Jim Plunkett
Questions about Jim Plunkett or the Raiders?
Jim Plunkett Legacy
HEYTC AIJim Plunkett Rating Breakdown
Jim Plunkett Career Stats via Wikipedia
Jim Plunkett Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1987 1
Final season and retirement
Plunkett played his last NFL season with the Raiders, retiring afterward with two Super Bowl rings and a legacy as a clutch playoff performer.
1986 1
Playoff appearance with Raiders
Plunkett started and led the Los Angeles Raiders to an AFC Wild Card playoff win before losses in later rounds.
1983 2
Major shoulder injury
Plunkett suffered a significant shoulder injury that impacted his performance and led to backup roles in subsequent seasons with the Raiders.
Super Bowl XVIII MVP
Plunkett led the Raiders to a dominant win in Super Bowl XVIII against the Washington Redskins, earning Super Bowl MVP honors with 214 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.
1982 1
First-Team All-Pro
Plunkett was selected to the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro following another exceptional performance leading the Raiders.
1981 1
AP NFL MVP and Pro Bowl
Plunkett was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player and earned his only Pro Bowl selection after a standout season with the Raiders.
1980 3
Leads Raiders to Super Bowl XV
Plunkett guided the Raiders to a playoff appearance, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl XV over the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Plunkett earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award after leading the Raiders to a strong season following his struggles in New England and San Francisco.
Signed by Raiders
Plunkett signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent after being released by the 49ers, marking the start of his eight-year tenure split between Oakland and Los Angeles.
1976 1
Traded to 49ers
Plunkett was traded from the Patriots to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for two seasons, throwing 22 touchdown passes.
1971 2
Signs rookie contract with Patriots
Plunkett signed his rookie contract with the Patriots and began his professional career as their starting quarterback for two seasons.
Drafted by Patriots
Jim Plunkett was selected as the first overall pick in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Plunkett
How does Geno Smith compare to Jim Plunkett?
Geno Smith, inexplicably tabbed as the 2025 Raiders starter, stares down a mountain compared to Plunkett's Raiders resume—two Super Bowl rings, SB XV MVP with 261 yards and three TDs on Cliff Branch and Kenny King, plus another title in '83. Geno's got arm talent, sure, but zero hardware and a journeyman vibe; Plunkett was the ultimate Raider resurrection, turning backup scraps into dynasty gold.
Is Jim Plunkett in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Jim Plunkett's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and it's the NFL's quietest snub—he's one of just two eligible QBs with two Super Bowl starts and wins (XV and XVIII) without a Canton bust, alongside Eli Manning. Those playoff guts and cannon arm scream legend, yet voters sleep on the guy who authored the Raiders' only two Lombardi trips.
What is Jim Plunkett doing now in 2026?
In 2026, Jim Plunkett's chilling in the Bay Area shadow of his Raiders glory, dabbling in charity gigs for underprivileged kids—echoing his own roots—while dodging the spotlight like a smart vet evading a blindside hit. No broadcasting booth for this Heisman kid; he's all about quiet legacy-building, far from the gridiron grind that wrecked his shoulders.
How would Jim Plunkett perform in today's NFL?
Plunkett's rifle arm and pocket toughness would feast in today's pass-happy NFL—think 52.5% completion ballooning to 65%+ under no-blitz rules, turning those 164 TDs into 200-plus with modern WRs like Davante Adams. His '80 comeback (18 TDs post-Pastorini injury) proves he'd carve defenses; shoulder woes aside, he'd be a top-15 guy, Raiders starter easy.
How does Jim Plunkett compare to Jay Schroeder?
Jay Schroeder flashed brighter early with that 31.71 career rating to Plunkett's gritty 15.07, but Jim owned the Raiders' throne—two rings to Jay's zero, including that '83 playoff demolition. Schroeder bolted for Washington glory; Plunkett stayed, bled Silver and Black through injuries. Give me the champ who airmailed 99-yarders over the hot-start flameout every time.