Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 7 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 7?
In 1970, Notre Dame Sports Information Director Roger Valdiserri informed Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann (pronounced Thees man) that during his senior football season, Notre Dame was going to pronounce his name Theismann.
So, Notre Dame then orchestrated the slogan “Theismann for the Heisman.” Joe had a good senior season, and it almost worked as he finished second in the balloting behind Stanford’s Jim Plunkett.
Signing Event
Only ONE MORE DAY till Notre Dame alum Joe Theismann is in town for a signing at Legends! He will be making an appearance at our monthly card show starting at 1:00 pm tomorrow! Who's coming?!#Legends #Theismann #Signing pic.twitter.com/kkfRC1DzoI
— Legends Sports GR (@LegendsSportsGR) June 7, 2019
Joe Theismann was then drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 1971 draft. Realizing he had no chance of playing before Miami’s Bob Griese, Theismann went and played in the Canadian Football League for three seasons.
QB Joe Theismann #CFL Toronto Argonauts pic.twitter.com/zk6S8X5AzP
— Norm 👨🦼 (@nld33) April 22, 2022
George Allen, ever eager to make a trade, traded away Washington’s first-round 1976 pick to Miami for Theismann in 1974. Wanting to play, despite being behind Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer, Theismann volunteered to return punts in 1974, returning 15, averaging 10.5 yards a return with a long of 44 on MNF against the Rams.
Theismann (1974-85) started five games in 1976 (3-2) and six in 1977 (4-2) before Allen returned to Kilmer as his starter. He became the full-time starter in 1978 when Jack Pardee became the Redskins head coach.
Leading the Redskins to three straight division titles in 1982-84, he was a Pro Bowler in 1982 and 1983. He led the 1982 team to the Super Bowl XVII championship and a trip to Super Bowl XVIII with the 1983 team.
Happy 69th Birthday to @Redskins great Joe Theismann. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/e8THVBdlwT
— BMP is on 🎯 (@BigManPauly) September 9, 2018
He was All-Pro 1st team in 1983 and also voted the AP Offensive Player of the Year and AP MVP, passing for 29 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and leading the NFL with 4 game-winning drives.
He finished his career with Washington in the 1985 season during a MNF home game against the NY Giants when he tragically suffered a double compound fracture.
His record as a Washington starter was 77-47, passing for 25,206 yards, 160 touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per attempt.
Theismann was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002 and is included in the franchise’s Ring of Fame.