NFL Man of the Year

Jet, March 7, 2005

* NFL MAN OF THE YEAR: Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn is presented the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy by Connie Payton, wife of the late legendary Chicago Bears running back. The award is the only league honor that recognizes off-field community service as well as on field excellence.

Through the Warrick Dunn Foundation, Dunn launched the "Homes for the Holidays" program his rookie season. It assists single mothers to become first time homeowners. To date the program has moved 52 moms with 135 children into homes by providing down payments and enlisting the help of sponsors to furnish the homes. Last season, Dunn, an eight-year NFL veteran, rushed for 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns that helped lead the Falcons to the playoffs.