Graham Mertz receives award named for Florida Gators great

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – University of Florida quarterback Graham Mertz was selected as the 2024 GatorMade Danny Wuerffel “Man of the Year.”

“Graham is one of the more impressive young men I’ve ever been around, one of my favorite players to coach,” said head football coach Billy Napier. “I respect the example, I respect the standard he sets for the entire organization.”

The Man of the Year award is given to a player who demonstrates the values of the fliri state football program.

“I’ve seen him grow. Ultimately, he found his voice as a leader. He found that place as a competitor. He made our team better and certainly, a big part of our turnaround has been him and his leadership,” Napier said.

The award values include mental and moral qualities, a distinctive disposition, commitment to learning, an active presence in communities, using influence to benefit others, and positively maximizing the efforts of others.

“This entire time in Florida has just been amazing for me,” Mertz said. “I think for me, really coming down here, getting out of my comfort zone, it was the first time I was really on my own. It really tested me on what my values were and what I wanted to be in life. How I want to impact others and impact myself.”

Former Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who played under coach Steve Spurrier, says Mertz is very deserving of the Man of the Year award.

“I’ve gotten to know Graham pretty well over these last couple of years and I’ve been so impressed by his leadership, his professionalism,” said Wuerffel.