Jalen Ramsey has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. The former Florida State star turned NFL All-Pro has built a reputation not just for his lockdown coverage on the field, but also for his outspoken personality off it. He talks with the same intensity that he plays with—unfiltered, confident, and at times, controversial. Over the years, Ramsey has taken on quarterbacks, wide receivers, analysts, and even former teammates in the court of public opinion. But this week, it was a fellow Seminole great who had something to say—loud and clear.
The message wasn’t wrapped in drama or vitriol. It wasn’t a social media spat or some cryptic post dripping in passive aggression. It was a sincere, direct, and emotional response. One rooted in the pride of shared lineage. One that came from a place of both admiration and disappointment.
Ramsey, now with the Miami Dolphins, recently made comments on a podcast that raised eyebrows—particularly in Tallahassee. When asked about his time at Florida State and how he reflects on it today, Ramsey expressed frustration with the way the program has operated in recent years, saying he felt disconnected from the current team and questioned the direction of the program during a stretch of underwhelming seasons. While Ramsey acknowledged pride in being a Seminole and gave respect to some of the young talent on the roster, the tone came off to many as dismissive and perhaps disillusioned.
That’s when former FSU running back and 1993 national champion Warrick Dunn stepped in.
Dunn, who has long been a quiet ambassador for the Seminole brand and one of the most respected figures in both college and professional football, took issue not necessarily with what Ramsey said—but how he said it. Speaking on a Florida radio show earlier this week, Dunn offered a passionate response that has since gone viral.
“I love Jalen. He’s one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever had at Florida State. No doubt,” Dunn began. “But being great comes with responsibility. And that includes how you represent the place that helped shape you.”
Dunn didn’t hold back. He acknowledged that Florida State has had its struggles over the last decade—coaching instability, recruiting misses, and a program that at times seemed to be chasing its former glory rather than forging a new identity. But Dunn also pointed to the resilience of the program, the recent turnaround under head coach Mike Norvell, and the players who chose to stay and fight rather than transfer out.
“What I don’t like is when former players—especially ones who are looked up to like Jalen—start distancing themselves from the program because things got tough,” Dunn continued. “That’s not leadership. That’s not Seminole pride. It’s easy to rep FSU when we’re winning championships. But where are you when the chips are down?”
It was a moment of tough love, and it resonated.
To understand the weight of Dunn’s words, you have to understand who he is and what he represents. Dunn isn’t just a former star. He’s a pillar of Florida State football history. His career in the NFL was marked by class, consistency, and community service—his work off the field, especially through his Homes for the Holidays charity, has helped build homes for countless single-parent families across the country. In short, Dunn walks the walk.
So when he speaks about responsibility, about loyalty, about the importance of lifting up the next generation, it carries weight.
He went on to challenge Ramsey—publicly but respectfully—to reconnect with the program. Not just to visit for a game or post a throwback photo on social media, but to truly engage.
“If you care about Florida State, then show these young guys what that looks like. Come to practice. Talk to the team. Be a mentor. Don’t just criticize from afar,” Dunn said. “You want to be part of the solution? Then lead like a Seminole.”
The response to Dunn’s message has been overwhelmingly positive among Florida State fans, former players, and even current student-athletes. Many praised him for voicing what others had been thinking but hadn’t said out loud. And while some took Ramsey’s original comments as harmless or even honest criticism, others saw them as symptomatic of a growing trend where high-profile alums disassociate from their schools once they reach the pinnacle of pro success.
That’s not to say Dunn wants Ramsey to be a cheerleader. His message was deeper than that. It was about legacy. About giving back. About using your platform not to throw stones but to build bridges.
To Ramsey’s credit, he responded quickly—this time on X (formerly Twitter)—posting a thoughtful message directed at Dunn.
“Much respect to the legend Warrick Dunn,” Ramsey wrote. “I hear you loud and clear. I’ve got nothing but love for FSU and always will. Maybe I haven’t done the best job showing that lately, but it’s still in me. I’ll be back in Tally soon. Let’s build.”
The tweet was met with optimism and applause. And while it didn’t erase the sting some felt from his earlier remarks, it showed a level of maturity that many have long hoped Ramsey would embrace.
In many ways, this exchange is emblematic of what makes college football so unique. The ties between player and program don’t end at graduation. They evolve. They get tested. But the bond remains. And at a school like Florida State, where tradition runs deep and expectations run even deeper, those relationships matter.
The new wave of Seminoles—players like quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, defensive end Patrick Payton, and receiver Hykeem Williams—have already begun forging their own legacy. They’ve helped resurrect the program and brought national respect back to Tallahassee. But they’re also looking to the past for guidance, for affirmation, and for examples.
Dunn’s message was as much for them as it was for Ramsey.
“Know who you are. Know where you come from. And never forget the shoulders you stand on,” Dunn said to wrap up his segment. “Florida State is family. Families argue. Families fight. But at the end of the day, we come together.”
Ramsey has always been a lightning rod—a rare blend of elite athleticism, bold personality, and fierce independence. And in truth, that edge is part of what made him great. It’s part of what made him feared on the field. But if there’s a next chapter in his relationship with Florida State, it might be defined by something deeper than trash talk or highlight reels.
It might be defined by legacy.
Because there’s power in returning. In mentoring. In building. And in moments like these, when legends speak and other legends listen, something beautiful can happen—not just for a program, but for the players who will wear the garnet and gold long after the names on the back of the jersey are forgotten.
Jalen Ramsey has the opportunity to be more than a name etched in the FSU record books. He has the chance to become what Warrick Dunn has been for decades—a beacon. A mentor. A bridge between what was and what’s next.
The ball, as always, is in his hands. But this time, it’s not about interceptions or pick-sixes. It’s about something that lasts longer than any highlight.
It’s about coming home—and leading once again.