys to their house in 2006. Deshaun Watson in black sweatshirt on the right. pic.twitter.com/UjGlcIhlkT
— HAPPY MOO YEAR (@edsbs) January 10, 2017
Dunn’s efforts have helped out hundreds of families find a home. He was inspired to build homes for single parents after his mother was killed in the line of duty as a police officer when Dunn was a senior in high school. To date, Dunn has built 153 homes.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Watson revealed how happy his family was upon being gifted with the four-bedroom, two bath home.
“I felt grown having my own room,” Watson recalled Saturday. “Just having my own bed, not really being squished, not really worrying about someone sneaking up on me, it was a great moment, a special moment.” …
The generous gesture surely helped Watson on his way to becoming the football star he is today. Watson threw for over 400 yards and scored four touchdowns in Clemson’s 35-31 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. He earned offensive MVP honors for the performance.
Watson is heading to the NFL draft. Who knows how his journey would have gone without Dunn’s incredible generosity. It’s a great story. Hopefully, Watson can return the favor and give back one day, like Dunn did. Perhaps, he’ll help another future football star.
