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Quarterback Joe Theismann played for the Washington Redskins from 1974 to 1985. During his run the team won Super Bowl XVII, he was named 1983 NFL Most Valuable Player, and made two Pro Bowls. He threw for 25,206 yards, 160 touchdowns, and 138 interceptions, with a career passer rating of 77.4, tying for 94th all time with Jon Kitna.
He also changed the pronunciation of his name from “Theesman” to rhyme with “Heisman” in his senior year at Notre Dame. (He finished second in the voting to Jim Plunkett.)
All of which is why a very emotional sports radio caller in Washington D.C. went nuts over the fact that Dwayne Haskins, the team’s 2019 first round pick, will be wearing, with Theismann’s permission, the number 7 next season.
“I just got off the phone with Dwayne just a little while ago, and I told him it was okay to wear No. 7,” said Theismann. “I’ve given him permission. Not that I feel like I needed to, but he was respectful enough to ask.”
“We had a really nice conversation. It’s important to him. And hey, I want the kid to be successful. He doesn’t need to worry about, ‘Well, I wish I could’ve worn a different jersey. I wish I could’ve worn a number.'”
“If this is one less thing that puts any problems out there or issues out there for him or statements or comments, let’s make his life as easy possible, so that we can get the success from him that we’re hoping and expecting.”
That’s what Theismann told 106.7 The Fan in DC.
All good, right? Not according to Tony from Long Island. Not by a long shot. Take a listen…
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If you can’t listen to Tony’s epic rant right now, Deadspin was kind enough to provide a transcript…
Guys, how are you? Um, this is why the Redskins are the Redskins. The numbers should be retired, and it’s really not that complicated, okay? You put Joe Theismann, who was a Super Bowl MVP, and the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl for this franchise, where he’s gotta take a call from a mid-first round pick asking for his number.
That is buffoonery, okay? Nobody can call up the New York Yankees and ask them for Mickey Mantle’s phone number! Or Mickey Mantle’s number, because he’s Mickey Mantle! Okay? The reality is nobody should be wearing Monte Coleman’s number, Darrell Green’s number, Art Monk, Gary Clark, Dave Butz, Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm. Retire these numbers and honor them properly! They are the only men to wear this uniform and give us joy and satisfaction, and then we had to face 30 years of misery. And now this mid-first round pick is taking our numbers?
Sean Taylor is dead. Honor the man. He was a franchise player. We shouldn’t be giving that number to a New York Giants safety! Let him earn it! Let these guys get on the field and earn it! Put on different numbers! That’s my take guys, sorry I had to be so loud.
Hmmm… perhaps, and I am just spitballing here, but maybe Tony should be more worried about the fact that since the Redskins last won the Super Bowl in 1992 – 27 seasons ago – 27 different players have started at quarterback for his squad, than what number the 28th or 29th QB (depending on Case Keenum) to start for the team in 28 years will be wearing.
Just a thought. Love the passion though.