Profile of Jim Plunkett on Famous Like Me

James W. "Jim" Plunkett (born December 5, 1947 in San Jose, California) is a retired American football player. His position was quarterback.

Biography

Born to two blind parents, Plunkett worked a lot during his early years cleaning up gas stations. He attended James Lick High School in East San Jose, California. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1970 as quarterback for Stanford University.

In 1971 he was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots, and won Rookie of the Year honors. The Patriots, however, finished the season at 6-8, fourth place in the AFC East. Plunkett struggled with injuries and a shaky offensive line for the rest of his tenure in New England. In 1976 he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, and led the team to a 6-1 start before faltering to an 8-6 record. The 49ers released him at the end of the 1977 season.

Plunkett joined the Oakland Raiders in 1978 as a backup, and did not see much playing time until starting QB Dan Pastorini broke his leg five weeks into the 1980 season. Plunkett guided Oakland to a wild-card birth and an appearance in Super Bowl XV. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Plunkett threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns en route to becoming the game's MVP.

After returning to the backup role in 1983, Plunkett again took over starting duties after an injury to Marc Wilson. The Raiders advanced to Super Bowl XVIII, where they dominated the Washington Redskins, 38-9.

Plunkett spent most of his last three seasons either injured or as a backup. He retired after the 1986 season, and is currently the fourth-leading passer in Raiders history.

External Links

• Jim Plunkett: Every Underdog Has His Day

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