Since former renowned Argonaut and Redskin QB Joe Theismann is no longer a fixture on the ESPN/NFL broadcast and commentary crew, could not the CFL and TSN benefit from utilizing such a notable figure as a TSN panelist, color man, or even as an ambassador of the Argos to help promote, market and provide some glamour to the current faceless franchise?
Yes, Joe may come across as somewhat pompous and bombastic at times, although his grandiose candid style could potentially attract a following and further increase overall ratings and interest for the CFL/TSN , especially south of the border. (similar to Don Cherry effect on HNIC during the 80's/90's)
Faceless franchise?
TSN did the extra yard for the Argos
They have Pinball as Vice Chair for the club
They gave them the 100th Grey Cup and a couple duffel bags of cash to promote it
Ricky Ray, one of the all time greats, is their QB
Chris Schultz is a member of the All-Time Argo team
Jock Climie promotes the heck out of them and did 2 minor stints in double blue
If the Argos want to use him to promote the Argos, great...I see little need for him at TSN though, unless they can get him for a bargain.
Doug Flutie would make a better choice than Theismann,played here longer,had more success here than Joe and is more recent than Joe....which would appeal to a younger demographic of fans,which the league needs for future growth expanding to a younger audience.Most kids know and have heard of Flutie,not so much with Thiesmann who comes from an era of football going back 30+ years ago.
Yea, we don't need Theismann and his arrogant BS. The crap he talked about our league when Ricky Williams came up here makes him persona non grata with me. Yes, it's personal.
I remember Joe talking quite a bit of anti CFL a while back when the gravy NFL dog and pony show was in full mode with the Toronto crowd. He is quite two faced in my opinion.
I interviewed Theismann back in 1989 in Edmonton, when Tracy Ham was tearing up the CFL on the way to MOP. He called him "Travis" Ham. Would he do more homework if he was on TV up here? Probably, but why would anyone feel we need a guy who hasn't spent more than a week or two in Canada in 40 years to comment on our game?
I think it's an excellent idea. Joe's a great analyst (I could see him doing something more akin to what Paul LaPolice is doing, but I think LaPolice is doing an excellent job). I have to admit though, I have not read or heard Joe's anti-CFL comments; only compliments. I surely doubt he would have agreed to be an integral part of the "Engraved On A Nation" documentary on the '71 Argos team if the CFL didn't mean something to him.
actually, Theismann played 3 seasons in the CFL, (twice a CFL all-star) and almost single-handedly reinvigorated the Argos franchise as the toast of the town before embarking on an illustrious NFL career.
Not since, have the Argos enjoyed such popularity heights, at least on par with the Leafs in the GTA consciousness at the time. (if not greater)
The point I am trying to convey is that even as a polarizing figure, the renowned Theismann brings an epic charisma and allure wherever he goes and may spread further interest in the CFL both in Canada and the U.S.
Tongues would certainly be wagging at the water cooler with JT involved with the CFL/TSN.
that being said, I’d love to have the almighty Flutie come up north in a similar capacity, although he has declined this notion in the past and rarely signs CFL memorabilia any longer.
He would be a great ambassador for the game and a tremendous coup if the league could entice him though.
Mosca and Kapp :lol: Now that would be a hoot!!! Two 70+ yr olds beating on each other with their walkers and canes every week,you could have a segment on the show called the "Cage Match" with Dunigan or Schultzy as guest referees.
Just imagine the fun you could have with both these old boys doing a Cats-Lions broadcast.
Ummm, I know Theismann was with the Argos for three seasons (although to suggest he almost singlehandedly reinvigourated the franchise is simply wrong – they were selling out home games for three seasons before he got there). His last CFL season was 40 years ago. He has been back for brief visits since then, usually to promote ESPN. He has had basically nothing to do with the CFL since 1973. Is that the guy we need promoting this league? Do you really believe his heart would be in it? If we’re going to go on the popularity of the Argos, a better case could be made to resurrect Leo Cahill as a commentator – he was the coach during that peak period and also in 1977-78 when the team averaged better than 45,000 fans a game. And at least Leo has been in Canada and around the CFL since 1973.
I understand your stance pw and agree with some points, except Cahill is 85 years old and in extremely poor health these days, thus not a good candidate and a poor draw south of the border.
to reiterate what I said previously;
[i][b]"The point I am trying to convey is that even as a polarizing figure, the renowned Theismann brings an epic charisma and allure wherever he goes and may spread further interest in the CFL both in Canada and the U.S.
Tongues would certainly be wagging at the water cooler with JT involved with the CFL/TSN.
that being said, I’d love to have the almighty Flutie come up north in a similar capacity, although he has declined this notion in the past and rarely signs CFL memorabilia any longer.
He would be a great ambassador for the game and a tremendous coup if the league could entice him though."[/b][/i]
Doug Flutie is younger, more well known, and actually really played a good portion of his career in the CFL.
It would depend on what Fluties contract is now with the network he is working with but a possibility of having him and his brother would be an interesting twist to work in somewhere
Hence my facetious response, although even at 85, I’d rather hear what Leo has to say about Cdn football than Theismann.
I simply disagree that he has anything close to “epic charisma” or that he would spread interest on either side of the border. He’s yesterday’s news in the States, and even moreso in Canada. He’s glib and full of himself and I reckon there is no one who would tune in specifically because he’s on the broadcast.
I say no. IMO this does little to expand or interest the fanbase for many reasons. First off, he player 30 years ago and hasn't stayed in touch and has been working the NFL. That right there is a problem as his ability to accurately analyze the CFL game simply isn't going to be as good as someone's who has stuck with the league like Milt, Matt, Chris, Jock and Paul. If you want teenagers to follow the game, your commentators should be the guys you can say "Hey, I remember that guy, he played for my team when I was 8 and was watching the game. Having a panelist who is a weak link, hurts the product. Case and point, Rod Black.
The second strike is that he would fundamentally be an NFL cast off. I know some are thinking "Well Toronto wants the NFL, we should try to use that" is simply the wrong mentality. He becomes a constant reminder that Toronto doesn't have the NFL team and that the CFL is just trying to be the NFL, which it isn't and never will be. The CFL isn't NFL lite. It's it's own game made by Canadians for Canadians and supporting a cheering for your CFL team is part of what it means to be Canadian.
If you want a CFL ambassador, look no further then Pinball. He's who you want as your Ambassador, a guy who says "Yes, I came here from the States, and yes back then, I might have wanted to be in the NFL, but the league and this country are something special, and I had to stay. He's also the only Argo Ti-Cat fans respect.
bobo- you made my night. Kapp vs. Mosca, classic stuff. 1963 Grey Cup all over again. In the re-match, bring Willie Fleming back to get his revenge, or, tag team Mosca with John Barrow. :rockin: :rockin: Well done graphics and photos Bobo! you're the best!!! :thup: 8)
