GAINESVILLE,
Fla. -- Danny Wuerffel was a teammate of Errict Rhett’s for two seasons in the
early 1990s, so the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback was not at all surprised
with how Rhett immersed himself into the role as the first “Celebrity Mr. Two
Bits.”
UF’s
former All-Southeastern Conference tailback and school’s all-time rushing
leader set a high bar for the chosen ones who follow.
“It
was both inspiring and intimidating,” Wuerffel said this week from his home in
Atlanta. “I never had the enthusiasm or athleticism of Errict Rhett. I don’t
even know if I should try to match it. So I guess I’m going to have to do it my
own way or drink two or three Red Bulls before I go out there.”
With
the honor of being asked to be play the Mr. Two Bits role comes the freedom of
individuality. Rhett’s was on display for all to see in the 2013 season opener
against Toledo.
Now
it’s Wuerffel’s turn.
The
1996 Heisman winner and soon-to-be College Hall of Fame inductee, will get his
chance to blow the whistle and lead the famous Gators cheer Saturday when the
18th-ranked Gators (1-1) take on Tennessee (2-1) at Florida Field. The choice
seems appropriate enough, considering Wuerffel from 1993-96 went four seasons
without ever losing to the Volunteers.
“It’s
been a long time since I’ve felt this kind of a pressure in the ‘Swamp,’ ” he
said.
Not
that in bothered him before. In three starts against UT (including the first of
his career), Wuerffel hit 59.6 percent of his throws for 767 yards, 13
touchdowns, three interceptions and one very famous Sports Illustrated
cover.
Now
he gets the Vols again, albeit under different circumstances.
“Should
be a lot of fun,” Wuerffel said.
Wuerffel
led the Gators to the national championship his senior year and toyed for the
next six years in the NFL, mostly as a backup for four different teams, before
retiring following the 2002 season alongside his former coach, Steve Spurrier,
in Washington.
Now
married with three children, his post-football life has been devoted to his
Desire Ministries which targets impoverished urban neighborhoods with the goal
of transforming them into thriving, healthy communities. Desire Street now has
branches in five states (Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Florida).
As
for his much-publicized bout with Guillain-Barre’ syndrome, a rare disorder
that inflicts the nervous system, the UF icon said it is now “in the rear-view
mirror.”
When
Wuerffel, now 39, runs to midfield Saturday, he’ll do so as a Hall-of-Famer. He
was voted into the Hall in May. The 2013 class will be honored at a ceremony in
New York in December and the official enshrinement in Atlanta next
summer.
His
latest accolade will be acknowledged with Wuerffel taking a curtain call during
the first timeout of the first quarter.
“It’s
obviously an incredible honor,” Wuerffel said. “Had this been five or 10 years
ago, I wouldn’t have been in the same place of my life to appreciate it as
much. Now, quite a few years since my college career, to be able to look back
and reflect on the relationships and the teammates and coaches at the
University of Florida, I think it sinks in deeper into my heart. There’s such a
higher level of appreciation and gratitude that comes with it.”
Some
perks, as well.
A
Two-Bits cheer is calling.
