Danny Wuerffel's Collegiate Glory

Born on May 27, 1974, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Daniel "Danny" Wuerffel etched his name in college football history during his tenure as the quarterback for the University of Florida from 1993 to 1996. Celebrated for his intelligence, accuracy, and leadership, Wuerffel dominated the collegiate landscape both athletically and academically, becoming the first player to win both the Heisman Trophy and the National Football Foundation's William V. Campbell Trophy.

**College Career

Under the guidance of coach Steve Spurrier, himself a former Heisman-winning quarterback for the Gators, Wuerffel orchestrated a prolific offensive attack. His senior season in 1996 was nothing short of legendary. He earned consensus First-Team All-American honors for the second time, adding to his previous selection in 1995. The accolades poured in as he claimed the 1996 Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Sammy Baugh Trophy. Prior to his Heisman season, Wuerffel was also a two-time SEC Player of the Year (1995, 1996) and a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection (1995, 1996). His leadership culminated in the Florida Gators' resounding victory in the 1996 National Championship game. Wuerffel concluded his illustrious college career with nearly 11,000 passing yards and an astounding 33 school records, leading the Gators to bowl game appearances in each of his four seasons. His exceptional achievements were permanently recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

**Road to the Pro Game

Wuerffel was selected in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, reuniting him with his former college coach Steve Spurrier.

**Football Legacy

Danny Wuerffel's football legacy is primarily defined by his unparalleled success and accolades during his college career at the University of Florida. His combination of athletic prowess and academic excellence set a new standard for quarterbacks. While his NFL career, which included stints with the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins, and Denver Broncos, did not reach the same heights as his collegiate achievements, his impact on college football remains indelible. He is remembered as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history, a symbol of intelligent and effective quarterback play, and a national champion. His achievements continue to inspire aspiring scholar-athletes.

**Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Heisman Trophy Winner (1996)

✦ William V. Campbell Trophy (1996)

✦ Consensus First-Team All-American (1995, 1996)

✦ Walter Camp Player of the Year (1996)

✦ Maxwell Award (1996)

✦ Davey O'Brien Award (1996)

✦ Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (1996)

✦ Sammy Baugh Trophy (1996)

✦ 2x SEC Player of the Year (1995, 1996)

✦ 2x First-Team All-SEC (1995, 1996)

✦ National Champion (1996)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)

✦ University of Florida Records: Numerous passing records, including career passing yards (10,910) and career touchdown passes (114).

✦ NFL Career: 24 games played, 2,120 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 13 interceptions.