If the story stopped right there, Warrick would be among the greatest winners I've ever worked with. But, while working with him on his autobiography Running For My Life, released Tuesday, Warrick showed me strength, character and courage I never imagined. He invited me to join him the day he met face-to-face, for the first time, with his mother's killer.
 
Warrick had spent years in counseling dealing with the grief of losing his mother. That day he was looking for answers - answers only Kevan Brumfield could provide. But the Warden warned Warrick that an appeal was pending and he may not get was he was looking for.
 
The warden was right. No sooner than we had sat down, the inmate told us he "didn't do it." Warrick sat patiently and listened to his story, but stopped him after about 20 minutes.
 
He pushed aside his spiral notebook filled with questions, looked Brumfield in the eyes, and bared his soul to him.
 
"In the years after my mom's death, I had been hesitant about being in a committed relationship," Warrick said. "I've been afraid to lose people. I've been in counseling for many years over this very concept of having a true, committed relationship because I don't want to lose somebody I love twice in my life. ... I don't think I could suffer that pain again."
 
Warrick paused while tears ran down his face. "If you didn't do it, I don't know why you are here today, but I know why I'm here today. I am here because I need to forgive somebody."
 
As we walked out of the prison, passed rows and rows of razor wire, I realized that Warrick Dunn was a living testament to the fact that, if harnessed, adversity can fuel true greatness.
 
TIPS FROM THE GREAT ONES
 
Adversity is assured for all of us. It does not matter where you're from or who you are - it is the one thing we all have in common. The truly great find opportunity in the worst of times. Warrick Dunn will be the first to tell you that he would not have created a foundation to provide homes to single mothers if he hadn't lost his. He turned his adversity into an opportunity to change the lives of many.
 
"My mother used to tell me that adversity can make you bitter or better," said Warrick. "She always encouraged me to do better."
 
When adversity comes your way look at it for the opportunity it may be providing you - a lost job can create a new career path... but only if you're willing to open your eyes to that possibility. Remember the words of Helen Keller: "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." 
 
Keep your eyes straight ahead.