Warrick Dunn

Veteran running back Warrick Dunn has been released by the Falcons. 

Dunn had his best years in Atlanta running behind a zone blocking scheme, the same scheme Green Bay has tried to run the past two seasons. But so far, the Packers have not called or shown any interest in Dunn's services.

There is a new award called the "NFL Neighborhood MVP Award."  Which player in the NFL did the most to help improve a community in the past year?

At a ceremony held in Phoenix during the week leading up to Super Bowl XXII, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank presented the trophy, sponsored by Home Depot. Blank is the CEO of Home Depot.

Who would become the first recipient of the award?

Drumroll, please. And the winner? Blank's running back, Warrick Dunn.   

Dunn was a worthy choice. Over the past ten years his foundation has given financial help to 74 parents ( with 192 children) so they could purchase their first homes.  The projects are in Tampa and Tallahassee, Fla.; Baton Rouge, La.; and Atlanta.

On Sunday, the Falcons signed free agent Michael Turner, RB, Chargers, to a six-year, $38 million dollar contract. Turner will join Jerious Norwood. The Falcons have a nice backfield.

Many Packers fans would like to have seen Turner, 26, in green and gold. No argument here.  (Packers RB Ryan Grant is an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he has little or no bargaining power right now.)

Dunn asked the Falcons to be released after they signed Turner. He got his wish on Monday. This gives Dunn time to catch on with another team this week, when a lot of running backs will get a look in free agency.

At least he's still got that nice trophy from Home Depot.

- Mike Clemens