Jake Plummer Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth

What is Jake Plummer’s Net Worth?

Jake Plummer is a retired American NFL quarterback who has a net worth of $20 million. Jake Plummer played ten seasons in the league, most notably with the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos. Known for his improvisational skills and ability to make plays outside the pocket, Plummer earned the nickname “Jake the Snake” during his college years at Arizona State University, where he led the Sun Devils to an undefeated regular season and Rose Bowl appearance in 1996. In the NFL, he started 136 games across his career, throwing for 29,253 yards and 161 touchdowns. After being selected in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Cardinals, Plummer spent six seasons in Arizona before signing with Denver, where he led the Broncos to three playoff appearances and earned his only Pro Bowl selection in 2005. His unconventional playing style and clutch performances made him a fan favorite throughout his career.

Early Life

Born James Jacob Plummer on December 19, 1974, in Boise, Idaho, he grew up in a small town environment that shaped his competitive spirit. Plummer attended Capital High School in Boise, where he excelled in both football and basketball. His athletic prowess earned him All-State honors in both sports, but football would ultimately become his path to success. Despite his achievements, Plummer was not heavily recruited by major college programs, with Arizona State University being one of the few major schools to show serious interest.

College Career

At Arizona State, Plummer developed into one of college football’s most exciting quarterbacks. His defining moment came during the 1996 season when he led the Sun Devils to an 11-0 regular season record and a Pac-10 championship. The team rose to #2 in the national rankings before narrowly losing to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Plummer finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year and set numerous school records, finishing his collegiate career with 8,827 passing yards and 65 touchdowns.

Professional Career with the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals selected Plummer in the second round (42nd overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft. He quickly became the team’s starter, leading them to their first playoff appearance in 15 years during the 1998 season, including a memorable playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Plummer’s tenure in Arizona was marked by inconsistency, partly due to a struggling supporting cast. He spent six seasons with the Cardinals, throwing for 17,622 yards and 90 touchdowns, though he also threw 114 interceptions during this period.

Denver Broncos Era

In 2003, Plummer signed with the Denver Broncos, where he experienced his greatest NFL success under head coach Mike Shanahan. His first season in Denver saw immediate improvement in his efficiency, and by 2005, he led the Broncos to a 13-3 record and the AFC Championship Game. During his time in Denver, Plummer posted a 39-15 record as a starter and made his only Pro Bowl appearance. However, his tenure ended unexpectedly when the Broncos drafted Jay Cutler in 2006, eventually leading to Plummer’s retirement after the 2006 season.

Contracts & Career Earnings

Plummer’s initial rookie contract with the Cardinals was modest by today’s standards, but his free agent deal with Denver proved substantial. In 2003, he signed a seven-year, $40 million contract with the Broncos, including a $6 million signing bonus. Over his ten-year NFL career, Plummer earned approximately $58 million in salary and bonuses. His largest single-season earnings came in 2004 when he made $7.5 million in total compensation. Despite retiring with time remaining on his contract, Plummer’s career earnings placed him among the better-paid quarterbacks of his era, though well below the massive contracts that would become common in subsequent years.

Post-NFL Life

After retiring, Plummer has pursued various interests outside of football. He became an advocate for CBD and hemp products, particularly their use in treating athletic injuries. He has also remained connected to football through broadcasting and coaching at the high school level. Plummer has been involved in handball, a sport he took up seriously after leaving the NFL, and has worked to promote youth sports in his home state of Idaho. His transition from NFL quarterback to businessman and advocate has shown a different side of the former signal-caller, who has remained active in various charitable causes and community initiatives.

Personal Life & Pat Tillman Friendship

Jake Plummer’s life has been deeply influenced by his friendship with Pat Tillman, his teammate at Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals. The two formed a close bond during their college years, where they were known for their intense training sessions and shared philosophical discussions. Their friendship continued in the NFL when both played for the Cardinals, with Plummer often citing Tillman’s influence on his approach to life and football. After Tillman left the NFL to join the Army Rangers and was subsequently killed in Afghanistan in 2004, Plummer became one of the most vocal advocates for uncovering the truth about his friend’s death and preserving his legacy.

Plummer has maintained a relatively private personal life since his retirement, living in northern Idaho with his wife Kollette and their three children. He turned down numerous opportunities to return to the NFL, instead choosing to focus on family and his passion projects. In honor of Tillman, he has been actively involved with the Pat Tillman Foundation, regularly participating in Pat’s Run and speaking at foundation events. The impact of Tillman’s friendship and tragic loss continues to influence Plummer’s post-NFL life, inspiring his involvement in various charitable causes and his commitment to living authentically, much like his friend did.