MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Notre Dame and NFL Washington quarterback Joe Theismann was honored by the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Sunday evening with the 2024 Distinguished Citizen Award.
"When I look at the list of people that have been recipients of this award and I just feel like it's rarefied air because in 1977 my musical hero won this award, Elvis Presley," Theismann said "... and I'm thinking, 'I'm on the same list as Elvis Presley, are you kidding?' You have people who have created situations, people who have been icons in an industry, and to be included in that company is very humbling."
This is just one of many awards Theismann has won in his illustrious career — 1982 NFL Man of the Year, 1982 Super Bowl Champion, 1983 NFL MVP, 2003 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee and an All-American quarterback at Notre Dame.
All of the proceeds from the awards dinner, which included both a live and silent auction, went to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause that is very close to Theismann's heart.
"It's a place where miracles take place," Theismann said. "People call us athletes heroes, we're not. God gave me a gift to be able to throw and run. He gave other athletes a gift that's a gift from the good Lord upstairs...the men and women and the scientists and doctors at St. Jude, they're heroes because they restore families. They restore life."
Theismann has a website where people can request him to sign memorabilia. He told ABC24 he happily does it for free. He only asks that people donate to St. Jude in return.
Theismann will also play in the 29th Annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl Golf Classic on Monday with proceeds also going to St. Jude.