Hi everyone,
do you know the difference with the following sentence ?

My friend told me, as we were graduating from college, that she was in love with that man.
My friend told me that, as we were graduating from college, she was in love with that man.

The quarterback said, despite his recent successful season, that he would retire.
The quarterback said that despite his recent successful season, he would retire.

thanks in advance

have a nice day
>_~