by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
Gators and Seminoles don’t get along very often.
In at least one case, they do ... to the tune of $100,000 and a mission to help those who need help.
Jacksonville attorney Gary Pajcic, a former quarterback for Florida State University, has made a gift to another former quarterback, University of Florida’s Danny Wuerffel, who works with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans.
“When New Orleans was devastated by Katrina, I wanted to figure out the best way I could to help those in need,” said Pajcic at a ceremony in Alltel Stadium. “As a former quarterback at Florida State University, I have admired Danny Wuerffel both as a person and a quarterback at Florida.
“Good works transcend anything that happens on a football field.”
Both had significant careers at their respective schools.
Pajcic played in the mid-60s and still ranks high in many quarterback categories despite the stars who since have played the position. He and his brother, Steve, are the principals in Pajcic & Pajcic.
Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy, which goes to the nation’s best player, in 1996, when he led the Gators to the national championship.
The son of a minister, Wuerffel is now part of Desire Street Ministries, which was founded 15 years ago in New Orleans in one of the worst urban communities in the country. The organization has ministered to the needy residents of the troubled Desire neighborhood ever since.
When Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, it scattered city residents and submerged the Desire neighborhood under water. The organization continues to meet the needs of hundreds of needy Desire residents.
Wuerffel went on to the NFL to play for the New Orleans Saints, where he learned about the Ministry.