Danny Carl Wuerffel (born May 27, 1974 in Pensacola, Florida) is an American football player who won the 1996 Heisman Trophy while playing quarterback at the University of Florida under modern-day legendary coach Steve Spurrier. A devout Christian, he is renowned for his character both on and off the field.
Early life
Wuerffel is the son of an Air Force chaplain. He grew up in the Destin area and attended Fort Walton Beach High School, where he won the Florida state championship. His coach, Jimmy Ray Stephens, became responsible for protecting Wuerffel on the field after being hired as the offensive line coach at Florida.
College
At the University of Florida, Wuerffel played quarterback for the Florida Gators, winning four consecutive Southeastern Conference titles between 1993 and 1996, and the 1996 National Championship in decisive fashion (52-20) over archrival Florida State University at the 1997 Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Wuerffel broke most quarterback records at the University of Florida and many in the NCAA during his career at UF. He was the first college athlete to win the Heisman and Draddy (NCAA student-athlete of the year) trophies in a single season (1996).
Known for clamping his hands together after throwing touchdowns, Wuerffel made his religious faith known throughout his college career. Regarding an earlier season loss to Florida State with questionable late hits in 1996, Spurrier quipped that Wuerffel was a New Testament kind of guy—willing to turn the other cheek—while admitting he was an Old Testament kind of guy, favoring an eye for an eye.
Career Stats at Florida
Most Pass Attempts
- Career: 1,170
- Season: 360(1996)
- Game : 50 (1993)at. Auburn
Most Pass Completions
- Career: 708
- Season: 210(1995)
- Game : 29 (1995)vs. Tennessee
Most Pass Yards
- Career: 10,875
- Season: 3,625(1996)
- Game : 462 (1996)vs. Arkansas
NFL
His National Football League career was significantly less successful, due in large measure to his lack of height and his tendency to throw the ball rather softly by professional standards. After playing seven seasons in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins Danny retired. One highlight of his professional career was winning the MVP award in World Bowl 2000 while playing for Rhein Fire in NFL Europe (the match was won by Fire 13-10 over the Scottish Claymores).
Life after the NFL
Wuerffel began work at Desire Street Ministries, a non-profit faith-based organization focusing on spiritual and community development in one of the poorest areas of New Orleans. He also speaks to college groups, such as the University of Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2004 Wuerffel co-authored a book called "Tales from the Gator Swamp", in which he covers his college football career at Florida.
For his exemplary achievements on and off the field, the All Sports Association of Fort Walton Beach created the Wuerffel Trophy in his honor in 2005. It is to be awarded annually to the athlete who best exemplifies the character and play on the field that Wuerffel achieved.[1]
Hurricane Katrina destroyed Wuerffel's home and Desire Street Ministries. He has made national news with his calls to action and plans to rebuild Desire Street Ministries and New Orleans.