43 NFL players who spent time in other leagues

Arena, the USFL, CFL and other leagues have been the path to the NFL for some players.

Joe Theismann

Allsport /Allsport

Joe Theismann was selected in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins out of Notre Dame After negotiations with the Dolphins failed, Theismann elected to sign with the Toronto Argonauts. In his rookie year, Theismann quarterbacked the Argonauts to a 10–4 record, led the league’s Eastern Conference in passing statistics and won a berth in the 59th Grey Cup versus the Calgary Stampeders. A fumble late in the fourth quarter by running back Leon McQuay close to the goal line cost the Argonauts what would have been their first Grey Cup victory since 1952. In 1971, Theismann completed 148 of 278 passes for 2,440 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 1972 season was shortened by injury, but he hit 77 of 127 passes for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns. During his last CFL season, 1973, 157 of his 274 passes were complete, for 2,496 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was an all-star in both 1971 and ’73. Theismann spent 12 seasons with Washington, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and helped the team to consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XVII over the Miami Dolphins and losing Super Bowl XVIII.

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