Mike Freeman of CBS Sports has a great column about one of the classiest players in the NFL, Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn. It's a good look at a guy who had a rough life as a young man, built himself up into a great success story, and is now trying to give back.But there's one particularly noteworthy quote from Dunn that's worth pointing out:
"It's not the same," he said. "When I came in, my generation was different. We respected the guys who came before us. I learned about the guys who paved the way. Now you have a lot of young guys who don't care about the past. They couldn't name some of the past great players. They (couldn't) care less."If you're like me, and you remember Dunn as a freshman at Florida State, doesn't that make you feel old? That Dunn is now the aged veteran complaining about the whippersnappers who don't respect their elders?
Anyway, with all due respect to Dunn, I think he's probably wrong there: Let's not forget, this year's rookies are all going ga-ga over seeing Walter Payton's bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Dunn is 33 years old, and there's a big generation gap between him and the young breed of players, but I think that even when Dunn and his generation of players retires, the league will remain in good hands.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-01-2008 @ 1:43PM
Gary said...
I was fortunate enough to be in Tallahassee when Warrick was a freshman and have followed his career over the years. He is no doubt,along with Brad Johnson,one of the most inspiring players in FSU history. His honesty,integrityand work ethic set him apart from many players coming up at the time.His statement is right on the numbers and is apparent not only in the world of sports but in our society as a whole. We have failed as parents and a society to instill the true meaning of respect in the fifteen to twenty-five group of today. They don't have a sense of sports history or American history for that matter. I am not even sure they have a sense of tradition. It is something that older generations will suffer for in the long run and the kids will learn hard lessons about ignoring the past and the true meaning of respect.Respect isn't about a snarky comeback or somehow showing up someone else. It is about experience,devotion and wisdom that comes with giving respect so you can earn respect.
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7-01-2008 @ 1:46PM
hootie_69 said...
I think I'll go with the opinion of the player who has actually spent countless hours with the new generation of players.
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7-02-2008 @ 2:09PM
Marc Auth said...
Props to Dunn, for sure!
I met the guy in Boise, Idaho at the recent World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, to which he was one of this years inductees. Wish someone had transcribed his acceptance speech; it was some powerful stuff...
Photos at www.idahosportsphotography.com
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