Theismann Elicits Strong Emotions

[monk81]

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."