Joe Theismann discusses player versatility, quarterback evolution

USA Today

9 hours ago

Joe Theismann discusses player versatility, quarterback evolution
This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Washington Commanders and NFL legend Joe Theismann about his participation in this year's American Century Championship, which will take place July 9-13 at Edgewood Tahoe featuring Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, his playing days versatility at quarterback and Jayden Daniels comparison.
"The (fantasy) contest starts on the 23rd of June for the ACC Fantasy Golf." Said Theismann, "So it's ACCFantasyGolf.com; you can log on and pick your teams after the 23rd of the month. So it'll be exciting and fun. Travis Kelce will be another star at Lake Tahoe as well."
Theismann, a former league MVP and Super Bowl champion during his tenure with Washington sees a lot of himself in the current starting quarterback, Daniels.
"To be honest with you, I think Jayden reminds me a little bit of me. I felt like I threw the ball pretty darn well." Said Theismann, "He's got more athleticism, more elusiveness, but I feel like the way he plays the game, and you want to play with your head as well as your body, and I see him making decisions, and I'd say, we were a little bit similar in that regard. Mobile quarterbacks threw the ball well, got the ball out of our hands, and made quick decisions. A little bit elusive when it came to using your legs to, you know, gain yards. So I'd say Jayden's A little. I'm nowhere near as good as he is, but I did okay."
Times have changed regarding the NFL quarterback position. Today's stars, such as Patrick Mahomes, although he has expressed interest, do not have to punt or return kicks while leading their team on offense. Theisman shared his unique experiences as both a returner and a rare punter in the NFL.
"God, no (regarding today's quarterbacks as returners). They pay them too much money to do something stupid. I returned. I did it in college. I returned punts in the first seven games until Terry Hanratty got hurt, and then I became the quarterback in Washington. I returned punts, actually did it in the Canadian Football League." Said Theismann, "When I went to the Redskins, I love playing. I love being on the practice field. I love training camp. I love everything about it, and this was a chance to contribute. So finally, against the (New York) Giants, I had a chance to return punts in 1974 and did it again in 1975 until I became a starting quarterback in 1978. Still, I could always catch punts, and I did it at different levels; it just so happened that I snuck onto the field. George Allen didn't know he was sending me out there, and he did."
The legendary quarterback owns a distinct special-teams record that he wants to remain unchallenged.
"George was the kind of guy. If you could prove something to him, he would let you go with it, and I wouldn't mess up the first catch. So, I wound up being the returner, which the punt returning pales in comparison to my one-yard punt against the Chicago Bears, of which I'm a record holder in the National Football League." Said Theismann, "So, and actually, it's a contested title because from what I understand, Sean Landetta, at that same place in Soldier Field, is credited with a minus six-yard kick, but I claim that Sean never touched the ball. Therefore, it could not have been a punt. So, I am the worst punter in the history of the National Football League. And so that's the title I take with me. "
The annual tournament awards $750,000 in prize money, much of which the celebrity players donate to local and national charities. Over the years, nearly $8 million has been donated to non-profit causes. Network television exposure on NBC and a first-place prize of $150,000 make the celebrity tournament one of the most prestigious in the golf world.