by Vikram 13 September 2023, 07:08 inBlog

Joe Theismann: A Former Football Star and a Versatile Personality

Joe Theismann is a name that many sports fans would recognize. He is a former professional football player who played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). He led the Washington Redskins to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning one of them. He also won several individual awards, including the NFL Most Valuable Player and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1983.

But Joe Theismann is not just a football legend. He is also a sports commentator, a corporate speaker, a restaurateur, and an actor. He has worked for ESPN, NFL Network, and other media outlets as an analyst and a broadcaster. He has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Cannonball Run II, The Man with Bogart’s Face, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Field	Information
Full Name	Joseph Robert Theismann
Profession	Former football player, sports commentator, corporate speaker, restaurateur, actor
Birthday	September 9, 1949
Birth place	New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
Birth sign	Virgo
Height	6 feet (1.83 meters)
Weight	192 pounds (87 kilograms)
Age	73 years old (as of 2022)
Family members	Robin Smith (wife), Jeanne Caruso (ex-wife), Shari Brown (ex-wife), Patrick Theismann (son), Amy Theismann (daughter), Joseph John Theismann (father), Olga Tóbiás (mother)
Net worth	$8 million (as of 2020)
Nationality	American
Movies	Cannonball Run II, The Man with Bogart’s Face, Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon, Snow Dogs, Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV show), etc.

Where was Joe Theismann born?

Joe Theismann was born on September 9, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. He is the son of Joseph John Theismann, who ran a gas station and worked in his brother’s liquor store, and Olga Tóbiás, who worked for Johnson & Johnson until her retirement His parents were immigrants from Austria and Hungary, respectively.

How was Joe Theismann’s early life?

Joe Theismann grew up in South River, New Jersey, where he attended South River High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football He was also an excellent student, graduating as the valedictorian of his class He developed a passion for football at an early age, idolizing Johnny Unitas and Y.A. He also learned to play the accordion from his father, who was a musician.

Where did Joe Theismann receive his education?

Joe Theismann received a scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he played college football for the Fighting Irish under coach Ara Parseghian. He was a two-time All-American and the winner of the 1970 Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in college football. He also set several school records, including passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. He graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

What is distinctive feature of Joe Theismann?

One of the distinctive features of Joe Theismann is his unique pronunciation of his surname. He changed it from “THEES-man” to “THIGHS-man” to rhyme with Heisman when he was a finalist for the award in 1970. He later said that it was a marketing strategy to help him win the trophy.

Another distinctive feature of Joe Theismann is his gruesome leg injury that ended his NFL career in 1985. He suffered a compound fracture of his right tibia and fibula when he was sacked by Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during a Monday Night Football game. The injury was so severe that it exposed his bone and caused severe blood loss. The incident was captured on live television and is considered one of the most shocking moments in sports history.

How did Joe Theismann begin his career?

Joe Theismann began his professional football career in 1971 when he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played for three seasons with the Argonauts, leading them to two playoff appearances and earning two CFL All-Star selections.

He then joined the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in 1974 after being drafted by them in the fourth round in 1971. He initially served as a backup quarterback and a punt returner until he became the starter in 1978. He led the Redskins to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances in 1982 and 1983, winning Super Bowl XVII over the Miami Dolphins and losing Super Bowl XVIII to the Los Angeles Raiders. He also won several individual awards, including the NFL Most Valuable Player and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1983.

He played for 12 seasons with the Redskins until his career-ending injury in 1985. He retired with 25,206 passing yards, 160 touchdowns, and 138 interceptions in his NFL career. He also holds several Redskins franchise records, such as most passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns in a single season.

After his retirement from football, he pursued various careers in media, business, and entertainment. He worked as a sportscaster and an analyst on pro football broadcasts with ESPN, NFL Network, and other media outlets for nearly 20 years. He also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Cannonball Run II, The Man with Bogart’s Face, Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon, Snow Dogs, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine He also owns Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar in Alexandria, Virginia, which he founded in 1975. He also performs as a speaker for corporate events, speaking on topics such as leadership and self-motivation.

What are the achievements of Joe Theismann?

Joe Theismann is one of the most accomplished and decorated football players in history. He has achieved many honors and awards in his college and professional career, as well as in his post-retirement endeavors. Some of his most notable achievements are:

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1970, the most prestigious award in college football. He also set several school records at Notre Dame, including passing yards, touchdowns, and completions.
He was a two-time CFL All-Star with the Toronto Argonauts, leading them to two playoff appearances in three seasons.
He was a Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins in 1982, defeating the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. He also led the Redskins to another Super Bowl appearance in 1983, losing to the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII.
He was named the NFL Most Valuable Player and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1983, after throwing for a career-high 3,714 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also won the Bert Bell Award as the player of the year in 1982.
He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a First-team All-Pro selection in 1982 and 1983. He also won the NFL Man of the Year award in 1982 for his charitable and community work.
He holds several Redskins franchise records, such as most passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns in a single season. He also ranks among the top 50 quarterbacks of all time in NFL history in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003, recognizing his outstanding achievements at Notre Dame. He is also a member of the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame and the Washington Commanders 90 Greatest Washington Redskins list.
He received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst in 1988 for his work as a sportscaster and an analyst on ESPN’s Sunday Night Football. He also worked for NFL Network, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports as a broadcaster and commentator.

What are the achievements of Joe Theismann?

Who is Joe Theismann married to?

Joe Theismann is currently married to Robin Smith, whom he wedded in 1996. Robin Smith is a former country music singer who recorded several albums and singles in the 1980s and 1990s. She is also an entrepreneur who owns a clothing line called Robin’s Jeans.

Joe Theismann has been married four times in his life. His first wife was Shari Brown, whom he married in 1970 when they were both seniors at Notre Dame. They divorced in 1984 after having three children: Patrick, Amy, and Joseph Jr. His second wife was Cathy Lee Crosby, an actress and former host of That’s Incredible!. They married in 1983 and divorced in 1991 after a long legal battle over their assets. His third wife was Jeanne Caruso, whom he married in 1991 and divorced in 1995.

Is Joe Theismann socially active?

Joe Theismann is very active on social media platforms, especially on Twitter. His Twitter handle is @Theismann7, and he has over 153,300 followers as of November 2021. He frequently posts about football, sports commentary, and his personal life. He also interacts with his fans and other celebrities on Twitter. Some of his recent tweets are:

“Going to be tough to pay Payne the money he’ll want and deserves.”
“Lost a dear friend today. Dave Butz. Dave Mark Mosley and I used to ride to games together. A true gentle giant. Rest In Peace my friend.”
“Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife Robin.”

Joe Theismann is also present on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, but he is not as active as on Twitter. He has over 25,000 likes on his Facebook page and over 8,000 followers on his Instagram account.

What is the net worth of Joe Theismann?

Joe Theismann has an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2020, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned most of his wealth from his successful football career and various business ventures.

During his time with the Toronto Argonauts, he received $50,000 per season in the Canadian Football League. After playing three seasons with the Argonauts, he signed a contract with the Washington Redskins, where he reportedly earned $405,000 in his last season in 1985.

After his retirement from football, he pursued various careers in media, business, and entertainment. He signed a five-year deal with ESPN worth $8 million in 1987, but the contract was terminated in less than two years. He received around $4 million for the settlement. His annual salary from NFL Network in 2020 was expected to be $1 million.

He also owns Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar in Alexandria, Virginia, which he founded in 1975. The restaurant serves American cuisine and sports memorabilia. He also performs as a speaker for corporate events, earning around $20,000 to $30,000 per speech.

He also has several properties and assets, such as his home in Virginia, which he bought for $1.2 million in 2003. He also owns a collection of cars, such as a Mercedes-Benz, a BMW, and a Corvette.

What are the movies Joe Theismann has worked in?

Joe Theismann has also tried his hand at acting, appearing in several movies and TV shows. Some of the movies he has worked in are:

Cannonball Run II (1984): A comedy film starring Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Joe Theismann played the role of Mack, a football player who joins the cross-country race.
The Man with Bogart’s Face (1980): A comedy film starring Robert Sacchi, Franco Nero, Michelle Phillips, and Olivia Hussey. Joe Theismann played the role of Jock, a henchman of the villain.
Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon (1998): A TV movie starring Tony Danza, Jessica Tuck, Art LaFleur, and Jamie Walters. Joe Theismann played himself as a sportscaster who covers the story of a garbage man who becomes a kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Snow Dogs (2002): A comedy film starring Cuba Gooding Jr., James Coburn, Sisqó, and Nichelle Nichols. Joe Theismann played himself as a sportscaster who interviews Ted Brooks (Gooding Jr.), a dentist who inherits a team of sled dogs in Alaska.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2014): A comedy TV series starring Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, and Melissa Fumero. Joe Theismann played himself as a guest at Captain Holt’s (Braugher) birthday party.

What are the famous roles played by Joe Theismann?

Joe Theismann is not only a former football star, but also an actor who has appeared in several movies and TV shows. Some of the famous roles he has played are:

Mack in Cannonball Run II (1984): A comedy film starring Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Joe Theismann played the role of Mack, a football player who joins the cross-country race.
Jock in The Man with Bogart’s Face (1980): A comedy film starring Robert Sacchi, Franco Nero, Michelle Phillips, and Olivia Hussey. Joe Theismann played the role of Jock, a henchman of the villain.
Himself in Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon (1998): A TV movie starring Tony Danza, Jessica Tuck, Art LaFleur, and Jamie Walters. Joe Theismann played himself as a sportscaster who covers the story of a garbage man who becomes a kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Himself in Snow Dogs (2002): A comedy film starring Cuba Gooding Jr., James Coburn, Sisqó, and Nichelle Nichols. Joe Theismann played himself as a sportscaster who interviews Ted Brooks (Gooding Jr.), a dentist who inherits a team of sled dogs in Alaska
Himself in Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2014): A comedy TV series starring Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, and Melissa Fumero. Joe Theismann played himself as a guest at Captain Holt’s (Braugher) birthday party.

Which brands does Joe Theismann endorse?

Joe Theismann has endorsed various brands and products throughout his career, both as a football player and as a media personality. Some of the brands he has endorsed are:

Nike: Joe Theismann was one of the first NFL players to sign an endorsement deal with Nike in 1979. He wore Nike shoes and apparel on and off the field. He also appeared in several commercials and print ads for Nike.
Rolaids: Joe Theismann was the spokesperson for Rolaids antacid tablets in the 1980s. He promoted the product as a relief for heartburn and indigestion caused by stress and spicy foods. He also participated in the Rolaids Relief Man Award, which honored the best relief pitchers in baseball.
Nutrisystem: Joe Theismann became the face of Nutrisystem, a weight loss program that delivers pre-packaged meals and snacks, in 2007. He claimed that he lost 35 pounds on the program and encouraged others to try it. He also appeared in several commercials and infomercials for Nutrisystem.
Super Beta Prostate: Joe Theismann became the spokesperson for Super Beta Prostate, a dietary supplement that claims to support prostate health and urinary function, in 2011. He endorsed the product as a solution for men who suffer from frequent urination and prostate issues. He also appeared in several commercials and radio ads for Super Beta Prostate.
Provia: Joe Theismann became the spokesperson for Provia, a natural hair thinning remedy that claims to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth, in 2015. He endorsed the product as a way to restore his hair confidence and improve his appearance. He also appeared in several commercials and online videos for Provia.

What are the viral stories of Joe Theismann?

Joe Theismann has been involved in several viral stories that have captured the attention of the public and the media. Some of these stories are:

His leg injury: One of the most shocking moments in sports history occurred on November 18, 1985, when Joe Theismann suffered a gruesome leg injury during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants. He was sacked by Lawrence Taylor, who drove his knee into Theismann’s lower right leg, fracturing both his tibia and fibula bones. The injury was so severe that it exposed his bone and caused severe blood loss. The incident was captured on live television and replayed many times over the years. The injury ended Theismann’s NFL career and required multiple surgeries to repair his leg.
His name change: One of the most interesting facts about Joe Theismann is that he changed his surname pronunciation from “THEES-man” to “THIGHS-man” to rhyme with Heisman when he was a finalist for the award in 1970. He later said that it was a marketing strategy to help him win the trophy. However, he did not win the Heisman that year, losing to Jim Plunkett of Stanford. He did win the Heisman the following year, becoming the only player in history to win the award with a different name pronunciation.
His old tweet: One of the most amusing stories involving Joe Theismann happened in 2022, when an old tweet of his resurfaced after Kyler Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals. The tweet, dated December 8, 2018, congratulated Murray for winning the Heisman Trophy and then said, “Now go have a long career in baseball.” The tweet was a reference to Murray’s decision to pursue an NFL career instead of an MLB career, despite being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2018 MLB draft. The tweet did not age well, as Murray became one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and earned a massive payday. The tweet was mocked by many fans and media outlets, who pointed out the irony and the poor advice.

What are the scandals of Joe Theismann?

Joe Theismann has also been involved in some scandals and controversies that have tarnished his reputation and image. Some of these scandals are:

His divorce: Joe Theismann’s first marriage to Shari Brown ended in a bitter divorce in 1984 after 14 years of marriage and three children. The divorce was caused by Theismann’s infidelity and his affair with actress Cathy Lee Crosby, whom he married in 1983. The divorce was also costly for Theismann, who had to pay alimony and child support to Brown. He later divorced Crosby in 1991 after a long legal battle over their assets. He married Jeanne Caruso in 1991 and divorced her in 1995. He married Robin Smith in 1996 and is still married to her as of 2021.
His lawsuit: Joe Theismann was sued by Floyd Luman and Joel Amkraut, two consumers who bought Super Beta Prostate, the product that Theismann endorsed as a spokesperson. They alleged that the product was ineffective and fraudulent, and that Theismann made false and misleading claims about its benefits. They sought damages and injunctive relief on behalf of a putative class of consumers who bought the product. The lawsuit was dismissed by the district court for lack of standing, but was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court affirmed the dismissal in 2016, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to show any injury or harm caused by the product or Theismann’s endorsement.
His comments: Joe Theismann has also made some controversial and insensitive comments that have drawn criticism and backlash from fans and media. Some of his comments are:
- In 2006, he said that Tony Romo’s girlfriend Jessica Simpson was a distraction for the Dallas Cowboys quarterback and suggested that Romo should dump her. He said, “He’s young, he’s got all these hormones raging through his body … I think Jessica Simpson is part of the problem.”
- In 2010, he said that Donovan McNabb was not smart enough to run Mike Shanahan’s offense for the Washington Redskins and questioned his intelligence and work ethic. He said, “I don’t think he studies enough … I don’t think he understands what it takes to run this offense.”
- In 2014, he said that Robert Griffin III should stop acting like he is bigger than the Washington Redskins organization and learn how to be a leader. He said, “You can’t make statements when you’re 3-10 … You can’t say you’re close … You can’t say anything about anything until you start winning football games.”

Famous legal cases of Joe Theismann

Joe Theismann has also been involved in some legal cases that have affected his career and finances. Some of these cases are:

His contract dispute: Joe Theismann had a contract dispute with the Washington Redskins in 1980, when he demanded a raise after leading the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in 1979. He asked for $500,000 per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL at that time. However, the Redskins refused to meet his demand and offered him $300,000 per year instead. The dispute lasted for several months and resulted in a holdout by Theismann during training camp. He eventually agreed to a four-year deal worth $1 million per year after mediation by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
His bankruptcy: Joe Theismann filed for bankruptcy in 1991, after losing millions of dollars in bad investments and business ventures.

FAQs about Joe Theismann:

Q: Who is Joe Theismann?

A: Joe Theismann is an American former professional football player, sports commentator, corporate speaker and restaurateur. He rose to fame playing quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He led the Washington Redskins to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning one of them. He also won several individual awards, including the NFL Most Valuable Player and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1983.

Q: How old is Joe Theismann?

A: Joe Theismann was born on September 9, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. He is 73 years old as of 2022.

Q: What is Joe Theismann’s net worth?

A: Joe Theismann has an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2020, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned most of his wealth from his successful football career and various business ventures.

Q: How did Joe Theismann break his leg?

A: Joe Theismann suffered a gruesome leg injury on November 18, 1985, during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants. He was sacked by Lawrence Taylor, who drove his knee into Theismann’s lower right leg, fracturing both his tibia and fibula bones. The injury was so severe that it exposed his bone and caused severe blood loss. The incident was captured on live television and replayed many times over the years. The injury ended Theismann’s NFL career and required multiple surgeries to repair his leg.

Q: Why did Joe Theismann change his name pronunciation?

A: Joe Theismann changed his surname pronunciation from “THEES-man” to “THIGHS-man” to rhyme with Heisman when he was a finalist for the award in 1970. He later said that it was a marketing strategy to help him win the trophy. However, he did not win the Heisman that year, losing to Jim Plunkett of Stanford. He did win the Heisman the following year, becoming the only player in history to win the award with a different name pronunciation.

Q: Who is Joe Theismann married to?

A: Joe Theismann is currently married to Robin Smith, whom he wedded in 1996. Robin Smith is a former country music singer who recorded several albums and singles in the 1980s and 1990s. She is also an entrepreneur who owns a clothing line called Robin’s Jeans.

Q: How many children does Joe Theismann have?

A: Joe Theismann has three children from his first marriage to Shari Brown. They are Patrick, Amy, and Joseph Jr.

Q: What are some of the movies and TV shows that Joe Theismann has appeared in?

A: Joe Theismann has appeared in several movies and TV shows as an actor or as himself. Some of them are Cannonball Run II, The Man with Bogart’s Face, Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon, Snow Dogs, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, ESPN’s Sunday Night Football, NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football, and Playbook.

Q: What are some of the brands and products that Joe Theismann has endorsed?

A: Joe Theismann has endorsed various brands and products throughout his career, both as a football player and as a media personality. Some of them are Nike, Rolaids, Nutrisystem, Super Beta Prostate, and Provia.

Q: What are some of the awards and honors that Joe Theismann has received?

A: Joe Theismann has received many awards and honors for his achievements in football and media. Some of them are: