Net Worth Ranker
What Is Joe Theismann’s Net Worth?
Joe Theismann, a former American professional football player, boasts a net worth of approximately $8 million. His financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), endorsements, and subsequent ventures in broadcasting and business. Theismann gained prominence as the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders.
Early Life and College Career
Joseph Robert Theismann was born on September 9, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His formative years were spent in South River, New Jersey, where he attended South River High School. There, he excelled in multiple sports, earning varsity letters in baseball, basketball, and football, showcasing his athletic versatility. After graduating from high school, Theismann secured an athletic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he played football for the Fighting Irish. Theismann’s journey to becoming the starting quarterback at Notre Dame began in his sophomore year. Following an injury to Terry Hanratty, the team’s starting quarterback, Theismann stepped in and led the team to two wins and a tie in the remaining three games. In 1969, Theismann’s team finished with a top-five national ranking, losing the Cotton Bowl to the University of Texas with a score of 21-17. In 1970, the number-two ranked, 10-1 Fighting Irish faced Texas in the Cotton Bowl again, this time securing a 24-11 victory. During his college career, Theismann achieved All-American and Academic All-American honors and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. He concluded his college career with a 20-3-2 record, throwing for 4,411 yards and 31 touchdowns. His contributions to college football led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Professional Football Career
In 1971, Joe Theismann’s athletic talents were recognized across different sports. He was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 39th round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Simultaneously, he was drafted into the NFL by the Miami Dolphins as the 99th overall pick in the fourth round. Negotiations with the Dolphins did not pan out, which led Theismann to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a $50,000 per year contract. In his three seasons in the CFL, he threw for 6,093 passing yards and 40 touchdowns, but also 47 interceptions. In 1974, the Washington Redskins acquired Theismann’s rights from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for their first-round draft choice in 1976. Theismann initially served as the team’s punt returner. In 1978, he took over as the starting quarterback. Theismann played 12 seasons with the team. In 1985, a severe leg injury prematurely ended his professional career. Just two months after breaking his leg, Joe intended to keep playing and signed a two-year contract with the team with a base salary between $500,000 to $650,000 per year and a guaranteed signing bonus of more than $1 million, much of it deferred, after making just $405,000 the previous year. However, the injury forced him to retire, and he would collect around $1.4 million from a Lloyd’s of London insurance policy he’d purchased a few years prior. During his NFL career, Theismann earned accolades, including two Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro selections, and the title of NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named the 1983 Pro Bowl MVP and led his team to victory in Super Bowl XVII.
Post-Playing Career and Earnings
After his football career ended, Joe Theismann transitioned into broadcasting and business ventures. While precise figures for his broadcasting contracts and business investments are not publicly available, it is known that these activities contributed to his net worth. His work as a sports commentator and analyst for various television networks provided a steady income stream. His business ventures likely included endorsements, public speaking engagements, and potential investments in real estate or other commercial projects. While specific monetary details remain private, these endeavors played a role in maintaining and growing his financial portfolio.
Personal Life and Relationships
Joe Theismann’s personal life has been marked by several marriages and legal proceedings. He had three children—Joseph Jr., Amy, and Patrick—with his first wife, Shari Brown. Their divorce occurred shortly after his career-ending injury. Following his divorce from Brown, Theismann entered a seven-year relationship with TV personality Cathy Lee Crosby. In 1991, Crosby filed a $4.5 million lawsuit against him, which led to a countersuit involving expensive estates. The suits were later settled. His second marriage was to Jeanne Caruso, a former Miss Connecticut and Miss America contestant, but it ended in divorce after three years. As part of the divorce settlement, Theismann was ordered to pay $1 million in marital property and $3,500 per month in alimony. Theismann then married Robin Smith, and the couple maintains homes in Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida. The specific details of these properties, such as addresses and assessed values, are not publicly available. The financial settlements and property holdings associated with these relationships have influenced his overall net worth.
