Top 10 NFL players who got their start in the CFL
2. Joe Theismann
Most remember Joe Theismann for a brilliant football career that ended much too soon after a catastrophic injury, but well before that, the quarterback was starring in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts. After throwing for over 4,000 yards and setting numerous records at Notre Dame, Theismann was selected 99th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1971 NFL Draft, and was actually selected in the MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins as well. While football remained his passion, negotiations with the Dolphins stalled, leading to Theismann signing in the CFL with the Argonauts. In his first season in Toronto, Theismann led the Argonauts to the Grey Cup while being named a CFL All-Star, something he would also achieve in his third and final CFL season.
In 1974, the Washington Redskins acquired Theismann from the Dolphins, leading the future Pro Bowl quarterback to the NFL once again. Although his career in Washington actually began as a kick returner, Theismann began seeing regular action at quarterback in 1976. From there, he would progress each year, culminating with a 3,568-yard passing season in 1981, and back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 1982 and 1983. The 1983 season also saw the quarterback take home the NFL MVP award. Theismann would rack up 25,206 passing yards throughout the entirety of his NFL career along with 160 touchdown passes.
Toronto Argos quarterback, Joe Theismann, playing against the Calgary Stampeders in the 1971 Grey Cup in Vancouver.
— Old Toronto Series (@oldTOseries)