Mint Musings: Catching up with Joe Theismann – Former quarterback Joe Theismann had quite a career in college football in and the NFL. It also turns out that he has quite a memorabilia collection. He’ll be looking to help add to other’s collections this Saturday in San Francisco while doing an autograph signing via MAB Celebrity Services. He was kind enough to take some time out to discuss his experiences in the memorabilia world. The following interview was conducted via email, courtesy of MAB.
KS: You’ll be appearing courtesy of MAB Celebrity Services to do an autograph signing on Saturday, April 9th in San Francisco. What do you enjoy the most about doing these types of public signings?
JT: I love having the opportunity to interact with fans. I take the time to talk with them and see how long they have been a fan of myself or others. I like to hear their stories on why they are a fan and why they collect. It is really flattering having someone want my autograph.
KS: When you were playing, the autograph/memorabilia industry wasn’t quite as big a business as it is now. Did you ever think it would become this popular?
JT: No…I would have saved my equipment. Amazing how the industry has evolved. When I played we used about three jerseys per season. Our jerseys were sewn up and reused. Now they use new jerseys every game, new cleats, gloves etc. I grew up in New Jersey and I had all the cards of the Yankees and Mets. I had no clue the cards would be as valuable as they would become. Like many kids I put these cards, which included Mickey Mantle cards, in the spokes of my bikes.
KS: How would you say the requests for autographs today compares to when you were playing?
JT: The industry today is much, much bigger. There are so many different types of items that are signed. Compared to when I played there are now always new variations of products being created from jerseys with my stats on them to cards with equipment inserts. I see it as a challenge for these memorabilia companies to create something new and unique that fans would want to add to their collections.
KS: If you could pick one, what do you think is your best story from an autograph appearance?
JT: I can’t remember the exact appearance, but one time this woman came up to the table I was signing at and started to cry. I asked what’s wrong. She said, “I can’t believe it’s you, I love you.” It’s amazing to see the impact one person can have on another’s life. I believe it’s important to let the fans know you appreciate them. To some extent, we are an inspiration to them, it’s quite phenomenal.
KS: Have you ever asked any fellow athletes or celebrities for an autograph?
JT: All the time. I’m a collector. I started doing it as a trade-off whenever I was asked for my autograph by another athlete or celebrity. I’m a huge sports fan. I have a love for every sport, which has grown over the years. Collecting autographs and memorabilia is an exciting part of celebrating the history of each sport.
I have over 80 signed footballs, one of Shaq’s sneakers from when he played with the Orlando Magic, a Michael Jordan signed Birmingham Barons hat and baseball and countless signed basketballs and baseballs from other great athletes.
I’m a big golf collector. I have a Bubba Watson signed Master’s flag and John Daly’s golf clubs and 
bag. I spent some time with Mike Tyson at one appearance and he wore my Super Bowl ring. I like to walk the floor at these autograph shows and see what unique items are out there. Like I said, I’m a collector and always interested in seeing the different items from sports history.
KS: While most fans pick traditional items such as cards and mini-helmets to get signed, there’s no doubt others get a little more creative with their requests. Out of all the items you’ve ever been asked to sign, what do you think is the strangest?
JT: Body part…
KS: Are there any items that you don’t enjoy signing?
JT: Deflated footballs…tough to get a consistent signature.
KS: As far as trading cards go, it used to be only cardboard and bubblegum. Now it’s everything from autographs to
piece of jersey and other game-used material. Has it surprised you to see how far it’s come in a relatively short amount of time?
JT: Not really. It’s amazing to see the creative unique trading cards now from 3D to holographic to glass/hard plastic to the thickness. It is more and more challenging for these card companies to create unique and different products from each other. I like seeing and signing the cards that are statistic or nickname specific.
I love looking at the old cards like Babe Ruth era. It’s amazing the value for some of those old cards and the prices they sell for. The world of autographing and trading cards is like the art world…it all depends what the collector is willing to pay.
KS: You have a pretty fancy autograph. How did you come to picking your signature style?
JT: In 1972, I broke my leg when I was in Canada playing for the Argonauts. I was laid up and had some
time on my hands, so I decided to start playing with my signature. I grabbed some footballs and started signing them until I found a signature which I was happy with. That signature was designed strictly for autographing. I sign legal documents different.
KS: When you do signings, you typically have to do a lot of autographs. How tricky is it to maintain a good, consistent signature when doing them?
JT: I strive for consistency. From my first signature to my last signature of the day, I strive to make sure there are no differences. I take time signing my name ensuring it is legible and consistent. Nowadays a majority of these current athletes just scribble their names. I take great pride in my signature.
KS: I’ll get you out of here on this. You achieved a lot during your very notable career. Is there any memorabilia you’ve kept from it?
JT: Not really. Who would’ve known there would be such value on such items. I do have some of my Pro Bowl jerseys, a high school jersey and a Toronto Argonauts jersey. If I would have known there would be value, I would have kept my items like I heard Barry Bonds did.
Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan as the producer of ESPN’s Mint Condition has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on the hobby in Mint Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
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