Joe Theismann knows a thing or two about recovering from a broken leg, and he’s willing to impart some wisdom upon those who need it.
The former Redskin suffered a gruesomely memorable broken fibula and tibia on a sack by Lawrence Taylor in 1985, and the quarterback has become somewhat of a guru on the matter.
“I’ve become sort of the Godfather of broken legs,” Theismann told FOX Sports Florida. “Any way, shape or form I can help someone get back to chase their dream, I’m more than happy to do anything I can.”
This time, it’s Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos who’s recovering from a fractured tibia after he crashed into the net during a game against the Bruins at TD Garden earlier this month. Theismann reached out to the injured scoring leader to offer his counsel.
“If Tampa Bay wants me to,” Theismann said, “I’m more than happy.”
Lightning coach Jon Cooper has already conveyed his certainty that Stamkos will be back on the ice before season’s end, and Theismann said that optimism is exactly what Stamkos will need during his rehabilitation.
“Oddly enough, the break that Steve has … is probably one of the easier ones to come back with, because once they put that rod in there, he’s not going to break that again,” Theismann said.
“You have to gain back the confidence that you had before the injury was there. That will come with being on the ice.”
The Lightning started the season hot, taking a 12-5-0 record into that fateful game in Boston, but have faltered a bit since that loss without Stamkos. But Theismann said he’s sure of the center’s toughness.
“If it’s March, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s ready,” he said.
