Wuerffel article from CNNSI

[redman]

Basically, it says he's nice, and he wears a glove on his throwing hand:

Glove of the game

For Skins' Wuerffel, it's a matter of what works

Posted: Tuesday August 13, 2002 4:14 PM

CARLISLE, Pa. (AP) -- These days, the first thing Danny Wuerffel has to explain is the glove.

Hot or cold, indoors and out, the Washington Redskins quarterback has started wearing a glove on his throwing hand. Variations of "What's the deal with the glove?" have become regular expressions among fans at training camp, especially on days like Tuesday's 97-degree scorcher.

"I'd probably want to know that, too, if I saw a dude wearing a glove," Wuerffel said. "But it's just to help grip the ball."

The glove is about as exciting as Wuerffel gets. He is polite, has a gentle laugh, and his answers are politically correct almost to a fault. No one would fault him for having some bitterness giventhe way his NFL career has gone, but he is neither bitter about the past nor glowing about the present -- even though he's taken the lead in the Redskins' three-way quarterback battle.

"You don't ever see Danny Wuerffel bitter about anything, not since I've known him," said head coach Steve Spurrier, who coached Wuerffel to a Heismann Trophy and national championship at Florida in 1996. "He doesn't get mad. He's at peace with himself. He accepts the way things happen in life, and he's got a wonderful attitude."

Despite his success in college, Wuerffel was tainted on arrival in the NFL. Scouts said his arm wasn't strong enough for the big leagues. He wasn't drafted until the fourth round by New Orleans, where he became one of many quarterbacks in coach Mike Ditka's merry-go-round.

Wuerffel started six games in three seasons with the Saints and hasn't played a single down since, having sat on the bench in Green Bay (2000) and Chicago (2001).

Now he is rejuvenated under Spurrier, playing in a system where arm strength isn't as important as decision-making and accuracy. In two exhibition games, Wuerffel is 24 for 36 for 371 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions -- well ahead of both Shane Matthews and Sage Rosenfels.

He has already been named the starter for the next two exhibition games.

Just don't expect him to crow about it. "We'll see how it turns out" is about the extent of Wuerffel's analysis of the competition.

It's the same type of levelheaded answer Wuerffel gives when asked about an NFL career that could only be described as disappointing.

"I've had a lot of great experiences," Wuerffel said. "I've learned a lot. It hasn't been a highlight NFL career by any means, but it's been a great time."

The best theory for Wuerffel's resurgence is that he needs the right system to succeed -- and that system happens to be Spurrier's. Asked to explain Wuerffel's lost years, Spurrier doesn't even try.

"Danny is performing about the way I saw him play when I was coaching," Spurrier said.

Certainly, Wuerffel hasn't been given this kind of chance before. He said he's getting more practice snaps in camp than he's ever had, and that he's never had this much fun.

"It's a great opportunity to be out here with his offense throwing the ball down the field," Wuerffel said. "When you're five years old, that's what you enjoy doing, throwing the ball and having someone catch it."

Even should he win the job, Wuerffel won't be turning many colorful phrases for the television cameras.

"When you're talking to him, you know you're not going to get something off the roof," tackle Jon Jansen said. "He's not going to say something crazy. He's not going to go out and do something stupid."

No, just something a little strange -- like wearing one glove to play football.

"I started off wearing two," Wuerffel said. "But I thought 'Why wear two?' The only reason I do it is to throw."

[prophet]

He also has a cd out

http://www.walkingbarefoot.com/wuerffel.htm

a glove and sings? hmmmm

[Joey T]

Don't even go there people:laugh:

He can't compare with "Thriller":cool:

[Awgustlab]

Good Lord, Me oh My. Send that one over to the "Religion III" thread and let it get torn to shreds!!

I'm sure it's very good, though. :puke:

[NavyDave]

All he needs is a Chimpanzee (Spank) and a standing ovation from the fans after an awesome performance in septtember and we be hearing Thriller as his theme music :cool:

[codeorama]

ESPN's Peety Pufferilly's NFL INSIDER

NFL Insiders observed Danny Wuerffel after practice in Carlisle working on his moonwalk in obvious preparation for the many celebration dances he will be performing. Fred Smoot was seen giving advice and offering assistance on his back spins. On a side note, an AP reporter asked Danny about his thinning hair line and he responded, "ever since that Pepsi commercial incident, it hasn't been growing too well."

[Reaganaut]

I hate to bring this up, but there is a parallel between Wuerffel and Kurt Warner that bears mentioning. Wuerffel is equally as religious as Warner and some of that healthy attitude probably stems from this disposition. The reason he is not bitter is the same reason that Warner is not bitter about having been a stock boy at the local HyVee for minimum wage. His philosophy of taking what life gives him is entirely consistent with Warner's. By the same token, he will likely make the most of his opportunity the way Warner has. Injuries aside, Kurt Warner is the top QB in the league. That is a product of system + talent + disposition + health. Wuerffel has two of those three and we will see if he has the talent portion of the equation. He probably does have this, but we'll know by the mid season. Health is worrisome, especially behind the current offensive line.

Wuerffel may turn out to be another Kurt Warner like story if things go as well as they possibly can. There may be a run on blue ostrich feather dresses if Danny gets to the Superbowl.

[bulldog]

well, of course everyone now says that Kurt Warner and Rich Gannon are playoff quarterbacks and all that jazz........but two or three years ago the same critics that say Spurrier can't win with this group of qb's were making jabs at Vermeil for not trading for a veteran when Trent Green went down and at Jon Gruden for giving up on Jeff George who had thrown for 28 touchdowns to pickup a journeyman who couldn't cut it in KC with Marty Schottenheimer :laugh:

[maanders]

Originally posted by codeorama

ESPN's Peety Pufferilly's NFL INSIDER

NFL Insiders observed Danny Wuerffel after practice in Carlisle working on his moonwalk in obvious preparation for the many celebration dances he will be performing. Fred Smoot was seen giving advice and offering assistance on his back spins. On a side note, an AP reporter asked Danny about his thinning hair line and he responded, "ever since that Pepsi commercial incident, it hasn't been growing too well."

I know this was in jest, but having watched Wuerffel during his college career (and even a couple of his NFLE games), you will never see him do any kind of "celebration dances" or anything to rub it in to the other team. The most you will see is maybe a few claps, his hands pressed togther in a small prayer of thanks gesture, and him congratulating his teammates. He is all small ego and team oriented.

What he will do that may irritate the other team is continue to get up after being knocked down. He can take a hit. I hope we won't see too much of that against Pittsburgh, but he is tough.

[codeorama]

Regan, Great Post.

I too find it amusing that people forget Warner was a stock boy behind Trent Green, (remember him, third string in Washington behind Heath and Gus). Qb's are made and broken by their surroundings.

Marino was a better passer than Montana, but who had more rings.

Rich Gannon, most people thought he died in the 80's, but in the right place, he's a probowler. I'm not saying DW is a lock to greatness, but I'm not ready to be against him yet. Worst case, If DW can hold the fort long enough for Ramsey to be groomed, (Ramsey has all the tools), then we will be ok. I think it would be cool for DW to set the league on fire though. It would make Spurrier look even more like a genius.

[maanders]

Originally posted by codeorama

I think it would be cool for DW to set the league on fire though. It would make Spurrier look even more like a genius.

And make Mel Kiper turn as dark red as the Skins retro unis.

He and Spurrier just do not get along because he has stated firmly that not even Spurrier can turn Wuerffel into a successful NFL QB...which, of course, makes Spurrier want to do it all the more.

The other ESPN Radio announcers are always trying to Kiper to agree to a bet that if Spurrier and Danny are successful this year that Kiper will caddy a round of golf for Spurrier in off season. Kiper keeps refusing to take the bet. :laugh: