First Interview Conducted March 8, 2004

Listen to the First Danny Wuerffel Interview


Second Interview Conducted December 27, 2004

Listen to the Second Danny Wuerffel Interview

Third Interview Conducted October 15, 2005

Listen to the Third Danny Wuerffel Interview


Third Interview Transcript

Hurricane Katrina left many in New Orleans, Louisiana with nothing. Even one of the greatest players to ever play college football Danny Wuerffel lost his home in New Orleans. The 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and retired NFL player sought work with Desire Street Ministries a non profit organization in an inner city community centered around the Desire neighborhood and housing project after his football career. At one point was the second largest in the country helping young kids get on the track to a better life.
 
First off how are you?
 
"I am good Chris."
 
Before we get into anything about Desire Street donations. I just want to ask you any idea how long it's going to take to repair Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans?
 
"We have had some people at the facility over the last couple of weeks, and the good news is that it was built out of concrete blocks and is a salvageable place. The bad news is that's it going to take a lot of cleanup to get this thing ready. We are hoping to take our school back to New Orleans by Fall of next year. There still a lot of unanswered questions before we can know about that for sure."
 
Your passion since the end of your football career has been Desire Street Ministries. Tell me again what you do to give these kids a better life and how much donations are encouraged to help you guys get back on track from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
 
"There was a ministry I joined in 1997 and have been on full time staff about my professional football career. The whole vision is to transform the desire neighborhood. At one point it was the worst rated neighborhood in the country. The way we do that is by raising kids and give them a whole new paradigm for life and work in relationships so they can succeed in life and ultimately transform their own community. We had a pediatric clinic, a school, and started to build houses and a church. That was what we have been doing. When the hurricane hit our staff, church, and extended families particularly our students at our school were scattered all over the place. The first thing we did was find them and take care of their needs. We re opened our school as a boarding school in the panhandle of Florida and that's been quite a task and project that we have had to raise a lot of money for. The best way to get all this information is to go to our web site www.desirestreet.org."
 
Were you surprised at how different University of Florida organizations stepped up to make donations?
 
"It has been an overwhelming support. Personally for me and our ministry the Florida Gator nation has stepped up from the athletic association, individuals, booster clubs, and touchdown clubs all over the place. They have been doing all the things to support us. That's been super."
 
I know you have a lot of faith and have always been a positive person, but what have you said to those children from your group about this whole life changing experience?
 
"Well, it's been a real difficult situation for everybody. A lot of the kids want to go back home and it's hard to explain to them that they won't be able to back home. We have all been through a lot. We are trying to have our faith in the lord and get things done."
 
I know this will be something you never forget or the community of New Orleans. Have you had a chance to get near your damaged house and if were you able to save anything?
 
"We did get back to our house. Our house is pretty much a wash. It's totally ruined. We got a few things out of there, but that was all we could get. Most of contents are ruined. We will have to try to rebuild from there."
 
I know there were probably some memories within your house. Is it safe to say your Heisman Trophy is in safe keeping and some of your other stuff?
 
"Well, fortunately I have left a lot of my stuff at my parents house in Florida. A lot of it wasn't ruined. The stuff that was ruined included an Olympic torch I carried before the Olympics and some paintings, but the Heisman Trophy and other trophies are at my parents house."
 
Finally, does it shock you how New Orleans ten years ago for you was the greatest moment of your life when the Florida Gator's won the 1996 National Championship and in the same city ten years later that Hurricane Katrina was the worst moment for this city that symbolizes a lot of who you are?
 
"It is amazing to see things change so fast through one storm. Particularly the Super Dome is a great place for the NFL to play the games then all of a sudden this shelter is being destroyed by the storm. I think it's a great example of how the storm devastated the city."
 
Second Interview Transcript

Almost a year ago in March I talked to Danny Wuerffel about many topics in his life after he retired. Today Danny has a new book out Tales From The Gator Swamp that looks at his entire college football life.
 
First off how have you been since we last talked in May?
 
"I am doing great Chris. Thanks."
 
What are your thoughts on how the book Tales From The Gator Swamp came out overall?
 
"I had no idea how exciting it would be and a great experience it would be. It's the first time I had to reflect back in great detail about my college career. When you are playing, as soon as the game ends, you have to get ready for the next one and the next season. When my college career ended I was running around the NFL. For the first time I have been able to slow down and look back at the details. It was just an incredible experience putting together all the memories, all the different stories, and getting them on paper. Just really pleased on how it came out."
 
I think one of the most interesting things that I learned was that you were a Florida State fan before you chose to come to the University of Florida. Tell me about that.
 
"Well, I like to joke around and say we are all young. We were not as wise then as we are now in our lives. My sister went to Florida State. She was older than I was. When I was in high school she went to Florida State. We were closer to Florida State living in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. I just spent more time there and went to more games there. Going into the recruiting process I was a little swayed to Florida State, but fortunately reason and heart won out and I ended up where I needed to be at the University of Florida."
 
I think the story about movie night at Flavet Field behind Yon Hall where you lived with team mate Jason Odom, who is a 300 pound lineman picking up your apartment's couch and moving to the field was so hilarious. You say there are advantages to living with such a mountain man. Tell me about your friendship with Jason Odom and such things like that.
 
"Well, that was one of the great things for me when I think of memories. Memories for me are around people. I was so blessed to be around him and play with him again. Jason Odom was a roommate all through college. They were having a blanket movie night on one of these big ball fields with a big screen TV and speakers. Everyone brought their blankets and of course Jason just grabbed our coach which he carried out there. We were watching movies in style. There are just so many great memories. I dedicated a chapter that talked about different personalities I played with and of course one whole chapter to Steve Spurrier. It was a great opportunity to look back on special people like Jason Odom."
 
We all know of your great hook ups with wide receivers Ike Hillard and Reidel Anthony, but you seem to have had a real close friendship also off the field with wide receiver Chris Doering and share a lot of stories about him in the book. Tell me about your friendship with Chris Doering.
 
"Well, ever since we connected on that 28 yard pass to beat Kentucky to win that game my freshman year, we started rooming together when we traveled before the games. We became close friends and ended up working on some things that paid off in the games. It is wonderful to have great friends as teammates and be successful together. That is special. We got reunited a few years ago with the Washington Redskins and have a chance to reconnect my friendship. Both of us have become married and have children. It was really neat again to look back on special times I had with Chris Doering knowing that we are still close friends."
 
Give me some great memories of Reidel Anthony and Ike Hillard as the two guys who made the catches on your passes more than usual in these important years when you became one of the best ever college quarterbacks.
 
"When I think of Ike Hillard two things come to mind. One is the play where he caught the ball in the Sugar Bowl and it seemed like he stopped in the middle of the air and everybody went past him. I think I would have broken my knee and the ligament would be on the Super Dome floor. Of course he made it look so easy. I remember a few years ago on Christmas day I got a phone call and except from family the only call I got was from Ike Hillard saying Merry Christmas.  Of course Reidel Anthony was just an explosive player. I remember him running a kickoff back against Auburn. He always had several ways to hurt opponents and add something to our team. He was just a stellar player for us."
 
In the book you talk about the rivalry between you and Peyton Manning and you say today it is a casual friendship as you meet up at banquets. After the 62-37 win over the Tennessee Volunteers in 1995 season Sports Illustrated chose to put you on the front cover and do a story on you rather than Peyton Manning. Tell me about that and how it must feel really good never to have lost a game to him.
 
"Well, it's ironic you ask now because he just broke the record for most touchdowns ever in the NFL. He is definitely going to go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college and pro football. It's just kind of cute for me to know every time I played I was on the winning side. He has been a great friend and I am working at a ministry today, and the New Orleans foundation with the Peyton Manning foundation just put on a whole Christmas party for our school. That was really kind of him."
 
You also talk about in the book how you guys would have a scrimmage of sorts on Monday nights or the University of Florida's own Monday Night Football. Tell me about that.
 
"Yea. We didn't have John Madden or Al Michaels, but we had so fun on Monday nights. It was a chance for the younger players who didn't play on Saturday to sort of strap up and go after it. I used to hook up with Chris Doering and the other guys in the Monday night football scrimmage. It was a chance to get a little game experience for players."
 
You say that Steve Spurrier would get on players if they didn't have enough color or vegetables or fruit on their plate when eating meals and how he would observe everything you ate. Tell me about that.
 
"Well, Coach is a very health conscious person. He exercises and eats well. Of course you know that freshman guys coming in out of high school with the idea that a good meal is hamburgers and french fries. He would always keep a close eye and try to get you to have more colors on your plate. You might not have wanted it, but it was probably better for you."
 
The story about Steve Spurrier doing the macarena during the after Heisman Trophy parties in New York for you I just found to be a moment you'd have to live to see. Tell me about that.
 
"Well, he is the coach and ball coach. That is the environment you really catch him in as a player. That is sort of his role. It was really nice to see him in a relaxed setting in New York after I won the Heisman Trophy and dancing with friends and doing the macarena. It was fun."
 
Were you surprised that Steve Spurrier turned down the opportunity to go back to the University of Florida and instead chose South Carolina?
 
"Well, I am not sure of all the details that were involved. I am not sure what happened back and forth. Sometimes it's hard to go back after you have done so much in a place. One thing I know is that coach Spurrier really gets a thrill out of a challenge when you are the underdog. I really think he likes to be the underdog and to come out and surprise people. I think going to South Carolina gives him the opportunity."
 
What do you think about new University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer and the way Ron Zook went out with a 20-13 win on November 20, 2004 over Florida State?
 
"Well, I am really proud at the way coach Ron Zook hung in there this season and rallied the guys. I have gotten to know coach Ron Zook over the years and I do appreciate and respect him. I was really glad to see him go out well and get another great opportunity where he is. I think the Florida Gator fans can be really excited about the new era that is coming in. Just going out and talking to all the college football analysts who are thrilled and think we got a gem at Florida in Urban Meyer. I am really excited in the direction we're headed and be a big fan next year."
 
Finally, thank you again for this second interview, good luck with Desire Street, and covering everything important in your life. Anything you would like to add?
 
"If people want to know what I am doing now I am working at Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans. It's an inner city organization. We started a pediatric center for kids, a school, and we started a church in one of the worst neighborhoods. Again our web site is www.desirestreet.org. The book is available at most major book stores or www.amazon.com or www.sportspublishingllc.com."

You can purchase a copy of Danny Wuerffel's book at the following link:

http://www.sportspublishingllc.com/book.cfm?id=605 

First Interview Interview Transcript

Back in 1996, University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel lead the University of Florida to the school's first national championship under head coach Steve Spurrier. Danny also ended up winning the Heisman Trophy that year, which is the biggest honor in college football. He ended up being drafted to the New Orleans Saints, spent some time with the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and then was reunited with his old college coach with the Washington Redskins, but it never truly took off. Danny Wuerffel is now retired from the NFL and working with Desire Street in New Orleans, Louisiana as a director of development. The Organization helps in community development and spiritual development with less fortunate kids.

First off how are you?

"I am doing great."

Tell me about the Desire Street Organization and how you got involved with this organization.

"I get so excited obviously to pour my life into what I am doing and to officially retire from the NFL.  Desire Street Ministries is a faith based non-profit organization in New Orleans, Louisiana. We work in one of the nation's toughest and poorest communities. It is an inner city community centered around the Desire neighborhood and housing project, and at one point was the second largest in the country. We do spiritual development and community development. We work on health, housing, have a school, and lots to do."

You seem to want to help and impact kids' lives as a sports role model through this organization and anything else, correct?

"Absolutely. I have been really blessed throughout my career. I know I wouldn't have gotten where I am without the help of people. To talk about a place with kids with so much potential, but so many things going against them is unfair. We strive to help these kids use their God given abilities to have productive and great lives."

Would you agree that religion and school are the most important thing for a kid growing up?

"Well, I think there are a lot of things that are most important. I think stability is one thing these kids don't have and that's what we try to be. We try to be sort of a mentor program and show the foundation that we have in our faith in God. I think when you have something to stand on, you have somewhere to go."

You show that not all athletes are selfish and care just about football through your story.

"Well, you know that's really true. Unfortunately we live in a society where that is not the most exciting story to read about. Whenever someone gets pulled over for drunk driving or domestic abuse it's all over the news. Rarely do you hear about the other good things. There are a lot of neat guys that use their talents and resources very wisely. I am thankful to know many and work with some."

Many sports journalists have said you were pushed into an early retirement in the NFL. Was it truly your choice to retire?

"Well, I have a card that someone sent me and it has a picture of a very big woman in a Roman outfit, and it says some players see me coming and some don't, but eventually I think for them all. Everybody gets transitioned out of football at some point. I don't know what the future would have held. I had an opportunity a few months ago to continue to play for the Washington Redskins and we turned that down. I am not sure what would have happened, but it's very nice to know I made the decision I wanted to do instead of sitting around for three more years to continue that dream."

Do you feel you were given a fair shot in the NFL with the teams you played for?

"I was on plenty of teams and had lots of opportunities. When you look at football you have to be in the right place at the right time with the right people. I have been in so many great situations through my career through high school, college, European League, that I feel so blessed. I do feel very confident that at the right place and right time I could have been a successful quarterback in the NFL. I don't have any grudges against anybody. It just didn't work out and sometimes that's how life goes."

How was coach Steve Spurrier different as a college coach with Florida compared to an NFL coach with the Washington Redskins?

"The biggest difference was that he was hyper successful in college and that he really mastered that game like no other. Things didn't work out so well in the NFL with that particular organization. I do think if there was more time or different circumstances he could have done very well. I do expect he will be back coaching somewhere next year and I think he will do very well."

On January 2nd, 1997 you lead the Florida Gators to a 52 to 20 win over the Florida State Seminoles in the Sugar Bowl and the University of Florida's first National Championship. What do you remember most about that night?

"That was like a dream come true. We had a special night. A couple funny memories is that I remember my dad was on the sideline somehow doing an interview, and he came over and slapped me on the shoulder wanting to give me some advice, and I was like what are you kidding? At one time I was talking with coach Spurrier and some girl from the band came over and tapped me on the shoulder to get an autograph right in the middle of the game. Those are a couple funny stories, but to hug the teammates after a championship like that is one of the greatest things ever."

The year before that in the National Championship game Florida lost 62 to 24 to Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl. Do you feel coach Spurrier brought in a better game plan for the second national title game against FSU?

"I think it's hard to compare those two games to each other. We certainly were ready for FSU. We put in a shotgun I think that really helped us at the end of that season. We just had a great night. We were blessed."

In 1996 you were honored with the Heisman Trophy college football's biggest honor. What are your thoughts on your memories of winning the Heisman Trophy and the night you were honored?

"That's another one that you have to wonder if it really happened. Sometimes I pinch myself to see if that was true or a dream. Just to be named with so many players and to be recognized as the Heisman Trophy winner is something I will never forget. It was really more so special for me because my family and close friends were there. Just to be able to celebrate that with people you love makes it special."

Were you surprised when Steve Spurrier left the University Florida as their head coach after the 2001 season?

"I would say yes and no. One thing I have learned from coach Spurrier is to not expect anything and one thing you can count on is that you can't count on anything. That's one of the reasons he is such a good coach. He is very unpredictable. On one hand yes and one hand no."

What are your thoughts on where current Florida coach Ron Zook has taken the program?

"They're doing a phenomenal job in recruiting and that's really the back bone to the really big programs. I think they have a great staff who is working very hard. Last year I think they were a few situations away from having a great season. I remain a Florida Gator fan and Ron Zook is our coach."

After your college career you were drafted to the New Orleans Saints and your 1997-1999 seasons with that franchise. What do you remember about the New Orleans Saints organization?

"I am very thankful for coach Mike Ditka for drafting me. I really appreciate Mike Ditka for all he is and what he stands for. I guess the worst thing is that in a lot of ways I felt we really had some special things going on. Unfortunately it didn't transfer into wins on the field and that's the way you're judged. We were all shipped out as they got rid of the coaches, trainer, and even the little mascot dog that ran out to get the kicking tee."

After New Orleans you ended up with the Green Bay Packers for the 2000 season. What do you remember about that organization?

"It is a phenomenal place. I loved the chance to play with Brett Favre. It was like watching a legend up close. It was a very fun and exciting year. I stayed cold too."

Your 2001 season was spent with the Chicago Bears, thoughts on that organization?

"Couldn't have more respect then for someone like Dick Jauron. We got a chance to go 13 and 3 and that was my only run at the playoffs. I am very thankful."

You then ended up with coach Spurrier with the Washington Redskins for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Do you feel under your old ball coach that was your chance to prove something in the NFL?

"Well, it certainly was my best opportunity. I was very excited about that. Things just weren't in the cards. The time that I played I got injured very quickly. That's part of football, life, and you move on."

Why do you think the NFL didn't work out for Steve Spurrier like it did in college with Florida?

"There are a lot of things. If he had a little more time and was in a different working environment, he might have had a better chance. One thing he has always been in good at is finding a way to win and sometimes it takes time to take it to that level."

Where do you think Steve Spurrier's head coaching career is headed in football as he said recently that he might be done forever?

"I think he will resurface again. He is very competitive. He loves football. I wouldn't be surprised to see him show up and be a big force in college football again."

What do you think of college sophomores, freshman, or even kids straight from high school being able to enter the NFL draft?

"That's a tough question. I certainly believe for a maturity level, that it is a bad idea. I mean it's bad enough when you graduate from college and the 21 and 22 years old I feel aren't mature enough to handle the things that come your way. It's a tough call, but if guys are physically developed and able then ok, but I am just glad I am not the one making that decision. In the sport of football the rule should state you have to be three years removed from college."

Finally, what else will you be doing besides working with the Desire Street Organization?

"Well, I have a lot of plans and hopes. I am working on a book this fall about just my career at the University of Florida. I am doing a lot of speaking with different organizations. I am staying involved in other community type things. I am also spending time with my beautiful wife Jessica and our three month old son Jonah."

For more information on Danny Wuerffel's career and community involvement  with Desire Street Ministries check out www.desirestreet.org.