Danny Carl Wuerffel 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
