NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 44: Jim Plunkett

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

44. Jim Plunkett

Drafted first overall by the New England Patriots in 1971 out of Stanford University, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1970, Plunkett endured early career struggles marked by injuries and poor team support, but ultimately forged a resilient legacy as a two-time Super Bowl champion.

In five seasons with the Patriots (1971-1975), Plunkett threw for 9,932 yards and 62 touchdowns, but a 23-38 record and constant physical toll led to a trade to the San Francisco 49ers in 1976. There, over two years, he added 3,702 yards and 19 scores, yet more injuries and a 13-15 mark prompted his release in 1978.

Signing with the Oakland Raiders as a backup, Plunkett’s career revived dramatically in 1980 when he replaced an injured Dan Pastorini mid-season. He led the Raiders to an 11-5 record, playoff wins, and a Super Bowl XV triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles (27-10), earning MVP honors with 261 yards and three touchdowns.

In 1983, now with the Los Angeles Raiders, he guided another championship run, defeating the Washington Redskins 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII with 172 yards and a touchdown.

Retiring after the 1986 season due to persistent shoulder issues, Plunkett’s nine years with the Raiders yielded a 38-19 record as starter and cemented his identity as a comeback artist, with the 1980 Comeback Player of the Year award to show for it.

Plunkett’s career totals stand at 25,882 passing yards, 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions across 157 games, with a 72-72 record. He tied an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown pass and remains the only QB to win two Super Bowls without prior playoff starts.

Plunkett’s standout attributes were his strong arm for long-range accuracy, toughness in overcoming multiple surgeries and leadership in high-stakes games.

He’s undoubtedly a Raiders legend.

But who ranks ahead of Plunkett at No. 43 all-time?