Dunn played in the NFL for twelve seasons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State. Dunn was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1997 and earned three Pro Bowl selections in his career. After his playing career, Dunn took a minority stake in the Falcons' ownership group.

Dunn established the Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) program in 1997, and started Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) in 2002 as a way to grow programs and services. In July 2012, WDC launched Betty’s Hope. Named after Dunn’s mother, Betty Smothers, the mobile children’s bereavement program works to empower youth as they manage their grief in a responsive environment to heal and enhance their quality of life.