Speaker: Danny Wuerffel, Founder, Desire Street Ministries

by Sheila Ryan

From star quarterback to community hero, Danny Wuerffel is making a difference on and off the playing field. Danny played for the University of Florida and was named the Heisman Trophy Winner in 1996.

After graduating with a BA in Public Relations, he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1997. While playing for the New Orleans Saints, he was impacted by the children living in the impoverished Old Ninth Ward in New Orleans. He saw the need for impoverished communities to be transformed through spiritual and community development. He saw the need for youth in the community to have positive role models and a positive and uplifting influence in their lives.

Another enlightening experience happened as a result of an unfortunate hit on the playing field. During one game, Danny was hit so hard that he could not see when he stood up. He thought that he had gone blind until he realized that he had been hit so hard, his helmet had turned around backwards. This experience led him to realize that there is more to see than you physically see. He realized that you need to look beyond the obvious to see the bigger picture. He said that the way we spend our time, talents, and treasures is mostly focused on us as individuals. Instead of having an “all mine” mentality, he encourages us to focus on the larger issues.

Danny has found joy and fulfillment by living for a cause bigger than him. As the Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries, Danny is able to see larger needs in the community. Every day, he is able to make positive changes to the community and the residents in that community.

Although Desire Street Ministries started in the Old Ninth Ward in New Orleans, it now serves communities in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Montgomery. Danny and his staff are looking to expand Desire Street Ministries to other communities.

The headquarters is now located in Atlanta, where Danny lives with his wife, two sons, and baby daughter.