FSU RETIRES PETER WARRICK JERSEY

Warrick (pictured center with black jersey on) with family and friends on FSU field in front of more than 75,000. PHOTOS BY WAYNE A.DUNWOODY, AZA’S PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Peter Warrick was celebrated at the Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee during halftime at the game between Florida State University and Virginia Tech, September 3, 2018. Warrick was born in Bradenton and attended Southeast High School. While attending Southeast Warrick played football, basketball and ran track. Warrick played wide receiver and caught thirty-six passes for over six-hundred yards and nine touchdowns in his junior year. In his senior year Warrick played quarterback rushing for six-hundred and seventy three yards, thirteen touchdowns, completing forty-nine passes for 1,109 yards and thirteen scores. Warrick returned four punts for touchdowns during his junior and senior years during football seasons. Warrick served as team captain and is considered the reason Southeast High School won two consecutive state titles. Warrick was named by USA Today honorable mention, Parade of All-American and first team class 5A All-State. Warrick’s achievement in high school basketball led him to be named Player of the Year in the State of Florida. During track and field season Warrick was at the top of the list and considered to one of the state’s performers in sprinting and jumping events. As a junior, Warrick was state-runner up in the long jump and won a state 6-A title in the long jump as a senior. Warrick’s personal best jump was recorded at 7.25 meters. At a Regional 5-A State Meet Warrick ran his career best at the time of 10.59 seconds in the 100 meters and was chosen the All-area first team in the 100 meters and long jump events. Warrick is considered to the nation’s best wide receiver for high school.

The National Recruiting Advisor lists Warrick as the No. 7 player, No. 1 wide receiver in the nation. Warrick had many scholarship offers but chose to attend Florida State University. Warrick played for Florida State football team from 1995 to 1999 under the leadership of Coach Bobby Bowden. Warrick played wide receiver and returned punts. Warrick led Florida State to BCS National Championship Games in 1998 and 1999. According to Wikipedia, Warrick was recognized as a consensus first-team AllAmerica, MVP of the 2000 Sugar Bowl with over 160 yards receiving and three touchdowns including a 59 yard punt return. Warrick excelled on the field and in academics graduating from FSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1999. According to 1998 NCAA Consensus All-American by Associated Press, Warrick earned (First –Team All-American) Walter Camp Football Foundation, The Sporting News, Football Digest, Football News (second-team), First – team All ACC. In 1999, Warrick was named by the NCAA consensus All-American by Walter Camp Football Foundation, Football Writers Association of America, Football News, The Sporting News, Associated Press, All-American Foundation, American Football Coaches Association, and Firstteam All ACC. Warrick was nominated for the Heisman trophy in 1999. After graduation from FSU Warrick was the NFL first round and fourth pick in the 2000 draft. Warrick’s professional football career included the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks playing in the Super Bowl Xl, Las Vegas Gladiators, Montreal Alouttes, Bloomington Extreme, and the Cincinnati Commandos. Warrick’s jersey, #9 was retired at the half-time ceremony on Monday before family and friends and more than seventy-five thousand cheering fans. During an interview with the press after the ceremony Warrick said he was humbled and honored. Warrick expressed his love of football and of the people who helped him achieve all that he had in his career, starting at Southeast High School in Bradenton. Warrick thanked his family, friends and coaches along the way in his life. Warrick’s accomplishments on and off the football field earned him the honor of retiring his jersey and hearing seventy-five thousand hands clapping and recognition he was given at the ceremony at FSU. Warrick said,

“Hearing the FSU band play and seeing the players running out on that field made me think I want to suit up and join them. There are so many good memories that came over me as the game began. I am thankful and grateful for every moment and every person that has helped me along the way.”