Theismann Elicits Strong Emotions

from the San Antonio Express-News columnist David Flores

THEISMANN'S OPINIONS ELICIT STRONG EMOTIONS-

Joe Theismann was in San Antonio on Tuesday in his role as the national spokesman for "EP in America", a campaign to educate men about enlarged prostrate. Regardless of how you feel about Theismann--and Lord knows, fans of the Texas Longhorns, and Dallas Cowboys never cared much for him, but the guy deserves some props for being refreshingly candid and insightful. Never bashful about speaking his mind, Theismann was always a great interview when he played quarterback for Notre Dame and the Washington Redskins.

Theismann, who has lived in Memphis for 14 years, has visited about a dozen cities in the past six months to promote "EP in America". Theismann 55, became involved in EP when he was diagnosed about a year ago.

Theismann signed with the Washington Redskins in 1974, but spent his first two seasns returning punts. He became a Redskin starter in 1978 and helped lead them to a Super Bowl victory over Miami in 1983. Washington beat the Cowboys 31-17 in the NFC title game at RFK Stadium to earn a berth in the Super Bowl. Theismann said his most vivid memory of that day is the sound of Redskin fans stomping their feet in the stands. "It was one of the greatest experiences of my career", he said. "You're playing in front of your fans and beating your arch-rival to go to the Super Bowl. I could feel the earth move under my feet."

Theismann expressed optimism that the Redskins will be better than they were last year. Washington went 6-10 under Gibb's first season back from retirement. "I went to their first minicamp workout last week and it was as spirited as any I've seen in a long time" Theismann said. "I didn't believe how rusty Joe was last season, but I think you're going to see a coaching staff that's a lot more comfortable". Theismann described the Dallas Cowboys as a team in transition that will improve steadily in the second half of the season. He said the same for Note Dame, which will be in its first season under coach Charlie Weis. "I think Charlies is going to do a good job. Having graduated from Notre Dame. He understands the culture of Notre Dame football."

University of Texas Longhorn fans never cared much for Theismann who quarterbacked Notre Dame in memorable Cotton Bowl games against Texas in 1970 and 1971. Led by QB James Street, UT rallied for a 21 - 17 victory over the Irish to cap an 11-0 season and clinch the National Championship. The next year Notre Dame beat the top ranked Longhorns 24-11, ending their 30 game winning streak and bid for back to back natinal titles. "I thought we had the best team the first year we played them". Theismann said, "But Jimmy Street completed a low pass on a fourth down play. "I told him a few years ago, when I saw him in Austin, that I didnt think he could throw."

No can say he doesn't have the balls?! :oink:

No can say he doesn't have the balls?! :oink:

He always says whats on his mind.......kind of a gentle version of Howard Cosell ;)

In 1983 I went to Texas Stadium to see the Redskins play the 'boys in the famous game when the cry-baby cowboys tried to break up the fun bunch in the end zone after a score. Anyway, I stayed at the same hotel as the Redskins and they had a fan appreciation in the lobby. My favorite player back then was Charlie Brown #87. I saw him in the lobby and asked for his autograph. He turned his back on me and when I asked him again, he very sharply said, "Don't bother me, I'm talkin' to my people".
I was crushed. (I was 16 yrs old).. Theismann saw this exchange from accross the lobby and came up to me, introduced himself, introduced me to Dave Butz, Dexter Manley, Art Monk, Don Warren, Joe Jacoby and John Riggins. He arranged for a picture (which I still have) and they all signed it. Needless to say, Joey T. is a class act who cared about the fans and had a tremendous love of the game and will always be my favorite player. BTW...what ever happened to Charlie Brown??? hee hee hee.

In 1983 I went to Texas Stadium to see the Redskins play the 'boys in the famous game when the cry-baby cowboys tried to break up the fun bunch in the end zone after a score. Anyway, I stayed at the same hotel as the Redskins and they had a fan appreciation in the lobby. My favorite player back then was Charlie Brown #87. I saw him in the lobby and asked for his autograph. He turned his back on me and when I asked him again, he very sharply said, "Don't bother me, I'm talkin' to my people".
I was crushed. (I was 16 yrs old).. Theismann saw this exchange from accross the lobby and came up to me, introduced himself, introduced me to Dave Butz, Dexter Manley, Art Monk, Don Warren, Joe Jacoby and John Riggins. He arranged for a picture (which I still have) and they all signed it. Needless to say, Joey T. is a class act who cared about the fans and had a tremendous love of the game and will always be my favorite player. BTW...what ever happened to Charlie Brown??? hee hee hee.

Great story. Wow, Charlie Brown sounds like an arse. Sweet stuff though about the Theisman, Butz, Manley, Monk, Warren, Jacoby, Riggins picture. That would be enshrined in a gold frame if I had that bad boy.

Maybe it's sad, but Theisman saying this makes me feel better. I must admit I'm not a big Theisman fan, but he speaks his mind.

Makes me feel better too. I like to hear how hard everyone is working at camp.

This doesn't have much to do with the topic at hand, but does involve Theisman. A couple weeks ago, he was on the SportsBash with Erik Kuselias discussing the HOF induction process. They were talking about how its aweful that #81 hasn't been inducted and how Peter King is basically the gate keeper and is the one keeping him out of the hall. Kuselias then asked for a yes or no (whether Joe thinks they deserve to be in the HOF) for a list of names. Erik read them right after another and their was no discussion, just a yes or no answer. Darrell Green's name was read and Theisman initially said yes. Then he back tracked and said, 'oh, you said darrell green. no.'. I was kind of suprised by this. I admit that Darrell is right on the borderline, but was surprised to hear Theisman, who was a team mate during some of Darrell's best years, say no.

Yeah, that's a little shocking. I would say he SHOULD eventually make it into the hall.

I have a bad feeling about Green's chances at the Hall. I really think we could see King use the same "He's in the Hall of good" argument with Green.

But then again, Green was much more outgoing with the media and is very active in community work, so that could definitely help his cause.