Wuerffel is a former college and professional American football quarterback. Wuerffel attended the University of Florida, where he was a prolific passer for the Florida Gators under head coach Steve Spurrier. Wuerffel led the NCAA in touchdown passes in 1995 and 1996 and set numerous school and conference records during his career. During his senior year in 1996, Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy while leading the Gators to their first national championship. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

After graduating from Florida, Wuerffel was drafted by the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He spent six years in the league with four teams, including the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins, though his playing time and on-field success in the NFL was limited. Wuerffel also played one season in NFL Europe, where he led the Rhein Fire to a league championship and was named MVP of World Bowl 2000.