Tennessee #Titans legend Eddie George shares his thoughts on the modern NFL w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Tennessee Titans legend and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George.
In his interview with Easton Jr., George discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC and his thoughts on the changes in the NFL today.
“Oh yeah, I mean, it’s (the NFL) changed over the years to become safer, and I get it,” George explained. “but the quality of the game is still the same. I love it.”
George supported the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event, which brought together Heisman legends, including Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, Charlie Ward, Eric Crouch, and others, for an action-packed day of pickleball exhibitions. Pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey joined them on the court, ensuring a high-energy experience supporting the Wuerffel Foundation.
George, who won the 1995 Heisman Award, shared some advice for this year’s trophy winner (Travis Hunter) ahead of the event.
“It’s a once-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace every moment with your family, friends, and teammates, regardless of who wins tonight,” said George. “It’s an honor and an accomplishment to have made it to this fall at this point, and once you are a Heisman Trophy winner, it gets better with time. So it’s about relationships and honoring your great season, but more importantly, the great coaches, teammates, and support staff who helped you get to this point.”
Florida State legend and 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward praises Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ success w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Florida State Seminoles and college football legend Charlie Ward.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Ward discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC. He also shared his thoughts on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, drawing comparisons to another legendary Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
“Danny Wuerffel and his foundation go into pickleball, and I’m just happy to be able to support him. I’m just here for him,” said Ward. “That’s what this is all about: being able to support each other and our different endeavors. So, those were great calls and an excellent opportunity to get guys together. Happy to be here. ”
Ward joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers, with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey for the event. The Wuerffel Foundation’smission is to inspire greater service and unity in communities.
Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters.
The former 1993 Heisman winner notably chose a long career in the NBA instead of the NFL and was initially considered by the Chiefs as a potential backup to then-quarterback Joe Montana. He stood his ground in preferring a higher NFL draft selection, so he couldn’t guarantee to join training camp since he would eventually become a first-round selection of the New York Knicks.
“I don’t support one team. I support friends, people I know, but it’s hard not to support Patrick Mahomes,” Ward explained. “He’s very Tom Brady-ish, and it’s hard to beat the guy, no matter who you put in front of him or who is on his team. Those are the kind of guys that are generational going for Super Bowl number three.”
Ward may not openly support any team, but he appreciates Mahomes’ accomplishments as he seeks an unprecedented three-peat.
Heisman Award winner Charlie Ward talked about his advice for Travis Hunter and the 2024 Heisman candidates w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Florida State Seminoles and Heisman Award winner Charlie Ward.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Ward discussed his support for ‘The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC. He also shared advice to this year’s Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, and the candidates before the 2024 ceremony.
“I’m sure there’s some nerves, or there will be, but more importantly, at this moment, they’re enjoying the game,” said Ward. “Very similar to me. When I was here almost 35 years ago, the memories still are there. My family members who are still with us talk about it.
“We have pictures. So for them to be able to be here, whether you win or lose, the memories will always be there, but the winner definitely will change and be more recognizable. It will change you. It won’t change who you are but will change your name and the opportunities you’ll be provided, so that’s a great blessing.”
Ward joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers, with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey for the event curated by Danny Wuerffel’s ‘The Wuerffel Foundation’.
Themission is to counsel and mentor community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and help facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters.
Colorado’s Travis Hunter beat out Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel, and Cam Ward to be named the 90th Heisman Trophy winner. He will continue a legacy that many, including Charlie, carry today. Hunter is expected to be a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NFL draft.
Retired All-Pro RB Eddie George shared his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl three-peat chances w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired Pro Bowler and Heisman winner Eddie George.
In his interview with Easton Jr., George discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC and his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ chances at a three-peat.
“Danny (Wuerffel) is doing this for his foundation. I know he’s a hell of a pickleball player,” said George. “What a great way to raise money awareness for his great cause, and do it in a fun way.”
Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition brought together college football legends, including Cam Newton, Tim Tebow, Eric Crouch, Charlie Ward, and Johnny Rodgers, for an action-packed day of pickleball exhibitions, VIP play, and fan engagement.
Pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey joined them on the court. The Tennessee Titans franchise legend and current head football coach at Tennessee State University weighed in on the Chiefs Super Bowl chances this season.
“They (the Chiefs) look pretty strong. I mean, they’re winning close games. They’re getting better toward the tail end of the season, but there are some other teams that are starting to emerge,” George explained. “Buffalo, you have Detroit, which will be a problem in the NFC. The Eagles, I mean, there will be some teams that can contend. But anytime you have a battle-tested unit with a championship pedigree with your team at the helm.
“You know you better be able to put the team away late in the game. He’ll find a way to win the ball game with two seconds left because you put that ball in his hands. They are great at situational football. They don’t panic under pressure and have the best closer in the game as far as (Patrick) Mahomes.”
Eric Crouch discusses today’s NFL embracing athletic quarterbacks w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Nebraska Cornhuskers legend and 2001 Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Crouch discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC and his thoughts on the versatility in the NFL today.
“It’s quite the honor to be invited to come to New York City to be a finalist for the Heisman trophy,” Crouch explained. “Your name is etched in that history forever, and I always tell them to enjoy yourself while you’re here. It’s a short trip. It will go by fast, but just enjoy the moment, look around, and be thankful for what you can give.“
Crouch joined Cam Newton, Tim Tebow, Charlie Ward, and Johnny Rodgers for an action-packed day of pickleball exhibitions, VIP play, and fan engagement. Pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey joined them on the court.
“Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event is something that we really love to do. The overall foundation’s mission is to inspire greater service and unity in the world,” said Blair Wortsmith, Director of Programs and Operations for the Wuerffel Foundation. “This event will go towards raising funds where Danny (Wuerffel) gets to invest in other nonprofit leaders, especially those that have their foundations, athletes that are up and coming in the area. We’re also very excited to be here and grateful for Life Time for the Heisman Trophy Trust’s partnership on this event.”
Crouch was initially drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2002 as a wide receiver but still wanted to play quarterback. Teams, however, saw Crouch as too short. He displayed fantastic athleticism for Nebraska and finished his college career as one of three quarterbacks in Division I-A history to rush for 3,000 yards and pass for 4,000 yards.
“I was more of an athlete, and so I think a lot of guys that have come through this Heisman trophy ceremony and are going to the next level have had struggles too, like, ‘Hey, where do they put us?’ because we’re all really great athletes,” Crouch explained. “We come here, and sometimes it doesn’t translate to the NFL, other times it does.
“If I wascoming out of college, now I might have a better chance in the NFL. But, you know, things happen for a reason. So I felt like where I went to school was running option football, which was very unique and I was just lucky to be part of that era in Nebraska.”
2001 Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch shared his thoughts on the Kansas City #Chiefs’ success this season w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired NFL player and 2001 Heisman winner Eric Crouch.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Crouch discussed his support for ‘The Wuerffel Foundation’ at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC, and shared his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ success this season.
“It’s a special group of guys, and I have enjoyed coming back for the last 23 years, so I had a very special moment when I won the award,” Crouch said. “I’m looking forward to sharing that again tonight when the new winner is announced and being there for them.”
Crouch joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Charlie Ward, and Johnny Rodgers, along with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey, for Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition. The Wuerffel Foundation’s mission is to counsel and mentor community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and facilitate introductions to philanthropically minded supporters.
Crouch briefly joined the Chiefs practice squad in 2005 after converting to safety after years as a quarterback at Nebraska. He gave his take on this year’s team’s success and potential for another Super Bowl run.
“Every time I turn those games on, it’s so much fun to watch them, (Patrick) Mahomes and (Travis) Kelce and (Isiah) Pacheco, and just the defense, they fly around,“ Crouch explained. “What I’m starting to see about the Kansas City Chiefs is that they’re playing so well as a team and finding a way to win.
“They may not be playing the greatest football, and they’re not reaching the same numbers that they may have reached in the last couple of years, but they’re still finding ways to win, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most, is who’s putting that W up on the board. So I can only imagine they’re going to go deep into the playoffs and be playing for another Super Bowl.”
Danny Wuerffel discusses his foundation, offers advice to future NFL stars w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired NFL quarterback and Heisman Award winner Danny Wuerffel.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Wuerffel discussed his inspiration for ‘The Wuerffel Foundation’s The Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition at Life Time Pickleball NYC gathered past winners for a good cause. He also shared advice to today’s college football stars heading into bowl season and potential careers in the NFL.
“Well, during COVID, I started playing with my son to have something to do, and I’ve fallen in love with the sport,” Wuerffel explained. “I play a lot and enjoy it, but I’ve also been leveraging this sport of pickleball to support our work at the foundation. This event came together in a really fun way in New York City with the Heisman guys here. So we got a bunch of Heisman guys out playing and having fans jump in and hit some balls with us, and just a really fun, exciting way to gather and celebrate and, you know, raise money for a good cause.”
Wuerffel recruited fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Eric Crouch, Charlie Ward, and Johnny Rodgers, along with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey, for the event. His foundation’smission is to inspire greater service and unity in communities.
“We’re a very blessed group, and to come back to this group every year to celebrate in New York has been fantastic. And then to add this pickleball event. A lot of the guys play and enjoy it,” said Wuerffel. “So this gives us an opportunity to add one more fun event. We’re grateful to the Heisman Trust for helping support it and making it happen in a lifetime. Just really excited.”
After being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1997, Wuerffel played six years in the league with four teams, including the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins. He shared some advice for the many college players ending their collegiate careers over the next month with hopes of making it to the NFL.
“I mean, enjoy it. It’s a really unique time. Everybody’s usually dreamt their whole life of playing in the NFL, but there’s something special about college.” said Wuerffel. “Enjoy it. Finish strong, and I hope the guys stick and do the bowl games, and we have a great ending to a great college football season.”
Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway are expected to get significant playing time vs. Texas A&M, so let’s dive into the Gators’ history with the dual quarterback strategy.
The world of college football is always changing and evolving with new strategies and game plans to help teams have success, but there hasn’t been many that have been as intriguing or debated as the use of the dual quarterback system.
For the Florida Gators football team, this dual quarterback approach to the game is nothing new as they will be using that strategy on Saturday when they play the Texas A&M Aggies.
Because of that, let’s dive into Florida’s history with the dual quarterback system. Again, it’s not a new concept for the Gators.
The Mid-1980s
The concept of using several quarterbacks goes back to the mid-1980s. The Gators head coach at the time was Galen Hall who was the offensive coordinator for Florida in 1984 before becoming the interim head coach on Sept. 17 of that same year.
Hall was named the interim head coach because the previous coach, Charley Pell, was fired after an NCAA investigation alleged that he and his coaching staff had committed over 100 violations pertaining to the NCAA rules during the previous couple of seasons.
Allsport /Allsport
Because of this, the Florida football program had a two-year bowl ban, scholarships were lost and there were restrictions on recruiting.
Anyway, Hall took over as head coach and began experimenting with different signal-callers. Despite it not being the team’s primary tactic, these early trials were key to shaping the team’s offensive approach.
The Spurrier Era
Florida’s offensive strategy during the 1990s completely evolved under head coach Steve Spurrier.
Spurrier occasionally used a dual quarterback system to exploit different weaknesses in the defense.
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
In 1994, Spurrier used both quarterbacks Terry Dean and Danny Wuerffel. Wuerffel eventually became Florida’s starting quarterback and won the Heisman Trophy in 1996, but Dean’s presence allowed Spurrier to keep the opponents guessing by mixing up the offense. It created a sense of unpredictability with the Gators offensive attack.
Chris Leak and Tim Tebow
Florida’s head coach from 2005-2010 was Urban Meyer who implemented the spread offense.
Meyer didn’t necessarily use the dual quarterback approach as the team’s offensive strategy, but there were instances where multiple quarterbacks played a significant amount of snaps.
During the 2006 season, Chris Leak was Florida’s starting quarterback and Tim Tebow was the backup. Leak was a more proficient passer but didn’t have the skillset to run the ball like Tebow and Meyer knew that. So, Meyer used Tebow several different ways, mainly in goal-line packages and short-yardage situations.
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
By using Tebow’s strength and power, Meyer was able to create mismatches with the defense while also enabling unpredictable play calls. This strategy played a key role in helping the Gators win a national championship that year.
Feleipe Franks and Emory Jones
Skipping ahead to 2018, the dual quarterback system returned to the Gators offense under head coach Dan Mullen.
Mullen utilized both quarterbacks Feleipe Franks and Emory Jones to create an offensive attack that was effective and efficient.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Franks was the primary starter for Florida because of his arm and ability to throw the deep ball while Jones was a mobile and dynamic alternative.
The strategy that Mullen implemented was to rotate the quarterbacks depending on the situation of the game. Jones was used for designed runs and unpredictability while Franks was used to execute the primary passing game.
Looking back on the strategy
The dual quarterback approach has proved to be an effective strategy given what it’s done in the history of Florida Gators football. Although the dual quarterback system hasn’t been a constant feature of their strategy, its use in crucial seasons shows the Gators’ readiness to innovate and adapt.
As the Gators roll out in the Swamp against Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon, they’ll be implementing the same strategy that has been engraved in the program’s history over the years.
Both Mertz and Lagway will be seeing significant playing time, but it’s up to Napier to find out which quarterback can help his team win when it matters most.
Coming up for the Gators
Florida will play at home in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
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Florida football royalty took over the Week 1 edition of SEC Nation and discussed what needs to change for the Gators to return to greatness.
Florida football royalty appeared on SEC Nation Saturday morning in Gainesville ahead of the season opener against Miami.
The two “greatest quarterbacks in the history of Gator football” appeared alongside the man who brought the winning culture to The Swamp — the Head Ball Coach, [autotag]Steve Spurrier[/autotag] — in a segment hosted by UF Journalism School alumna [autotag]Laura Rutledge[/autotag].
Spurrier deflected much of the praise that came from [autotag]Tim Tebow[/autotag] and [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag], but he offered some commentary on the mentality shift he’d like to see from the Gators after three-straight losing seasons.
“That’s what we need to get back to right there,” Spurrier said after being reminded of a time when Florida consistently competed for the SEC crown.
“Our expectations have got to be up there and go after them. Somebody asked me one time, ‘How did you guys win so many SECs?’ Danny and his guys won four in a row, ’93 through ’96.
“Somebody once said, that what you accomplish in life is proportionate to what you attempt to do. And we tried to win it every year. Y’all did too,” Spurrier said pointing to Tebow. “You can’t win it every year. It just doesn’t work out. But if you try to every year, sometimes you might just do it.”
Wuerffel added to Spurrier’s comments, noting that it takes more than desire to accomplish what his teams did.
“When you have great players, you also have people who care about one another,” Wuerffel said remembering a Tebow comment from earlier.
“There’s some magic that happens when it’s not just about you. You kind of sprinkle that in with some swagger, with maybe the greatest offensive head coach ever (Spurrier) and you make a run.
“I think we were a little ahead of our time. We were cutting edge. Several of those pieces are together now, but this team needs to find their swagger, find what they can do to put a run together.”
Spurrier closed the segment out by remembering a quote from tennis great Arthur Ashe.
“Preparation will build confidence, and confidence leads to success.”
Wuerffel and Tebow concluded that the culture is changing in Gainesville under Billy Napier.
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Graham Mertz has excelled on the field for the Florida Gators, but he has also done a lot off the field during his short time in Gainesville.
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list was announced on Thursday with redshirt senior and incumbent Florida football quarterback [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag] included among the names.
The honor is awarded annually to the FBS player who best embodies the spirit of service and humanitarianism of former Gators quarterback [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag], who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service.
Mertz has participated in a handful of service events with local organizations and charities during his short time in Gainesville. He has donated his time to Habitat for Humanity, Bread of the Almighty, Ronald McDonald House, Food4Kids Backpack Program, and North Central Florida YMCA — as well as multiple elementary schools in Alachua County — in less than two years in town.
The only member of the Orange and Blue to have ever earned the honor is Gators legend [autotag]Tim Tebow[/autotag], who was awarded in 2008.
Danny Wurffel’s announcement
“I am deeply honored to see such outstanding individuals nominated for this year’s Allstate Wuerffel Trophy,” said Wuerffel.
“Their commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in their communities is truly inspiring. Throughout my life and career, I have always believed in the importance of putting others before yourself and striving to make a difference. These nominees exemplify those values, and I am proud to celebrate their dedication to humanitarian efforts and selfless service.”
More on the Wuerffel Trophy
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipients will be selected by an illustrious national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec.12. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place Feb. 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
The full list of watch list nominees can be found here.
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