OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:

Warrick Dunn, who played a big part in the turn around of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was voted the Rookie Of The Years in the 1997 season. Beating out alot of competition, which included Cincinati running back Corey Dillion, who had a bright year for the Bengals. Other players getting votes were Arizona's Jake Plummer, New York Giants Tiki Barber, and Buffalo's Antowain Smith. In Dunn's rookie year he rushed for 978 yards and 4 touchdowns, and caught 39 passes for 462 yards and three touchdowns. Warrick is the first Buccaneers to ever win this award, and one of the reasons Tampa Bay had their best season since 1979!! Warrick Dunn was also the only rookie to play in the 1998 Pro Bowl.

PRO CAREER

In the 1997 season Dunn started in 10 of the 16 games, and led his team in both receptions and rushing. He won the honors of both NFL Rookie Of The Years and a Pro Bowl invitation. As the teams primary ball carrier, he gained 978 yards and four touchdowns on 224 rushes(4.4 avg.). Also proved to be QB Trent Dilfer's favorite target, catching atleast one pass everygame, leading his team with 39 receptions for 462 yards and 4 touchdowns. His combinded yards of 1,440 stands as a  rookie single season team record. That also marks the 4th highest single season record by all team players. In 8 games Dunn accounted for 100 yards or more, and broke a team high 7 playes of 40 yards or more.