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Joe Theismann
NFL Quarterback, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Author
Joe Theismann is a 12-year NFL veteran who played in 163 consecutive games from 1974 to 1985 for the Washington Redskins. He holds several Redskins records, including passing yardage (25,206), completions (2,044), and attempts (3,602). Joe was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Bowl MVP, leading the Washington Redskins to a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII.
In 1982, Joe was named the NFL’s Man of the Year for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children. The following year, he won the NFL's Most Valuable Player Award, leading the Redskins to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Joe's career came to an abrupt end in 1985 when he suffered a severely broken leg during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants, which was broadcast nationally. In 2003, Joe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2013, he received the Walter Camp Football Foundation “Distinguished American” Award.
Joe was selected in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins and in the 39th round of the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft by the Minnesota Twins. After negotiations with the Dolphins fell through, Joe chose to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his rookie year, he quarterbacked the Argonauts to a 1-4 record, led the league's Eastern Conference in passing statistics, and helped the team secure a berth in the Grey Cup championship game in Vancouver, British Columbia, against the Calgary Stampeders (59th Grey Cup).
During the 1971 season, Joe completed 148 of 278 passes for 2,440 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 1972 season was shortened by injury, but he still completed 77 of 127 passes for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his final CFL season in 1973, Joe completed 157 of 247 passes for 2,496 yards, along with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He was named an All-Star in both 1971 and 1973.
In 1974, the Washington Redskins acquired Joe’s rights from the Dolphins in exchange for the team's first-round draft pick in 1976. Joe left the CFL and joined the Redskins, initially serving as the team’s punt returner. In 1978, he became the Redskins' starting quarterback, succeeding Billy Kilmer. In 1982, Joe led the Redskins to their first championship in 40 years, defeating the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII.
In 1985, Joe broadcasted Super Bowl XIX alongside Frank Gifford and Don Meredith, becoming only the second player to do commentary on a Super Bowl telecast while still an active player. He then worked as a color commentator for regional CBS NFL coverage in 1986 and 1987. From 1988 to 2005, Joe provided commentary for ESPN's Sunday Night Football, and in 2006, he joined ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage. In 2009, Joe analyzed game films on NFL Network’s Playbook. On January 9, 2010, he served as color commentator, alongside former head coach Joe Gibbs, for the AFC Wild Card Game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals. Joe also co-hosted NFL games on NBC in 2010 and co-hosted NFL Network’s No Huddle in 2011.
Joe’s popularity and charisma have led to numerous TV and movie opportunities. His acting credits include B.J. and the Bear (1981), Cannonball Run II (1984), The Man from Left Field (1993), and Hallmark’s Love on the Sidelines (2015).
BOOKS
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Football Like a Pro
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Football
Theismann
How to Be a Champion Every Day: Timeless Keys to Success
Quarterbacking
The Official Illustrated History of Fighting Irish Football

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