Joe Theismann expects Paul George to recover from broken leg

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann suffered a similar injury to Indiana Pacers all-star forward Paul George when he was tackled by New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor during a game in 1985. The injury ended Theismann's career.

But Theismann said in a phone interview today that he thinks George will be able to return and have a successful career because of medical advances. Theismann noted he did not have a metal rod inserted in the leg and the tibia and fibia were about three-eights of an inch shorter after they healed. That led to knee and back issues and made it difficult for Theismann to maintain his balance.

With the insertion of the metal rod, George will avoid those problems with the proper rehabilitation, Theismann said.

"It's important that he doesn't ignore the good leg," Theismann said. "Sometimes, you get so focused on the (injured) leg, you ignore the other one and you become susceptible to injury in the other one."

Theismann said he plans to call the Pacers on Monday morning and leave his contact information if George has any questions or is looking for support. It is something he routinely does when players suffer major leg injuries, including Louisville Kevin Ware, who was injured playing in a NCAA Regional final game at Lucas Oil Stadium in March of last year.

"I would tell (George) the same thing I told Kevin," Theismann said. "Right now, your focus needs to be on rehabilitation, especially after (getting the cast removed). But at some point, if you ever have any questions, or if you're curious about the way the way the leg is feeling or what you're doing, I want to be there to support you anyway I can."