Joe Theismann is a retired American football player, who has also worked as a sports announcer, motivational speaker, and restaurant owner. He became well-known for his role as a quarterback in both the National Football League and Canadian Football League.
Joe Theismann Early Life & Education
Joseph Robert Theismann was born on September 9, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He went to South River High School where he participated in various sports and earned recognition in baseball, basketball, and football.
Upon finishing his high school education, Theismann was granted a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he joined the football team known as the Fighting Irish.
In his second year at Notre Dame, Joe Theismann became the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish after Terry Hanratty got injured toward the end of the season.
Despite this, Theismann managed to guide the team to two victories and a draw in the three remaining games. In the following year, 1969, the team achieved a top-five ranking but ultimately lost 21-17 to the University of Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
The next year, the 10-1 Fighting Irish, ranked second in the nation, faced off against Texas in the Cotton Bowl for the second time. They emerged victorious with a score of 24-11. Theismann, who was both an All-American and an Academic All-American, was also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
He finished his college career with a remarkable record of 20 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties, and had thrown for 4,411 yards and 31 touchdowns. In 2003, Theismann was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Joe Theismann’s NFL Career
Joe Theismann was drafted in 1971 by both the Minnesota Twins in the 39th round of the MLB draft and the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the NFL draft (99th overall).
However, he ultimately chose to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL for a salary of $50,000 per year after negotiations with the Dolphins fell through.
He played for the Argonauts for three seasons, throwing 40 touchdowns (but also 47 interceptions) and accumulating 6,093 passing yards. Eventually, the NFL showed interest in him once more.
The Washington Redskins obtained Theismann’s rights from the Miami Dolphins in 1974, in exchange for the team’s first-round draft pick in 1976. After a year of being the team’s punt returner, Theismann became the starting quarterback in 1978.
He had a successful 12 seasons with the team until a serious leg injury in 1985 forced his retirement from professional football.
Despite fracturing his leg only two months earlier, he was determined to continue playing and agreed to a two-year deal with the team. The contract included a yearly salary of $500,000 to $650,000 and a guaranteed signing bonus of over $1 million, most of which would be paid at a later date.
This was a significant increase from his previous earnings of $405,000. However, due to the severity of his injury, he was forced to retire. Fortunately, he had a Lloyd’s of London insurance policy that he had bought a couple of years ago, which would provide him with approximately $1.4 million in compensation.
Joe Theismann was chosen for the Pro Bowl two times, selected as an All-Pro two times, named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and was the MVP of the 1983 Pro Bowl, in addition to winning a Super Bowl.
Joe Theismann’s Personal Life
Joe Theismann, who was married to Shari Brown, had three children named Joseph Jr., Amy, and Patrick. However, after his severe injury, they divorced and he entered into a seven-year relationship with Cathy Lee Crosby, a TV personality. In 1991, Crosby filed a lawsuit of $4.5 million, which resulted in a countersuit involving luxurious properties.
Months later, the legal disputes were resolved. Following his first divorce, he wed Jeanne Caruso, a former Miss Connecticut and Miss America contestant. However, the marriage only lasted three years before ending in divorce.
As part of the settlement, Joe Theismann was required to pay $1 million in marital assets and $3,500 per month in alimony. He later married Robin Smith, and the two now share homes in Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida.
Joe Theismann’s Net Worth
Joe Theismann, a former American professional football player, has a net worth of $8 million. He is most recognized for his role as the winning quarterback for the Washington Redskins (now renamed the Washington Commanders) in the Super Bowl
