Danny Wuerffel was born May 27, 1974 in Pensacola, Florida. He grew up as the son of an Air-force Chaplin, living all over the country as well as three years in Spain. Danny graduated as valedictorian of Fort Walton Beach High School in Florida, where he led his football team to the state championship. For higher education, he chose the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida, Danny led the Gators to four SEC championships and a National title. He won the 1996 Heisman trophy, the Draddy award (the Nation’s top student-athlete), and set 17 NCAA and University of Florida records. He graduated with High Honors and earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. The New Orleans Saints drafted Danny in 1997. After three years with the Saints, Danny played with the NFL’s European league, winning the World Bowl Championship and was selected the league’s MVP by the European media. Danny played one season with each of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins.

In February 2004, Danny retired from professional football to work in New Orleans with Desire Street Ministries (www.desirestreet.org), a faith-based, non-profit organization in one of America’s toughest and poorest neighborhoods. Danny now serves as Desire Street Ministries’ Executive Director and has led the ministry’s transition following Hurricane Katrina.

Danny is a popular speaker, sharing how his experiences playing football have helped shape his life, and has written one book, “Danny Wuerffel’s Tales from the Gator Swamp: Reflections of Faith and Football.”

His wife, Jessica, is his best friend. They have two sons, Jonah and Joshua and a daughter Macy.