ATLANTA (AP) -Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons became the 22nd player in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards, reaching the milestone with a 2-yard run Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts.
Dunn’s short run up the middle came early in the second quarter, giving him 26 yards on seven carries for the game and an even 10,000 yards in his career.
The Georgia Dome crowd gave him a standing ovation, fireworks went off and Dunn made sure to grab the ball, which was tossed to the sideline for posterity. Teammates Joey Harrington and Roddy White came over to congratulate Dunn, who waived to the home fans.
Dunn became the second player this month to join the exclusive club. Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor made it to 10,000 yards on Nov. 11 against the Tennessee Titans.
The accomplishment was especially impressive for Dunn given his size, generously listed at 5-foot-9 and 187 pounds. A couple of weeks ago, he mused about all those people who considered him too small to last in the NFL.
“I think I’ve surprised people over the years with how hard I run and how tough I am,” said Dunn, now in his 11th season. “I haven’t worn down. Just to be at this point in my career, to me that says a lot to all the people who doubted me.”
He’s nearly as well known for his charitable work as his play on the field, including a program that builds homes for single mothers. Dunn received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award from the NFL in 2004.
There could be another 10,000-yard rusher before this week’s games are done. LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers is 29 yards from 10,000.
Emmitt Smith is the leading rusher in NFL history with 18,355 yards.
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