FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ORLANDO, FL – Saturday, October 9, 2010 – Former NFL quarterback JOE THEISMANN was today announced as President and Owner of the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League.
The former Washington Redskins legend, who was selected for two Pro Bowls during an illustrious 12-year NFL career, announced his Tuskers commitment during the live Versus telecast of his team’s road game against the Hartford Colonials in Week 4 of the UFL season.
“I am excited about the opportunity and I am excited about the league,” said Theismann. “This is a venture that I can take from the ground up in a beautiful place in Orlando. I wanted the Orlando-based franchise.
“I feel like it’s a great place for football fans. This is an opportunity to be a part of a football organization run the way I’d like to see it run.”
Having purchased ownership in the club, Theismann will lead the drive to secure additional local ownership in the Tuskers. In keeping with league policy, financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We continue to look for people who come from inside the industry as they are some of the best qualified to lead our clubs,” said United Football League Commissioner MICHAEL HUYGHUE.
“Joe is an entrepreneur and has a great passion for the game, which positions him ideally to lead our team. He brings a unique experience and viewpoint that we feel is missing in the sport.”
Theismann has worked as an analyst for ESPN on NFL broadcasts and works for the NFL Network on their show Playbook.
He graduated in 1971 from the University of Notre Dame, where he received All-American honors and led the Fighting Irish to consecutive Cotton Bowls and was runner-up to Jim Plunkett in the Heisman Trophy balloting. In 2003, Joe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. After being drafted by the Miami Dolphins and Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins, Joe chose to play in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts from 1971-1973. In 1974, he joined the Washington Redskins.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Joe played in 163 consecutive games from 1974-1985 and holds Redskins records for passing yardage (25,206), completions (2,044) and attempts (3,602). A two-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Bowl MVP, Joe led Washington to a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII.
Joe was selected the NFL Man of the Year in 1982 for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children. He won the league’s 1983 Most Valuable Player Award for leading the Redskins to an NFL-record 541 points and a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance. His career ended abruptly in 1985 after sustaining a badly broken leg during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants on national television.
A much sought after motivational speaker, he also oversees a popular Washington DC restaurant called ‘Joe Theismann’s’.
About The United Football League: The UFL provides high-quality professional football during a traditional fall season while embracing innovation and fan interaction. The UFL serves its local communities with pride and dedication, and aims to provide every fan with an exciting and memorable game experience. The inaugural 2009 champion Las Vegas Locos will battle the Florida Tuskers, Hartford Colonials, Omaha Nighthawks and Sacramento Mountain Lions for the William Hambrecht Trophy in 2010. All games will be shown live on Versus, HDNet and the New England Sports Network. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue and is funded by a consortium of private investors. For season tickets, more information and to interact with passionate football fans, please visit www.UFL-Football.com.