Dunn talks about his return

So, you're excited about Warrick Dunn's return? Well, you'll be happy to know he shares your enthusiasm.

When reached by telephone tonight, Dunn told us he's ready to get to work in Tampa, where he expects winning will be more commonplace than in Atlanta.

"I'm just happy to be playing with a group of guys that have been playing hard, that have played well and are going out each week and competing," Dunn said. "I'm really thrilled about the opportunity to try to win some games and move forward. Right now, I don't know everyone, so I can't say a whole hell of a lot. But I'm looking forward to being part of the team and to come in and contribute any way I can."

On the irony of possibly ending his career where it began, Dunn said, "I think I said it a while ago: it's full circle to start your career in Tampa and have the opportunity to finish it there. I'm just really honored and humbled that the coaches believed in me and hopefully I can come in and get to know those guys and just continue doing what I've been doing."

Dunn offered some gratitude for Derrick Brooks, who lobbied the front office and Jon Gruden to acquire Dunn.

"I'm always thankful for Derrick," Dunn said. "He's always believed in me."

Regarding what Gruden told him of his role, Dunn said, "he told me to just got to go out and play my game and have fun."

Dunn's agent, Jim Steiner, told me earlier that Gruden emphasized his intentions to involve Dunn in the passing game. Steiner said he thought playing under an offensive-minded coach like Gruden would be good for Dunn, whose versatility should give Gruden lots of options.

Comments

[shane]

good to have you back warrick

[Kipp]

Good player, great person.

[Darren]

Not only Derrick, but lots of fans believe in Warrick Dunn.

Welcome home!

[Stephen Blackehart]

Derrick and Shelton Quarles are going to be the only guys left over from the last time he was here. How weird is that for a guy who looked too fragile to last in pro ball when he got here?

[skp]

the funny thing is that at 33, he looks like he could be at least as effective as reggie "can't-miss" bush, and costs us about as much as reggie's left leg.

gruden will line this guy up all over; he'll be a weapon in the passing game, and get some nice running lanes behind this physical o-line...he aint what he used to be but he's born to play in this system.

[Tony]

I can't wait. May he get 1,500 yards from scrimmage next year, bless his giant heart.

Does anyone else remember that Monday night game versus the Rams?

[M. Reynolds]

Man do I remember the Monday night game. I watched it in a movie theater in Virginia. Lots of people cursing at Keyshawn, especially my then-wife. :D Really glad to see Warrick again. I was a freshman at FSU when he was a senior and I still have my #28 FSU jersey from way back when.

[Mike]

Thats the only fault I can find in WD. he's a nole. :( Hell of a guy though!

[Brent]

Awesome Pick up... So proud to have him as a Buc again. Go Bucs!!!!!!

[Nick]

I was at that Ram game. What a play!! Remember Warrick being dragged down but somehow getting the ball back to Shawn King. All I remember was it was one of the most heads up plays I will ever see and it won us that game. Welcome back Warrick your awesome and now you will have a quarterback who can get you the ball!!!

[boltcc]

Would have been nice to see Dunn and Alstott lined up in the backfield..nice to see him back

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

Yes! I can start wearing my Dunn jersey again! I hope he gets #28 back. I think Tanard Jackson has it right now, doesn't he?

[Vince]

Tony, I remember that Rams game. Dunn was the best #28 on the field.

[Sum Ting Wong]

I remember game as well as way mama-san take care of me after game at tokyo steam room

[Justin M]

Does this rule out the Bucs taking a RB in the draft? There are plenty of good prospects at that position this year.

[Pou Tang]

Oh, I was there too Sum Ting Wong. Not the game, but the steam room. Um-um good. Had flied lice too.

[Ray]

Too bad Alstott is retired. It would have been nice to see the old WD-40 duo together again.

[Michael]

If you are intrested, there is a video on ESPN.com of an interview with Jeff Garcia about the offseason moves the Bucs have made. If you go to the NFL page on ESPN.com, it is on the right. You will need to pick that specific video.

[Str8BucIn]

Welcome home WD... Now that's out of the way I think this is a major pick-up for our RB's. We know what we're getting with Warrick and he will fit in Gruden's system perfect. Think of a Dave Meggett type back out of Dunn at this stage of his career. He can come in here and start the season until we get Cadillac back to 100% and then use him to keep him fresh. Once again the management is showing us that they are trying to be contenders every year and not just the next season. If we keep making moves like this we will be in great shape and we will see the results of this off season in September.

[ANDY]

Class Act!!!!!! Welcome Back WD

[DR]

I love Tony Romo, but that doesn't make me gay.

[JS]

I was only a kid when WD played for Tampa, and that is when I became a fan of the bucs... but here is my question.. what number is he going to wear? 28? Tenard "The Great" Jackson is currently using #28? Do we see TJ giving it back to WD?