Plunkett was selected as the first overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played for the Patriots for five seasons, but struggled to find success with the team. In 1976, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for two seasons before being released.
After being out of football for a year, Plunkett signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1978. He became the team's starting quarterback in 1980 and led them to a Super Bowl victory that season. Plunkett was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) after throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns in the Raiders' 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Plunkett continued to play for the Raiders for several more seasons, leading them to another Super Bowl victory in 1983. He retired from football in 1986, having played in 157 games and throwing for 25,882 yards and 164 touchdowns.
Despite his success in the NFL, Plunkett faced numerous challenges throughout his career. He suffered several injuries, including a broken collarbone and a torn rotator cuff, and was often criticized by fans and the media for his inconsistent play.
However, Plunkett's perseverance and resilience helped him overcome these obstacles and become one of the most successful quarterbacks of his era. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Today, Plunkett is retired from football and lives in the Bay Area with his wife, Gerry. He remains a beloved figure in the NFL community and is remembered for his talent, determination, and leadership on and off the field.
🏈