Perhaps before you even checked in on our coverage, NFL football analyst Joe Theismann stopped into chat with an ESPN.com audience.

In case you missed the ESPY appearance, in which the former Redskins quarterback addressed his plans to join the PGA Senior Tour and why he'd call it quits if he were John Elway, an edited transcript follows.

Slappy: Joe, if you were the Cleveland Browns, who would you take as No. 1?

Theismann: Ricky Williams, without question. I think they can get any one of the five young quarterbacks. They are all pretty good but a franchise back like Ricky Williams only comes along once in a lifetime. He sees like a Deion Sanders or a Tony Dorsett. He's the kind of guy you can build a franchise around. Plus he wants to play in Cleveland.

Jimmy: Joe, what do you think about the Raiders putting all their hopes on Rich Gannon. Wouldn't Jeff George have been a better gamble.

Theismann: No. I think people have been gambling on George for the past five years and it hasn't paid off. Gannon has shown production every time he's had a chance to play.

Don't you think the Skins wish they had him back? I just think that Rich will fit into the system real well.

Terry Armor: Back when Michael Jordan retired from basketball the first time, what did you think when he tried to play baseball?

Theismann: I think it was great that he went after a dream. I don't think we should place boundaries on ourselves because we're afraid of what other people might think. He did something he wanted to do -- and that's great.

Now, I can't wait to get him on the golf course.

Will Reading: How have the ESPYs changed in the years that you've been a part of them?

Theismann: I've been a part of them since the beginning. First of all, the trophy looks more like a trophy than a thermos. And really, I think it has become the greatest night in sports acknowledgement. It's fun to star watch.

Plus, for me, it's a chance to work with Tyra Banks again. Who wouldn't like that?

Stan: Any good stories from the Pro Bowl?

Theismann: No, it was a very quiet week, unlike the Super Bowl. There weren't idiots playing in this game -- except one -- like the Super Bowl, but that became old news.

Swinger: Joe, rumor has it that you are pretty serious about your golf game and you are thinking about the Senior Tour? Is this true?

Theismann: Yes, I am thinking about it. I still want to work really hard on it, but I'm thinking about it when I turn 50 in September. I turn 50 on one of the scariest days of the century -- 9/9/99.

Matt: Do you think the Redskins will keep Norv Turner as head coach?

Theismann: Yes. It's a good decision and because of how long it has taken the ownership to approve the new ownership, they are running out of time to make the change.

Sing: What is your involvement in the ESPY's?

Theismann: I'm a presenter this year along with Tyra Banks. You'll have to watch to find out what award I'm presenting. It's a secret.

Joe: Do you think the NY Jets were a one hit wonder, or do you see them making a run at the title again in '99? Also, do you think they will ever give Foley a chance again?

Theismann: I definitely see them being back in the hunt. Bill is the best defensive coach in the NFL. Belichick's record speaks for itself. Again, the big key for the Jets will be to keep people healthy. If Vinny Testaverde, Keyshawn Johnson and Curtis Martin can all stay healthy, they won't be one-hit wonder.

Matt: Who is the best quarterback coming out of this year's draft?

Theismann: I have not seen all the guys on film yet. But, Duante Culpepper out of Central Florida and Donovan McNabb out of Syracuse and Akili Smith out of Oregon (come to mind). Smith is actually the one they are talking about the most right now. I will start working on the films when I get back in the next week or two.

Molly: Joe, how good do you think the Seahawks will be next year?

Theismann: I have felt that over the last couple of years, they should have been contending for the AFC title. Their talent level is there and they've got a great coach now. I would be excited if I were a Seahawks fan.

Froker: Joe, I don't recall hearing your opinion on the Vikings quarterback situation, or more important, their overall situation, and where do you see them needing to improve for next year?

Theismann: First of all, I think they would make a huge mistake letting Brad Johnson go. I understand his wanting to leave, but the Vikings have got to do everything they can to keep him. He's a young guy who can play. And how long can Randall Cunningham continue to play?

I think you always have to look for offensive linemen. Randall McDaniel is not getting any younger. Offensive linemen are a hot item now. You can't have enough of them.

Duck: If you were John Elway, what would you do?

Theismann: I'd retire. If I was Elway, I would retire because I would look as the 1998 season as not one of his best. He missed six games with injuries and didn't play well in a few other games. I think John is at an age right now where he's got to ask -- where do you go now? He's won two straight Super Bowls and he was the MVP of the second one.

I can relate to his competitive nature. We all think we can play forever. But now is the perfect time for him to retire -- just like Michael.

Both basketball and football would be able to preserve the legacy of two of the greatest athletes to play in their respective sports.

Thank you and talk to you again soon.