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Born to blind parents, he worked odd jobs to help support his family as a teen and almost was forced to give up football when a cancerous lump was found in his neck during a physical examination before his freshman year at Stanford. At Stanford, Plunkett set a school records for passing yards (2,156) and touchdowns (14) as a sophomore, and then broke those records in subsequent seasons finishing his NCAA career with 7,809 passing yards and 53 touchdowns. He was the first of three children born to James and Geraldine Plunkett. Plunkett was the first player of Hispanic heritage to be drafted with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. In 1971, he was drafted by the New England Patriots, and he went on to have a successful career in the NFL. Jim attended James Lick High School in East San Jose, California.He won the Heisman Trophy in 1970 as quarterback for Stanford University. Wanting to stay near home and attend a university with strong academics, Plunkett selected Stanford over California, in part because the radical political environment in Berkeley could be hard on athletes. It was the low point in my career really hard to take, he says of the 49ers move. Ball Carrier. But in a Stanford timeline, the ultimate demarcation is Before Plunkett and After Plunkett. He had some natural shyness, plus an unconventionally low-key approach to taking charge. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft and went on to have a successful career in the league. Jim Plunkett learned about perspective growing up as the only son, along with two older sisters, of blind parents. 3 quarterback, Plunkett didn't play in 1978. What John Sande, '71, the team's center, remembers is a sound. The Life And Career Of QB Jim Plunkett (Complete Story) Or if they wanted to clean the house, they cleaned the house. From 1984-86, Plunkett made only 17 starts, mostly because of injury. [16] Arguments for induction focus on his two Super Bowl victories and Super Bowl MVP award, along with the personal challenges he overcame in the NFL. Despite this, Hart has largely been overlooked, despite his role in the Raiders organization. In three seasons with the Indians, Jims total offensive records included most pass attempts (962); most pass completions (530); most net yards passing (7,544); most touchdown passes (52); most plays total offense (1,174); and most yards total offense (7,887). Once he arrived at the school, he played quarterback and defensive end for the football team. At Stanford, Plunkett set a school records for passing yards (2,156) and touchdowns (14) as a sophomore, and then broke those records in subsequent seasons finishing his NCAA career with 7,809 passing yards and 53 touchdowns. It hasn't all been laughs. While at Stanford he joined Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. Plunkett capped his college career by leading Stanford to a 27-17 victory over undefeated No. But Plunkett had a huge senior year, passing for 2,715 yards and 19 touchdowns as upstart Stanford won the Pac-8 title. The biggest obstacle he faced was when he was 30 years old and played for the San Francisco 49ers. Playing for a traditionally mediocre program on the West Coast, Plunkett was a long-shot Heisman candidate compared to the other favorites: quarterbacks Archie Manning of Mississippi and Joe Theismann of Notre Dame. "The best college football player I've ever seen," said Washington State coach Jim Sweeney. '', That's not always easy when the hucksters move in. Jim Plunkett was born in San Francisco, California, on December 5, 1947. The players liked him. Thirty years ago this week, Plunkett led the Raiders to victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV. Sometimes the measure of a hero isnt that he did something amazing, but that he inspires many people. Jim Plunkett (born James William Plunkett, Jr. on December 5, 1947) was a U.S. football player. "When I found out I'd finished second to Jim," said Theismann in 1984, "I was genuinely crushed. His parents were both blind. The once-reticent Plunkett does Raiders postgame radio interviews and a weekly TV highlights show and gives corporate speeches. Plunkett received the Voit Trophy in both 1969 and 1970. '', His mother attended the 1971 Rose Bowl game that Stanford won, 27-17, from Ohio State. Also Read: Mike Golic SPD 74. He is the only eligible two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback who has not been voted in. The nice thing now is that with the money I'm making, she has no financial problems. He set a new Pacific 8 record with 2,156 yards passing and 14 touchdown passes in his first season as a Stanford quarterback. He also helped them get their own food and stuff. 1984 Topps Jim Plunkett | PSA CardFacts They later moved to San Jose where William ran a newsstand, and where they were able to find low-cost housing. Was it that his parents were blind or they were deaf?, Jim threw a football 60 yards in his first ever competition. I remember them saying that they weren't handicapped, that they could do just about anything except see. Plunkett, who on November 24 had been named the winner of the Heisman Trophy, directed a fourth-quarter comeback for an electrifying 27-17 upset over the Buckeyes. He also owns a beer distributorship. It was never "just football" to them, Schultz remembers. He threw for more touchdown passes than interception in all of his professional seasons except five, but he had more losing seasons than winning seasons. Jim Plunkett is the story of a three-year NFL career that was filled with busts. Jim also had two sisters. Its a stark contrast to 1980, when Plunkett longed to leave Oakland in hopes of reinvigorating a fading career. The day Plunkett threw a football 80. He even spent two seasons on the bench with the Raiders. ''She also went to some of the Stanford games in Palo Alto,'' he said. Plunkett completed 16 of 25 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown in the game. The defense included linebacker Jeff Siemon, '72, and tackle Pete Lazetich, '72, who became first-team All-Americans the following season and helped lead Stanford back to the Rose Bowl. Then he threw for 261 yards again in the Super Bowl. He also shined the light back on everybody else.". He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the New England Revolution and San Francisco 49ers before being released by both organizations in 1978. With eighteen passing and three rushing touchdowns added to his 2,715 passing yards on the year (which broke his own conference record), Plunkett was awarded the 1970 Heisman Trophy. A month before his enrollment, Plunkett was told by doctors that the lump he had felt at the base of his neck was cancerous. "After 10 years and struggling with New England and San Francisco," he said, "that first one meant a lot to me.". Enter the 2022 MY Hero Songwriting/Music Video Contest! I love my daughter. By their senior season in 1970, the insecurities that had pulled them all together had matured into a deep bond, stoked by stubborn dreams and maddening frustration. Plunkett made his athletic debut when he was 14 years old, winning a throwing contest with a distance of over 60 yards and demonstrating his potential. The most celebrated player in Stanford football history came from just down the road, and a world away. His mother, Carmen, had not seen the outside world since she was 19 years old due to typhoid. At 30, Plunkett considered quitting, but two weeks later the Raiders' Davis signed him to a three-year contract for a total of $465,000. His mother, Carmen, was sightless since she was 19 because of typhoid fever. Learn more about select judges in the MY HERO International Film Festival. Biography. He was named Rookie of the Year that first season, but little worked out for either him or the team from that point on, and he took a steady beating behind the Pats' weak offensive line. They also helped Carmen with cooking and other household chores. Whenever we went on a trip, we usually took a bus. In addition, the American College Football Coaches Association designated him as their Offensive Player of the Year. Prior to retiring, he earned between $400,000 and $600,000 per year. A doctor discovered a thyroid tumor, which nearly ended his college career. And he ended up an emblem of individual and shared achievement on a team that's linked forever by one revered season. Jim Plunkett - Academic Kids The High Unemployment Rate Among Deaf People In Burundi. He was a star quarterback in high school, and went on to play for Stanford University. He chose to play for Stanford in part because he wanted to stay close to his parents, both of whom were blind. Harbaugh, who has a reverence for football tradition, is emphatic about Plunkett's identity now. A month before his enrollment, Plunkett was told by doctors that the lump he had felt at the base of his neck was cancerous. Later in his career, the Raiders moved to Los Angeles. "We didn't want to live through that again.". His mind only replays moments; his body replays every minute of damage. The family lived in relative poverty, and received state financial aid. ''The thing I'm sorry for,'' he said, ''is that my father worked so hard but he wasn't around for the best part -winning the Heisman Trophy, going to the Rose Bowl, being the No. He responded by throwing for 2,156 yards and 14 touchdowns as a 1968 sophomore before adding 2,673 yards and 20 scores as a 1969 junior, helping him to finish eighth in that years Heisman vote. "I wasn't an in-your-face guy." Plunkett, Lasater and Schultz were there with friends and other former teammates before the Wake Forest game in September, reveling in the juiciest memories. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. "It surprised me that he was able to come back because I thought physically he had been so punished that he couldn't come back - and he certainly did," says Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi about Jim Plunkett on ESPN Classic's SportsCentury series. Plunkett's father was a news vendor afflicted with progressive blindness, who had to support his blind wife along with their three children. It was probably very hard to live with blind parents, but Jim figured out a way to do it. Jim Plunkett - Wikipedia Moore, a tight end who went on to an eight-year NFL career, talked himself into a one-on-one foot race with Plunkett the summer before their senior season, when players gave up trips home and time off to continue training together. Jim Plunkett Bio - affair, married, spouse, salary, net worth, bio ''But growing up, I didn't feel like I had to take care of either my father or my mother. Plunkett also carries innumerable physical scars from his playing days. His father died before his junior season and Plunkett made sure there was time to spend with his mother no matter how great the pressures at Stanford. ESPN Classic - Plunkett kept coming back He sat out all of 1987 with a shoulder injury and his NFL career ended in the 1988 preseason when, at 40, the Raiders released him. He received several accolades during his career, including the only Heisman Trophy (1970) in school history. Jack and Aletha were determined to give Jim a normal life, and he attended public schools and played sports. His net yards passing and most yards total offense were NCAA records at the time. ", Plunkett, shy and modest, took a different view: "I wanted the Heisman, but my whole life wasn't centered on it.". BSK 80. Even Plunkett's buddies underestimated him occasionally. The Northern California native, who was born to blind parents, chose Stanford University to remain close to them. But Plunkett was the face of the team's success, that strong chin like a pointer for his powerful arm. For example, he once damaged his shoulder, but he kept on playing. "I was extremely quiet when I got to Stanford," acknowledges Plunkett. '', During his two years in oblivion, his mother was more concerned about him than his career. He didn't play well for the freshman team, and when his performance didn't improve the next spring, coach John Ralston suggested a switch to defensive end. "You look a lot worse than that," Plunkett responds. Plunkett guided Oakland to nine victories in eleven games and a playoff berth as a wild card. [13] The Patriots finished the season at 68 for fourth place in the AFC East. Stanford, California 94305. Jim and his sisters learned to work hard and do things for themselves as they grew up. When Gerry Plunkett recently won her sixth Stanford Women's Golf Club championshipshe and Jim are avid players she told friends that an appropriate celebration should have included temporarily covering up her husband's Heisman, just to emphasize her moment in the spotlight. The second title came after more struggles, after losing his starting job to Wilson and then regaining it after Wilson was injured. [3] His tenure with the Patriots was productive, but after an injury-shortened 1975 season he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played in 1976 and 1977. At Stanford, Plunkett set a school records for passing yards (2,156) and touchdowns (14) as a sophomore, and then broke those records in subsequent seasons finishing his NCAA career with 7,809 passing yards and 53 touchdowns. Forty years later, his impact on college football hasn't lost any luster, even though the sport has become far more freewheeling and ratcheted up the stats of quarterbacks everywhere. Sports of the Times; Jim Plunkett's Blind Parents He was born to a blind mother and father.. In 1968, he threw for 14 touchdowns and set a Pac-8 record with 2,156 yards passing. Several worthy Raiders, including Daryl Lamonica, Cliff Branch, and Lester Hayes, are no longer present in Canton, Ohio. He led the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in 1981. "Years of getting my butt kicked," Plunkett says. . Plunkett's arrival ushered in an era of wide-open passing, pro-style offenses in the Pac-8, a trend that has continued to the present. The first time he demonstrated athletic promise was at the age of 14, when he won a throwing contest with a toss of over 60 yards. The Northern California native, who was born to blind parents, chose Stanford University to remain close to them. Plunkett received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement presented by Awards Council member Roger Staubach in 1981. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. MY HERO Project seeks unique works of art by professional and student artists that celebrate the lives and courageous acts of heroes who work to promote change by positively affecting others and their communities. The Northern California native, who was born to blind parents, chose Stanford University to remain close to them. Ever since then, her doctor hasn't wanted her to fly. He then capped his collegiate career by leading Stanford to a 27-17 upset of unbeaten Ohio State in the 1971 Rose Bowl, completing 20-of-30 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. Accepting Ongoing Submissions! Plunkett spent most of the 19841986 seasons either injured or as a backup, and missed the entire 1987 season following rotator cuff surgery. Browse and share audio in our library. For his career, Plunkett completed 1,943-of-3,701 passes for 25,882 yards with 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions. Upon entering Stanford University, Plunkett endured a rough freshman campaign after being weakened by a thyroid operation. [15], Plunkett is the subject of annual debate about whether he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In the family's home, one room is dedicated to Plunkett's accomplishments. Our gallery features art in the theme of heroism. The world's most inspirational film competeition because of YOU. After having both knees replaced a few years ago, he says, Im in less pain. It had been anything but a happy Bay Area homecoming for the rifle-armed quarterback who first gained widespread notice at San Jose James Lick High. . Despite his strong first two seasons, Plunkett was a long-shot Heisman candidate compared to the other favorites: quarterbacks Archie Manning of Mississippi and Joe Theismann of Notre Dame. His father was born legally blind but, with thick enough glasses, could get around, even serving as the cook of the family. In the spring, his daughter, Meghan Plunkett, graduated with a business and marketing degree from Manhattan College in New York, which she attended on a volleyball scholarship. His career began as a backup to Plunkett but he was never able to establish himself as a starter. James William Plunkett (born December 5, 1947) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for sixteen seasons. [4] In 1983, Plunkett again ascended from backup to starter to quarterback the relocated Los Angeles Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XVIII. And our father would tell us to take care of our mother. For years he has opened the guesthouse at his Atherton home to Stanford athletes ex-quarterback Tavita Pritchard, '10, is the current resident. The Truth About Johnny Cash: Was The Country Legend Tone Deaf? September 1st is the final deadline to submit work for the 2022 International Film Festival! [21], Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 01:58, List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders, List of NCAA major college football yearly total offense leaders, "HOF Voter: Jim Plunkett Would Not Get My Vote", "Jim Plunkett and the Pro Football Hall of Fame", "Jim Plunkett's road to Super Bowl champion wasn't always smooth", "Greatest Cinderella stories in NFL history", "Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders Franchise Encyclopedia", "Oakland Raiders Quarterback Jim Plunkett vs. Denver Broncos Quarterback John Elway: Fan Take", "Why Raiders QB Jim Plunkett is not a Hall of Famer", "Barnwell: How the 'average' NFL QB has changed dramatically", "A Deeper Look at the Stabler Hall of Fame Debate", "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement", "Former NFL quarterback Jim Plunkett opens up on health: 'My life sucks', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jim_Plunkett&oldid=1140846577, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 01:58. Plunkett's first game was a 206 victory over the Oakland Raiders, the Patriots' first regular-season contest at Schaefer Stadium. Born to blind Mexican-American parents, Jim Plunkett beat the odds to make a name for himself. ''My father was legally blind from birth, but he could get around.He could see a little bit. Other quarterbacks who started for two Super Bowl winning teams but are not yet members of the Hall of Fame include Joe Gibbs Washington Redskins (Mark Rypien and Doug Williams), Tom Flores Oakland Raiders (Jim Plunkett), and Warren Moons San Francisco 49ers (Don Maynard). Voit Memorial Trophy, awarded each year to the outstanding football player on the Pacific Coast. He could have graduated the previous June, skipped his remaining year of In the 1984 Super Bowl, Plunkett passed for 172 yards and one touchdown in the Raiders' 38-9 rout of Washington, to that point the biggest Super Bowl victory margin.