February 10, 2025 – Daily Devotional
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” -2 Peter 1:5-7
As the football season ends, the trophies and awards are being passed out to deserving teams and individuals. The NFL season is long and grueling. For a person to win Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, or Most Valuable Player, they have done more than survive the season; they have excelled at every area of their profession. I believe the best award each year is the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given each year to the NFL player who works to be both excellent on the field and off the gridiron. This award recognizes players who have excelled at community service, helping their neighbors succeed as well.
One of my favorite players to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is Warrick Dunn. Warrick became a nationally known player while at Florida State University. As a running back, Dunn ran for over 1,000 yards in 3 straight seasons. He was selected as an All-American and helped lead Florida State to a National Championship. He would be drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He would win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He would have an exceptional career in the NFL. Warrick is now a minority owner in the Atlanta Falcons, the team where he finished his career.
Warrick Dunn’s success on the football field was extraordinary. However, his work to make others successful is what he has dedicated his life to beyond the gridiron. Warrick Dunn grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He had a loving mother who worked so hard to support her family. As a single mother, she did all she could to bless her family. Her dream was to purchase a home for herself and her children. Unfortunately, Dunn’s mother tragically died before she could realize that dream.
Warrick has since dedicated his work to helping single mothers achieve the dream of owning a home. He has developed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Catholic High School (Dunn’s high school in Baton Rouge). He has now helped over 200 families find a forever home. These homes are fully furnished and offer families a fresh start. Because of Warrick Dunn’s generosity, each of these homes is provided, at no cost, to bless these families. His work is making generational changes in the lives of these families.
Warrick Dunn and the many winners of the Walter Payton Man of The Year Award remind us that our success in life is best determined not by how many yards we run or how many points we score. Our life is most successful when we bless others. Warrick Dunn was one of the most determined and consistent football players I have witnessed. He has taken that same attitude and determination into the arena of life, and it has become a gift to people in need in his community. He has also become an inspiration to so many who now dedicate their time and effort to bringing love and hope to the world. We work so diligently to be successful in life. Let us not forget to make others’ lives a success along the way.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
