Tag: Danny Wuerffel

Florida football legends inducted into Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame

Two Florida Gators football legendes inducted into Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame on Monday night.

Two Florida football legends were enshrined into the history books on Monday night as the 2023 Allstate Sugar Bowl inducted four new members into the game’s hall of fame.

Members of the 1996 Gators national championship team, quarterback Danny Wuerffel and director of athletics Jeremy Foley, were named to the esteemed club during halftime of this year’s edition of the Sugar Bowl.

The Florida faithful are sure to remember the championship that kick-started all the good memories, in 1996, when the Orange and Blue took down its in-state nemesis FSU, 52-20.

“All of us at the Sugar Bowl are thrilled to recognize this outstanding group,” Sugar Bowl president Richard Briede stated.

“Their collective contributions to the history of college football and the Sugar Bowl itself are legendary, and we’re so pleased to be able to honor them in conjunction with this year’s CFP Semifinal game.”

Wuerffel earned his way into the club after racking up the most passing yards in bowl game history with a total of 700. The former Heisman Trophy winner threw for 394 yards in the national championship loss against Florida State in 1995, adding to his resume by throwing for 306 yards and three touchdowns in the 1997 championship victory.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Foley was the architect behind Florida’s most successful era from 1992-2016. The Gators participated in six different editions of the Sugar Bowl throughout his 24-year tenure and helped Florida’s navigation to all three of the program’s national titles (1996, 2006, 2008).

Foley was also the mastermind to bring in former basketball head coach Billy Donovan, who boosted the Gators to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007 as well.

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Gators legend Tim Tebow named to 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class

Tim Tebow is finally enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Tim Tebow made Florida football history on Monday when the National Football Foundation announced that he was selected for the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame class, making the legendary quarterback the 10th football player and the 13th Gator overall to earn the honor. His induction is also the seventh for the Orange and Blue since 2006 — good for a Southeastern Conference-best mark over that stretch.

Known for his work both on the field, the Jacksonville, Florida, native burst onto the scene during his freshman season as a backup in 2006 — including his famous jump pass for a touchdown against the LSU Tigers en route to the Gators’ second national championship and first under [autotag]Urban Meyer[/autotag]. The following season, Tebow became the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy award.

He was one of the best to ever play college ball, leading the Gators to two straight BCS championship games to cap off four-straight bowl game appearances during his tenure in the Swamp. Tebow was anointed team captain twice and set 28 school records in Gainesville, helping to earn his first-ballot nod for the hall.

No. 15 amassed 9,285 yards and 88 touchdowns through the air while also gaining 2,947 yards and 55 touchdowns on the ground during his collegiate career, becoming the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season. Tebow led the Gators during a school-record 22-game winning streak from 2007 to 2009 following the infamous Ole Miss loss after which he issued “The Promise“.

Tebow joins [autotag]Steve Spurrier[/autotag] and [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag] as the other Gators quarterbacks inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

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Gators name first Danny Wuerffel Man of the Year

After six years at the University of Florida, linebacker Ventrell Miller is being honored as the inaugural Danny Wuerffel Man of the Year award winner.

The GatorMade program announced that linebacker Ventrell Miller won the inaugural Danny Wuerffel Man of The Year award on New Year’s Eve.

“The Man of the Year is something that honors somebody who embodies leadership,” Wuerffel said in a video announcement. “This is someone who is making everyone around them better.”

Miller became a fan favorite over his six-year career in the Swamp, and it’s clear that just about everyone who has ever interacted with him thinks just as highly of him as Wuerffel does. He was the glue that held Florida’s defense together in 2022, and his leadership extended off the field as well.

The program got a few of Miller’s teammates to say some words and thank him in the announcement video, and it’s obvious just how much the rest of the team respects him.

“Ventrell Miller definitely got our appreciation and love a lot because of the impact he has on the team and the people around in the building,” quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] said. “He pushes you to be the best you can be.”

Miller served as a mentor for several underclassmen and passed down some wisdom that should help establish the next class of Gator greats on defense.

“It was an honor playing next to you,” freshman linebacker [autotag]Shemar James[/autotag] said. “I just want to say thank you for being a big brother to me and the rest of the freshmen and underclassmen.”

[autotag]Derek Wingo[/autotag] echoed those sentiments and said that he hopes to follow in Miller’s footsteps as a leader now that he’s headed to the NFL.

Miller leaves Florida with 240 total tackles (124 solo), 23.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.

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Here’s where Tim Tebow lands in USA TODAY Sports’ Heisman Trophy rankings

Here’s where Tim Tebow stands among the last 25 Heisman Trophy winners based on NFL success.

It has been a while since Florida Gators fans have been able to celebrate a Heisman Trophy for their beloved Orange and Blue dating back 15 years to when [autotag]Tim Tebow[/autotag] became the first sophomore to ever win the award. He was also the third player to emerge from the Swamp with the coveted hardware following in the footsteps of [autotag]Steve Spurrier[/autotag] and [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag] before him.

Unfortunately, none of the trio of award-winning quarterbacks were able to make much of an impact in the NFL as Spurrier fizzled out with the expansion Tampa Bay Bucs before moving on to the USFL while Wuerffel had an underwhelming six seasons under the big lights spread across four different teams.

However, Tebow did have his moment during his legendary 2011 campaign with the Denver Broncos after which he was unable to rekindle that magic again. That was still enough to earn him some kudos in USA TODAY Sports Heisman Trophy rankings for the last 25 winners, in which writer Jim Reineking ranked the legendary Gator at No. 16.

Year: 2007 (Florida)

NFL accolades: 16 starts in 3 seasons

Tebow’s 2011 season is the stuff of legend. After a 1-4 start that year, the Broncos inserted Tebow as the starter. Tebow led Denver to an 8-8 finish and the AFC West title, thanks to a series of late-game heroics that inspired the “Tebow Time” moniker. To cap it all off, Tebow delivered a dramatic overtime wild-card playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Things fell apart for No. 15 after being traded to the New York Jets ahead of the 2012 season, when the Broncos brought in Peyton Manning for his closing act. Following a failed season in the Big Apple, Tebow was persistent in his efforts to get back into the league, but after being cut by Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 in an attempt to switch to tight end, the Gator great finally hung up his cleats.

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Legendary Gators squad among 247Sports’ all-time most-hated teams

The 1996 Florida Gators made the cut on 247Sports’ list of the top 10 most hated teams of all time.

247Sports released its top 10 list of the most hated teams in college football history, with the Steve Spurrier’s national championship-winning 1996 Gators team coming in at No. 5.

This is the Florida team that I grew up hearing about. The Fun-N-Gun was electric, so much so that [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag] became the first Florida Gator to win the Heisman since his head coach [autotag]Steve Spurrier[/autotag] did it back in 1966. The hatred came not because they won, but because of how they won. They talked trash, ran up the score, and were unapologetic about how they carried themselves.

They were a 90s football version of Michigan‘s Fab Five. Not in the sense of their cultural impact, but in the sense of “I’m going to play the game completely different than how you think it should be played and I’m going to destroy you doing it” type of way.

Here is what 247Sports’ Brad Crawford had to say about the ’96 Orange and Blue:

You could probably put one of Florida’s [autotag]Tim Tebow[/autotag]-led teams here too, but for the most part, the star quarterback was universally-well received. Prior to Tebow, Gainesville was Steve Spurrier’s city and the visor-wearing, slick-tongued ball coach left a lasting impression on the college football world. Sending verbal barbs to his opponents and running up the score with Heisman-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel in the Fun-N-Gun was his specialty. He hated Georgia, hated Tennessee and the feeling was mutual.  The Gators won the national championship that fall with a 12-1 campaign, beating five top 15 teams in the process. Later in his career, Spurrier seemed to get a pass after wise crack and became somewhat of a football Jesus to sports writers.

Let’s not forget, this was a decade in which Nebraska won three national championships (1994, 1995, 1997) running the single-wing offense. Meanwhile, the 1996 Gators were a disrupter and the catalyst for the offensive revolution we would see in the 21st century.

All thanks to the HBC.

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Dooley’s Dozen: Florida football’s 12 biggest rivals right now

Pat Dooley ranks Florida football’s biggest rivals heading into the 2022 season.

A long time ago in a place not far from here, I asked the great wise man about rivalries. He looked up from the blades of grass he had been studying, wiped the sweat from his brow and said this:

“Well, it depends on when you were born.”

Those words from [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag], then a junior in college, always stayed with me. Because for Florida, a school that probably has too many rivalry games, they differ from decade to decade. Heck, sometimes they differ from coach to coach.

Some rivalries are thick with history. Some are fairly new. Some make no sense at all.

We only know that the electricity gets cranked up, the noise rises and the losses are gut punches.

For the latest Dooley’s Dozen, here are the 12 biggest rivalries for the mighty Gators. You don’t think there are 12. Ha! I say to you.

Anthony Richardson named to the Maxwell Award watch list

Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, given to the nation’s most outstanding player.

Florida sophomore quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list.

The Maxwell Award has been presented to the nation’s most outstanding player by the Maxwell Football Club every year since 1937. Richardson is looking to become the third player in Florida Gators history to win the Maxwell Award, with [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag] (1996) and [autotag]Tim Tebow[/autotag] (2007 & 2008) — the only Gators to win the award.

Despite being named to the Maxwell Award watch list, Richardson was left off the Davey O’Brien watch list, the award given out to the nation’s top quarterback.

Richardson is expected to enter the season as Florida’s QB1, with last year’s starter [autotag]Emory Jones[/autotag] transferring to Arizona State. It’s understandable the Davey O’Brien selection committee left Richardson off their list, with the Gators quarterback’s ability to be the sole signal caller a question mark outside of Gainesville.

Richardson recently announced that he will stop using his trademarked nickname “AR-15” because of its association with the assault rifle used in mass shootings across the country.

Richardson appeared in eight games last season totaling 529 passing yards and 401 rushing yards. He was the first Gators quarterback named to the All-SEC Freshman team since 2014. His 152 passing yards and 115 rushing yards against USF made him the first player in FBS in the last 25 seasons to rush for 100-plus yards and throw for 150-plus yards while completing every pass he threw in the game (3/3).

The Florida Gators kick off the 2022 football season on Saturday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

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Florida head coach Billy Napier relying heavily on former Gators

Florida head coach Billy Napier has relied on former Gators early in his tenure as the program’s new head coach.

New Florida head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] has built an army off the field, hiring nearly 50 plus people to attempt to get the program back to its glory days. However, he also relies on people who aren’t on his payroll to help him early in his tenure as the Gators’ new head coach. Napier has consistently leaned on former Florida coaches, administrators and players for advice and feedback.

“One of the most important things we do is ask questions and listen,” Napier said about reaching out to former Gators after Florida’s second spring scrimmage. “I really think history is the best indicator of the future, so when Florida was successful, what contributed to that? What were the factors that led to that success? I’m always looking for a way to improve, and I want to know the history of the place we’re at.”

For example, former Gators quarterback and 1996 Heisman Trophy winner [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag] has been a constant fixture at Napier’s practices this spring. The media has observed Napier and Wuerffel talking after several practices. He also invited Wuerffel to speak to the team earlier this spring.

Napier also named the team’s Man of the Month Award after him, which was first given to linebacker[autotag] Chief Borders[/autotag]. Florida said the award is given to a player who exemplifies the Gator Standard, demonstrating holistic excellence in leadership, character, service and academics.

Wuerffel said that he has been encouraged by what he has seen from Napier so far.

“The sheer number of quality people that are part of this program now, from all the coaches to the people doing all sorts of other aspects,” he said. “The GatorMade program, [autotag]Katie Turner[/autotag] and Bri (Wade) and what they’re doing with recruiting, it is really remarkable. I’ve been very grateful to have a little bit of bandwidth in my life and said, ‘Hey, if I can help with some things…’ So I’ve been around a little more, and I’m enjoying it.”

Wuerffel isn’t the only former Gator Napier has spoken to. He conversed with several former Florida players who came to work out at Florida’s Pro Day.

Napier is taking the right approach in his attempt to bring Florida back to the top of the college football world by keeping former Gators involved with the program and the process.

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Danny Wuerffel beams about coach Billy Napier and QB Anthony Richardson

Gator Great Danny Wuerffel was in attendance for Florida’s practice on Saturday. He beamed about Napier and Richardson.

New football coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and basketball coach [autotag]Todd Golden[/autotag] have welcomed back Florida’s storied traditions in both sports with open arms. Golden recently hired Gator Great [autotag]Taurean Green[/autotag] to his staff as the director of player development, and Napier has chosen former Florida linebacker [autotag]Mike Peterson[/autotag] as one of his on-the-field assistants.

Napier also wants more former players to visit the Swamp. Heisman Trophy winner [autotag]Danny Wuerffel[/autotag] stopped by practice Saturday. He beamed about Napier and quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] while speaking to reporters.

Wuerffel was impressed by the number of people involved with the program. He also spent several minutes talking with Napier after practice and had the opportunity to share advice with current student-athletes.

“I’ve had a chance to talk with the players at different times, really on the subject of leadership and trying to develop leaders,” he said. “I met with some of them as a group and others individually; it has been really encouraging. I’m really excited to be associated with GatorMade and help really highlight some of the great stuff that they’re doing.”

Wuerffel believes Richardson’s potential is through the roof like any other person thought who watched him last season. He complimented his passing skills and his athleticism.

“But I think what’s encouraging to me is to see the way he processes the game,” he said. “He’s a really smart guy, and I think he’s got so much potential. And as everybody’s been saying, you hope that you see that potential translate and there’s consistency. And you hope he stays healthy.”

Hopefully, Richardson can stay healthy after he had an offseason procedure on his knee that caused him to miss the Gasparilla Bowl.

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Gators legend Danny Wuerffel speaks to team during offseason program

Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel stopped by the Swamp this week to help out with phase two of Billy Napier’s offseason program: Identity.

The identity phase of Billy Napier‘s offseason program is in full swing, and the new head coach at Florida brought in one of the best to wear the Orange and Blue to speak with the team.

Heisman Trophy winner and Gators legend Danny Wuerffel was in Gainesville on Monday to attend the First-Year Coach Award ceremony at Steve Spurrier’s restaurant. He spent much of his time meeting with coaches and players before heading to the ceremony and even returned on Tuesday to spend more time around the facilities.

The Florida Gators Football Twitter account captured some of what Wuerffel said to the team on video and used the words to define identity, phase two of Napier’s offseason plan.

Wuerffel’s main message to the team was that the group is bigger than each individual player on their own. Who better to hear that from than the man who led the Gators to their first national championship?

“We live in a culture where everything is about how big you are, but none of you is more important than anybody else in the world,” Wuerffel said. “The best thing you can do is be the best teammate you can be. If you get a group of people together that actually believe that it’s not about you and no one of you is that important, magic can happen.”

Both Napier and Wuerffel have experienced that magic before. Now the goal is to get this current crop of Gators to share similar experiences and truly be a great football team.

Wuerffel tweeted out his excitement about the new staff following the completion of the 2022 national signing day class, and he’s done his part to help the new coach gain the trust of those who were on campus before him.

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