City Businessman John Ebert Introduces Former NFL Standout Joe Theismann at Pair of Corporate Events

Bridgeport’s John Ebert, a 1982 graduate of Notre Dame and owner of 36 McDonald’s in West Virginia and Maryland recently introduced Joe Theismann to 1500 McDonald’s owner-operators in Orlando in November and again most recently to a group of 300 managers in Pittsburgh.

Along with having the honor of introducing Theismann, Ebert has been a fan of his for decades. In 1970, Ebert watched Theismann, playing for Notre Dame, pass for 500 years against USC on a wet field at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Ebert’s father went to Notre Dame so they would watch football together and Theismann was the first football player Ebert identified with. Now 55 years later their paths have crossed.

Ebert said he is an amazing motivation speaker.

“He does Incredible job of connecting with the audience. He did such a great job in Orlando we decided to bring him to Pittsburgh as well. His central themes were- confidence in yourself, true success is when you start giving back, realize to be successful you need help of others, and write down your goals and what you are willing to sacrifice for it,” said Ebert.

Theismann came in second in the Heisman trophy voting in 1970 behind Jim Plunkett and ahead of Archie Manning. He famously changed the pronunciation his name from THEES-man to THIGHS-man to rhyme with Heisman.

Theismann wasn’t drafted until the fourth round by Miami, so he went to the Canadian football league. He came back to the NFL after being traded from Miami to the Washington Redskins. Early in his career when he wasn’t playing quarterback, he was his returning punts for Washington. Eventually, he became starting quarterback and led them to an NFL Super Bowl victory in 1982 by defeating Miami 27-17. In 1983, he was the NFL MVP. He was   also voted NFL Man of the Year.

As many people remember, his career ended on Monday Night Football when Lawrence Taylor sacked him. In his talk to representatives of McDonald’s, he said he still can remember the sweat of Lawrence Taylor on his back.

After his playing career, he became one of football’s best-known television analysts earning a sports Emmy nomination and spending nearly two decades in ESPN’s prime time NFL booth.

“What’s amazing about Theismann it just doesn’t come in and talk. He comes in early and always mingles with the group,” said Ebert. “He had breakfast with a group of operators. Poignantly after he spoke in Orlando, there was a participant whose athletic son had just recently broken his leg Theismann took the time to talk to him on the phone and wish him the best.”

Ebert also heads up the Columbus Field Office max growth sessions, and he had the honor of introducing Shaqueen Griffin in February. Griffin was the first one-handed athlete who played in the NFL. He played with his twin brother on the Seattle Seahawks. Griffin was most recently recognized by the ESPYS as part of the presentation on Jim Abbott, the former Major League Baseball player who was born without a right hand.

Editor’s Note: Top photo shows Bridgeport’s John Ebert with Joe Theismann, while he is shown below Shaqueen Griffin. Photos courtesy of John Ebert.