Danny Wuerffel

Alfred C. Warrington IV provided this endowment to honor UF quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who brought esteem and recognition to the university through his outstanding accomplishments. The most decorated player in UF history, Wuerffel won more awards and set more records than any quarterback in Florida, SEC or NCAA history.

A student from Ft. Walton Beach High School, Wuerffel was recruited to UF in 1992. His first shining moment came in 1993 when as a redshirt freshman he made a 27-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game to beat Kentucky 24-20. In 1995, Wuerffel led the Gators to finish No. 2 nationally, and he was named SEC Player of the Year.

In 1996, the Gators won their first national title in UF history. As a result of his legendary performance during this season, Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award and the 1996 National Offensive Player of the Year (The Sporting News and Football News). For his second consecutive year, he was honored with the O’Brien National QB of the Year Award and was named the SEC Player of the Year.

In addition to his athleticism, Wuerffel maintained high academic standards and was reputed for his personal integrity. He was appointed the 1996 GTE Academic All-American of the Year and the 1996 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award Winner and made the 1993-1996 SEC Academic Honor Rolls and the 1996 CFA Scholar Athlete Team.

Gainesville Sun sports columnist Pat Dooley commented, “While it is on the field where Wuerffel has made his name, he has made his place in our community with his actions off the field. If they gave a Heisman for being a good guy, Wuerffel would have a closet full.”