Former Gator Battling Crippling Disease

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Former Florida Gator Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel is facing another battle, but it's not a defensive lineman he's trying to beat.

Wuerffel is fighting the disease known as Guillian-Barre syndrome. He contracted the disease while fighting a stomach virus.

The disease is rare and involves paralysis that moves from the extremities into the patient's midsection. The danger comes if breathing muscles are impacted or if the nervous system begins to have problems.

But, most patients who receive immediate treatment are able to fully recover.

Wuerffel works for Desire Street Ministries, a nonprofit, faith-based organization. Desire Street Ministries said Wuerffel was first hospitalized in Montgomery, Alabama and later transferred to Birmingham, Alabama.

Desire Street spokeswoman Sara Pace said that Wuerffel is expected to make a full recovery.

Wuerffel played for Steve Spurrier at the University of Florida from 1993-1996. During his playing days at UF, Wuerffel led the Gators to four SEC titles and the National Championship in 1996 with a victory over arch-rival Florida State in the Sugar Bowl.

Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy for his performance in the 1996 season. For his college career, Wuerffel completed 708 of 1,170 passes for 10,875 yards and 114 touchdown passes.