Joe Theismann

High school

South River High School

College

University of Notre Dame

Pro team(s)

Toronto Argonauts, Washington Redskins

Joseph Robert Theismann was born on September 9, 1949, in South River, New Jersey, and attended South River High School before going on to the University of Notre Dame, where he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting in 1970 — his name having been changed in pronunciation from "THEES-man" to "THIGHS-man" by Notre Dame's publicist to rhyme with Heisman (the name is actually of German origin and pronounced the original way). Passed over by the NFL, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL (1971–1973), where he excelled. He joined the Washington Redskins in 1974 and eventually became their starting quarterback under coach Joe Gibbs. In 1983, Theismann had his finest season: he led Washington to Super Bowl XVII victory (over the Miami Dolphins) and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. His career ended abruptly and brutally on November 18, 1985, when New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor sacked him and broke both the tibia and fibula in his right leg — a play that was broadcast nationally on Monday Night Football and remains one of the most difficult to watch moments in sports television history. Despite never being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — an omission many consider an oversight — Theismann's credentials as a championship quarterback and league MVP place him among the elite of his era. Born and raised in South River, New Jersey.