HomeNews

Local football hero speaks at National Prayer Breakfast

  • Published
  • By Sachel Seabrook
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Known as the quarterback with the Midas touch, Danny Wuerffel turned his life experiences into a golden metaphor of encouragement during the annual National Prayer Breakfast here Feb. 17, leaving Team Eglin family members feeling inspired to start their day.

The retired NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner used the film Patch Adams to illustrate faith and giving. Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams is a doctor who is widely known for his unconventional medical practices. After attempting suicide, Adams checks himself into a mental institution where during this time he is inspired to become a medical doctor and discovers he is able to forget his own problems by helping others.

"Our lives are not about us and if any group of people knows this, it's the military," said Mr. Wuerffel. "I thank you for giving your life."

He spoke about his experiences of growing up and hearing an inner voice always encouraging him to be successful and how everyone has an inner voice.

"I always thought it was me pumping myself up," Wuerffel said jokingly. "But it wasn't until I became a father and overheard my mother speaking to my son one night that I realized it was her voice God placed inside of me to build me up all along."

He spoke about how important it is for people to encourage others and how amazed people would be at how big of a difference encouragement makes in the lives of friends, family and comrades.

"I loved it," said Jocelyn Donahoo, a writer from Niceville. "He helped me realize that it's not about me."

Speaking of not only his experiences, but of those he heard from his father, who previously served as a chaplain with the Air Force overseas, Wuerffel said many times military members feel alone when deployed. But it's a sense of teamwork that helps get them through.

Before departing the base, Wuerffel took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs with airmen.

Team Eglin kept up with the American tradition that started in 1953 by members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives prayer groups and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Its purpose is to bring together the leadership of the U.S. and affirm the moral and spiritual values upon which America is founded.