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.
