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Tackling Physical Fitness

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

INTERBAY - When Timothy Wise Jr., 10, opened the door to his family's apartment, there stood his favorite football player: Tampa Bay Buccaneer Warrick Dunn.

"Good morning; good morning," Dunn said, extending his hand to the wide-eyed Timothy, who wore, coincidentally, a replica of the running back's No. 28 jersey.

The West Shore Elementary fifth-grader was one of 34 winners nationally in the NFL Take a Player to School Day. His father, Timothy Sr., who lives in Virginia, had entered the online contest.

The winners introduce the players, who talk to students about education, physical activity, health and respect for others. The schools receive monetary donations and sports equipment.

Timothy knew a Bucs player would pick him up by limousine and take him to school Oct. 28 but didn't know it would be the Pro Bowler.

Dunn, who returned to Tampa this year after six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, said he volunteers for the day because "it shows we are human, too. We grew up in similar situations. We want to share the message that you can be more than an athlete."

Timothy, who plays football for the South Tampa Titans, said Dunn is his favorite player because "he can run fast."

He invited two of his Titans teammates and schoolmates, Maurice Walton and Darrell Turner, both 10, to join him and his sister Jasmine, 6, for Dunn's early morning visit before heading to school. They had hats, miniature helmets, footballs and other souvenirs ready to be signed.

Dunn joked with the boys, asking about school, their favorite players and whether they had girlfriends - "Now, don't lie to me," he told them.

But the boys remained rather quiet, staring and smiling at Dunn.

"They are shy right now," said Timothy's mother, Tina. "They don't know what to do."

At West Shore, the second surprise came in the form of Bucs Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks, invited to help with the presentation by his teammate.

Brooks asked Timothy whether Dunn was treating him well.

"You're the man of the hour, the day," he joked. "If he made you shy, a little nervous, I'll tackle him if he did."

During the 30-minute presentation, the players encouraged the students to spend at least an hour a day playing outside. The message is part of the NFL's Play 60 health and fitness campaign.

"Your future is your mind and your body," Dunn said.

Brooks encouraged them to eat well, asking how many like junk food.

"There is nothing wrong with liking junk food," he said. "You just can't eat it all the time."

After the presentation, the players and Timothy's class went outside to work through the Play 60 program, including stretches, kicks and jump-rope.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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