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Danny Wuerffel      

Retired NFL & Heisman Trophy-Winning Quarterback; Philanthropist & Founder, Desire Street Ministries

As one of the most accomplished college quarterbacks, Danny Wuerffel distinguished himself with an array of prestigious awards during his football career. He clinched the Heisman Trophy in 1996, along with the Maxwell Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Walter Camp Award the same year. A two-time recipient of the Davey O'Brien Award in 1995 and 1996, Wuerffel was also recognized as the NCAA Quarterback of the Year and named the SEC Football Player of the Year twice.

During his time as a college player, Wuerffel was part of the 1996 Florida Gators football team that claimed the consensus national championship. He was a starting quarterback for the Florida Gators from 1993 to 1996, and subsequently for the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1998, and the Washington Commanders in 2002. In 2000, he played as a starting quarterback for the Rhein Fire, resulting in a World Bowl championship.

After retiring from the NFL in 2004, Wuerffel took the helm of Desire Street Ministries, a non-profit organization that focuses on community development and support in impoverished neighborhoods. His role as executive director combines his commitment to community betterment with his aptitude for leadership, enabling him to use his platform to inspire positive change.

Wuerffel's remarkable journey also includes overcoming personal challenges, such as losing his home to Hurricane Katrina and battling a paralyzing disease, experiences that have shaped his motivational speeches. He delivers inspirational messages seasoned with humor and humility, inciting individuals to utilize their influence for good. As an active participant in charity events, including the annual "Danny Wuerffel Golf Classic" and promoting pickleball alongside sports figures like Drew Brees.

His enduring influence in the field of football was further cemented through his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Florida Football Ring of Honor in 2006. Featured in the ESPN documentary "Wuerffel's Way" which premiered in 2015, his exemplary career and ongoing philanthropic ventures continue to inspire and motivate.

News


Tebow before Tebow: Danny Wuerffel's competitive fire, faith persist post-Florida
In 1996, Danny Wuerffel was putting the finishing touches on his University of Florida legacy 10 years prior to Tebow's start of a quarterbacking journey that would take an almost identical path.
Danny Wuerffel joins, recruits former Florida players for pro flag football league
The former Heisman Trophy winner isn't the only former college football star appearing in the AFFL
Danny Wuerffel and the fight for forgotten America
Former Heisman Trophy-Winning Quarterback is helping to rebuild America, one community at a time
SEC Notebook: Former Gators QB Danny Wuerffel joins SEC Legends
Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel will represent UF in the SEC Football Legends Class of 2017.
ESPN documentary follows faith, works of former Saints quarterback Danny Wuerffel
Before the Desire Street Community Square groundbreaking ceremony officially began Saturday morning, Danny Wuerffel dug the ceremonial shovel into the earth to loosen the soil.
Danny Wuerffel recalls his Heisman Trophy experience and the ...
Wuerffel was honored with the Heisman Trophy - the most prestigious award in ... Danny Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy as a senior at Florida in 1996 and ...

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