GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Percy Harvin may be mounting a comeback. It just won’t be in the NFL.
Danny Wuerffel admits he is trying to recruit his fellow ex-University of Florida standout to the American Flag Football League.
Yes, flag football.
It’s obviously a far cry from when both were starring with the Gators, let alone playing in the NFL. The same goes for Wuerffel’s other recognizable flag teammates who once wore the orange and blue like Chris Doering, Frankie Hammond, Travis McGriff and Taylor Jacobs.
But before mocking their involvement in such an endeavor, consider that a $1 million prize is being offered to the winner of the AFFL’s U.S. Open of Football tournament with 11 of the games being televised on NFL Network. And by over-the-hill standards, the level of athletic competition is impressive.
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Four “pro” teams are being led by former NFL standouts Michael Vick and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. Another features ex-running back Justin Forsett and all-world Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnson.
The fourth? Former NBA stars Carlos Boozer and Nate Robinson crossing over to the gridiron.
Wuerffel is still in the process of completing his 12-member team, with the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner having staged an open tryout Friday on the UF campus hoping to unearth talent that can hang with the big boys.
Wuerffel made his public plea for Harvin to join the roster Thursday through a Twitter post featuring a photo of the two together.
Hey @AFFL, is this former @GatorsFB any good for our flag football team? (Hint: ‘06 SEC Champ MVP and and initials PH) pic.twitter.com/EUEa3DpZdP
— Danny Wuerffel (@DannyWuerffel) March 22, 2018
“We’ll have to see what happens there,” a smiling Wuerffel said during a news conference before the tryouts. “But he’s definitely a No. 1 draft pick.”
Even that may be an understatement.
Unlike the 43-year-old Wuerffel, the 29-year-old Harvey is still young enough to realistically attempt a successful NFL comeback. The 2009 first-round pick retired last March after injuries derailed an eight-year career highlighted by his impactful contributions on offense and special teams during Seattle’s blowout win over Denver in Super Bowl 48.
Wuerffel was nothing to sneeze at in his day, either. The 1996 Heisman Trophy winner lasted in the NFL for six years as a journeyman quarterback.
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Wuerffel is now trying to adjust to a different form of football that continues to grow in popularity, especially among youth hoping to mitigate the increased concussion risk that comes with playing padded tackled football.
“This game is a sort of a hybrid between traditional football concepts and what are known as flag concepts,” Wuerffel said. “I think we’ve got the traditional football down. We need to find some players that are real familiar with the flag world. It’s different grabbing a flag and there are techniques to that we have to learn.
“We’re looking to see if there are a couple of really good defenders that we can pick up to help us.”
Based upon his high school experience as a two-way player, Harvin would fit the bill if he wants to take the plunge.
Wuerffel’s team is participating in a qualifier April 15 in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. with the winner clinching a spot in the 32-team finals bracket. The finals will be held July 19 in Houston. For more information, visit www.americanflag.football.
