Danny Wuerffel latest focus of 'SEC Storied'

Former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel played in 16 games with the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to '99, but he's had a far greater impact on the city through his Desire Street Ministries.
Former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel played in 16 games with the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to '99, but he's had a far greater impact on the city through his Desire Street Ministries.

From quarterbacking Florida to the 1996 national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy to helping poverty-stricken areas in New Orleans through his Desire Street Ministries, Danny Wuerffel has quite a story to tell.

"Wuerffel's Way" will debut tonight on ESPN at 7:30 as the latest in the "SEC Storied" series. Wuerffel was a guest Thursday of "Press Row" on Chattanooga's ESPN 105.1 FM.

Q: Were you given an advanced screening?

A: "I haven't seen the finished product, but a few days ago I got to see a good bit of the film. Whenever someone is telling your story, there is the fear of the facts, and it's kind of like playing quarterback in that you get a lot more credit when things go right than you probably deserve. When it comes to the Desire Street story, there are so many people who have done amazing things, and I always get the credit for it.

"So I was nervous that I was going to be overemphasized, but my wife and I have really enjoyed what we've seen."

Q: How does the reward of helping impoverished children compare to winning titles with the Gators?

A: "Obviously competing is a big part of my DNA, and to be able to do that at Florida was such a special time for me. In many ways, I think that was one of the vehicles that I believe the Lord used to create this platform to help us do more. What matters to me more than anything are the relationships that you develop, so I don't think of the trophies or the rings like I think of Chris Doering, James Bates, Lawrence Wright, Jason Odom and Steve Spurrier.

"When I think of the relationships that I have at Desire Street, I think of the many children and families that we've gotten to know. It's not just us helping them, because their stories and their lives have impacted us as well. To see people get opportunities and grow is really rewarding."

Q: How will Brian Schottenheimer, your former teammate at Florida, do as Georgia's offensive coordinator?

A: "I'm a big Schottenheimer fan. He was the first person who showed me how to fold and hang dress pants. That was a big moment in my life, but he's a great guy and a great friend, and I'm really pleased for him.

"Over the past several years, I had kind of hoped he might get the opportunity to coach at Florida, so it's a little discouraging to see him with the Bulldogs, because I think he's going to do really well. He's got a great mind."

Q: Did coaching ever cross your mind?

A: "If I had five different lives to live, in one of them I would be a coach. I got into coaching a little bit last year with my son's fifth-grade flag football team. We were winless and playing against the undefeated team in the last game of the year, and we won. It was an amazing experience, but with one life to live I think you have to really think about where you invest your life and how. As a Christian, I think your life is not just about you but giving it away."

Q: Given the offensive success Florida had under Spurrier and Urban Meyer, have the last five years been tough?

A: "The expectations have been set so high, so it has been difficult for all of us to watch. I'm really excited about Coach (Jim) McElwain being there. He brings a swagger and a new offensive mindset that we're looking forward to, but he's under those same expectations, so it's going to be tough.

"I think this year is going to be a rebuild. We really don't have the depth and strength on the offensive line for it to be a fair assessment of him and the program, but in the years to come, watch out for the Gators."

Q: Turning to our rapid fire, what was your favorite Spurrier verbal jab?

A: "Danny, it's not your fault. It's my fault for putting you in there."

Q: What is your favorite verse in scripture?

A: "Different ones come up at different times, but right now it's 2 Corinthians 4:18 - 'So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.'"

Q: Do you have a top moment at Florida?

A: Three come to mind equally as fast. The first touchdown to Doering (in 1993) kind of put us on the map at Kentucky with eight seconds left, and there was another one to Doering that's relatively unknown in which I was rolling right and it wound up like Joe Montana to Dwight Clark. The other one would be at the end of the Sugar Bowl and realizing we had won the national championship and celebrating with my teammates.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

Upcoming Events