I enjoyed every home game the Gators played in 1996... a particularly good year for the Gators. Happy Birthday, Danny boy.
Danny Wuerffel QB (1992-96) One of the greatest — and certainly one of the most popular players in school history. Danny Wuerffel from Fort Walton Beach High, was a four-year starter who guided the Gators to four consecutive SEC titles and a national title as a senior in 1996. He won the Heisman that season, throwing for 3,625 yards and 39 TDs. The TD total set a then-SEC record and now is fifth in league history. For his career, he threw for 10,875 yards and 114 TDs. When he graduated, the 114 TDs was a SEC record and second-most in NCAA history; the total now is second in the SEC and 14th nationally. He also was a two-time SEC player of the year (as a junior and senior). Other top contenders: QB John Reaves, QB Terry LeCount, RB Lorenzo Hampton, DB Duke Dawson, TE Cornelius Ingram.
Love that guy. Four SEC Championships and our first Natty. Great human being on top of all that. Never calls attention to himself, just to his ministries. Happy birthday Danny!
Having lived in NOLA myself for 5 years, I am quite aware of what Danny has done for the community at large. He is a humble and giving man and like you, I have tremendous admiration and respect for him. I actually met him and his then fiance briefly at a restaurant in Metairie when he was playing for the Saints. A little Danny ditty: My cousin ran into Danny one day and knew I was a huge Gator and Danny fan. He asked Danny to call my cell. Regrettably I did not get to take the call but Danny left me about a 3 minute message. Danny knew I was born in Ft Walton Beach and went to UF. He left a very kind and detailed message. I had that message for years and would play it back for every Gator I ever ran into.
When Danny was a senior in HS I worked less that a mile from FWB High School and Jimmy Ray Stephens was a customer of mine. Coach Stephens would bring us tickets to the games on Friday nights and I went to several games that year. He was a phenomenal player and still is a phenomenal person by all accounts. He is truly an incredible representative for the University and for Gator Nation. We are very fortunate to say he is one of us.
My oldest made a life-changing decision in a prayer circle with Danny at at FCA event in Knoxville back around 2000. UT Kicker Jeff Hall was also there. After the FCA event they had a meet & greet and since my son was wearing a big #7 Gator jersey at the event Danny was paying particular attention to him, kindly. Anticipating an autograph, I had a poster-sized blowup of a 1995 Sports Illustrated, with Danny on the cover after we had trounced the Vols ("unexpectedly", since SI was there to cover Phreshman Phenom Peyton ("0-4") Manning.) When my son handed it to Danny, Danny unrolled it and yelled "Hey, Hall! Remember THIS GAME?". Jeff laughed and hung his head. I've since become very good friends with Jeff who is one Volunteer I can abide.
Four SEC titles, a national championship, and a Heisman. My favorite Danny moment will always be that TD scramble at the end of the 3rd quarter of the '97 Sugar Bowl. Nobody was looking for it.
