Spotlight on small businesses and local stars in South River, New Jersey

Our Common Ground podcast focuses on local “Main Street” small business communities across New Jersey.

This weekend, South River had a special live streaming show and we were invited to join in the celebration of some fun happenings in town. Some of the NFL's greatest players grew up in South River and started their path to football stardom.

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, who had a stellar 12-year professional football career, was honored with a street named after him.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Joe before, during and after the show. He's a smart, caring and humble guy. Listen in to our conversation about growing up in New Jersey and his role models growing up.

I want to thank the new Mayor of South River, Peter Guindi, for inviting us and Louis Baptista, owner of Leah Mar Restaurant, for hosting the event, and of course it was a great experience to speak with Mark Tinitigan, the longtime Chief of Police for South River, who does a great job leading his police force and keeping the community safe.

Here's a little bit about the NFL stars who appeared on the podcast.

Former Washington Redskins player Joe Theismann is a South River graduate and a member of the Sports Advisory Board at St. Jude Children's Hospital. Joe Theismann won the Super Bowl in 1983, defeating the Miami Dolphins. Theismann was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Theismann, who played 12 years in the NFL and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, played 163 consecutive games for the Redskins from 1974 to 1985. He holds the Redskins' passing yards record. – Joe Theismann on Wikipedia

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson HOF South River College graduate Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 Won the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos in 1978 Played in 156 games 489 receptions Receiving yards: 7,822 Touchdowns: 48 – Drew Pearson on Wikipedia

Kenny Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, South River Graduate, Penn State alum, Receptions: 126, Receiving yards: 2,170, Receiving touchdowns: 11 Jackson was Penn State's first All-American wide receiver. By his senior year in 1983, he held 27 school records. He still ranks second among Nittany Lions in career receiving yards with 2,006. He re-signed with the Eagles during the 1988 season. Jackson spent eight seasons on his alma mater's coaching staff, coaching Penn State's wide receivers from 1993 to 2000. – Kenny Jackson on Wikipedia

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadia. All opinions expressed are Bill's own.

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