Pitch Publicity

Biography: Danny Wuerffel is executive director of Desire Street Ministries and a former U.S. college and professional football athlete who played quarterback for the University of Florida and New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins.

While at the University of Florida, Wuerffel led the Gators to four SEC Championships and the university’s first national football title. He won the 1996 Heisman Trophy, the William V. Campbell Award, (formerly known as the Draddy award for the nation’s top student-athlete) and set 17 NCAA and University of Florida records. He graduated with high honors earning his bachelor’s degree in public relations. In 2013, Wuerffel was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

The New Orleans Saints drafted Wuerffel in 1997. After three years with the Saints, he played with the NFL’s European League, winning the World Bowl Championship and was selected as the league’s MVP by the European media. Wuerffel then went on to play one season with the Green Bay Packers followed by the Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins before retiring his professional football career in 2004.

Immediately following his football career, Wuerffel joined Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward, a nonprofit with a mission to revitalize one of America’s most impoverished neighborhoods through spiritual and community development. Wuerffel became executive director in 2006 and under his direction, Desire Street Ministries moved its headquarters to Atlanta and expanded its outreach beyond New Orleans to impact hundreds of children and families living in other southern inner cities.

A passionate and popular speaker, Wuerffel shares how his experiences playing football have influenced his life in his book, “Danny Wuerffel’s Tales from the Gator Swamp: Reflections of Faith and Football.” Born in Pensacola, Florida, Wuerffel grew up as the son of an Air Force chaplain, living all over the country as well as three years in Spain. He now calls Atlanta his home with his wife, Jessica; two sons, Jonah and Joshua; and a daughter, Macy.

Desire Street Ministries 9th Annual Desire Cup Weekend (October 31-November 1, 2019)

Press Release

Link to event details and photos and video from past Desire Cup events: https://www.desirestreet.org/desirecup/