Those two became great AFTER they won the presidency, not before.
"In 1814 we took a little trip,
Along with Col. Jackson down the mighty Mississipp'..."
Theodore was New York City Police Commissioner, where he is credited with totally transforming it, Governor of New York State, Deputy Secretary of the Navy(which he overhauled and greatly enhanced). Not to mention Theodore and his Rough Riders and their great adventure in Cuba. On top of that he is one of the greatest naturalists this country has ever seen. His exploration of the Amazon alone, which nearly cost him his life, stands(together wit his huge scientific and expedition to Africa) as some of he greatest geographic/scientific achievements of his generation.
In fact whether he’d been president or not, Theodore would stand as one of the greatest Americans that ever lived.