- He is an entrepreneur, the former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins, and famous broadcaster for ESPN and NFL Network
- He was named the recipient of the 2013 Walter Camp Football Foundation “Distinguished American” Award
Joe Theismann is an entrepreneur and the former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins. He spent the last two decades working for ESPN on their NFL broadcast and the NFL Network.
The former Washington Redskins quarterback joined ESPN in April 1988, reuniting with play-by-play voice, Mike Patrick. Theismann joined ESPN after spending two seasons as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Theismann played in 163 consecutive games from 1974-1985 and holds Redskins’ records for passing yardage (25,206), completions (2.044) and attempts (3,602). A two- time Pro Bowl selection, Theismann led Washington to a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII.
Theismann was selected the NFL’s Man of the Year in 1982 for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children. He won the league’s 1983 Most Valuable Player Award for leading the Redskins to an NFL-recorded 541 points and a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance. His career ended abruptly in 1985 after sustaining a broken leg during a game against the New York Giants on national television.
Theismann graduated in 1971 from the University of Notre Dame where he received All-America honors and led the Fighting Irish to consecutive Cotton Bowls and was runner-up to Jim Plunkett in the Heisman Trophy balloting. In 2003, Theismann was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Theismann began his career in 1971 with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins and Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins.
Theismann, a much sought after motivational speaker, also oversees a popular Washington, DC restaurant that bears his name. He is also the author of The Complete Idiots Guide to Understanding Football Like a Pro.
Recently, Theismann was named the recipient of the 2013 Walter Camp Football Foundation “Distinguished American” Award.
Drawing from personal experience, Joe Theismann knows how to deal with the Challenge of Change. On November 18, 1985, he was on top of his game — a two-time Pro Bowl player and the most productive quarterback in the history of the Washington Redskins. Later that evening, he found himself in a hospital bed with a compound fracture to his leg, shattering both his career and his boyhood dream. At age thirty-five, he was faced with starting over his personal life and professional career. In this stirring presentation, individuals and organizations learn how to tackle change by keeping a positive mental outlook and committing to a vision that guides you to the top.
“Joe has a great ability to carry any message you want delivered. Very personable and resonated well with our group!”
“Joe Theismann was great. Very easy to work with and made our guests feel incredibly inspired. He exceeded all expectations.”
“He was fabulous! Some of the best reviews we have ever received for a speaker. Seriously. And he was SO easy to work with on site. Again, one of the easiest. More than gracious and accommodating. Thanks for your help!”
“He is one of the best speakers we have had for a Keynote address. He is interesting, motivational, funny and very humble. I would hire him in a minute. Our experience was nothing but positive!”
