Take a look back through photos from Jake Plummer's career in Denver.
Jake Plummer poses for a portrait after signing with the Broncos as a free agent in 2003.
Jake Plummer speaks with media at his introductory press conference after signing with the Broncos as a free agent in 2003.
Jake Plummer poses for a portrait after signing with the Broncos as a free agent in 2003.
Jake Plummer answers questions from the media following the first day of the Broncos' 2003 training camp. This marked the first year in Broncos history that their training camp was held at their Dove Valley facility in Englewood, CO.
Jake Plummer celebrates after his touchdown pass to Ashley Lelie in preseason action against the Indianapolis Colts at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2003.
Jake Plummer runs onto the field during the player introductions before a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2003. It was Plummer's first home game with the Broncos.
Rod Smith and Jake Plummer joke around during pregame drills before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 29, 2003.
Jake Plummer fires a pass downfield against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on September 14, 2003.
Jake Plummer suits up during the halftime break against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Jake Plummer was all smiles after receiving a game ball for his performance in the game against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Jake Plummer scrambles out of the pocket for a 44-yard gain against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High on September 22, 2003. This broke the Broncos' record for longest run by a quarterback previously held by Bubby Brister.
Jake Plummer scrambles from the pocket and picks up a first down against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
Mike Shanahan and Jake Plummer watch as the offense goes through pregame drills before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jake Plummer smiles with his teammates during a break in the action against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
Jake Plummer and his teammates listen to a halftime speech from the coaches against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Motion blur action of Jake Plummer against the Chicago Bears at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 23, 2003.
Jake Plummer runs onto the field during the player introductions against the Chicago Bears at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 23, 2003.
Jake Plummer rolls out of the pocket against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Jake Plummer celebrates with the fans cheers as he heads into the locker room against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Jake Plummer rushes the ball for a key first down in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jake Plummer runs onto the field during the player introductions against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jake Plummer fires a pass downfield against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jake Plummer celebrates the Broncos' victory over the Colts against the Indianapolis Colts at RCA Dome in Indianapolis on December 21, 2003.
Jake Plummer and Champ Bailey joined with other members of the Denver community for the Cherish the Children Gala and Fashion Show to benefit the Beacon Center, held at the Hyatt DTC in Denver, CO and hosted by Annabel Bowlen. ©Brett Wilhelm/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
A portrait of Jake Plummer.
Jake Plummer in the huddle during a break in the action during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer shares a laugh with his teammates after the Broncos' victory over the Houston Texans on November 7, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Studio shot of Jake Plummer.
Jake Plummer rushes the ball and slides down safely during a snowy game against the Raiders on November 28, 2004.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer hands the ball off to Reuben Droughns during a snowy game against the Oakland Raiders on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer celebrates the Broncos' victory with John Lynch after beating the Tennessee Titans on December 25, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jake Plummer gets his teammates fired up before a Jan. 2, 2005 game against the Colts.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer celebrates a Broncos victory with his teammates in the locker room after the game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 2, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer shakes hands with Peyton Manning before a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field in Denver, CO. (Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates)
Jake Plummer leaps into a slide after scrambling out of the pocket during a game against the Dolphins in 2005. (Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates)
Jake Plummer's hair streams out from under his hat during a break in the action of a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 18, 2005. Denver defeated San Diego 20-17. ©2005 Brett Wilhelm/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer congratulates kicker Jason Elam after the Broncos beat the San Diego Chargers on a last-second field goal at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 18, 2005. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 20-17. (Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates)
Jake Plummer eludes Chiefs defenders en route to touchdown during a 30-10 win over Kansas City on September 26, 2005.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer and linebacker Al Wilson talk during a Broncos win over the Washington Redskins at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 9, 2005.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer and Trevor Pryce embrace after the Broncos beat the New England Patriots on October 16, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer receives a warm welcome from children at the Broncos Hometown Huddle at Merrill Middle School in Denver, CO on October 18, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer looks on from the sideline as the Denver Broncos defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 49-21 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 30, 2005. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer eludes multiple Philadelphia Eagles defenders as the Denver Broncos defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 49-21 at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 30. 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer scrambles after losing his helmet during a play as the Denver Broncos defeat the New York Jets 27-0 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 20, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer scrambles after losing his helmet during a play as the Denver Broncos defeat the New York Jets 27-0 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 20, 2005. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer hands a football to a fan in the crowd after the Denver Broncos defeated the New York Jets 27-0 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
A view of Jake Plummer from behind as he warms up before the Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 22-3 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 24, 2005.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer calls out the play in the huddle as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. The Broncos victory advanced them to the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer pretends to square up against Al Wilson as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006.The Broncos victory advanced them to the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
A look at Jake Plummer in the huddle during the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 22, 2006.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
A barefoot Jake Plummer tees off at the Shanahan Golf Tournament at Omni Interlocken Golf Course in Broomfield, CO on June 5, 2006. © Justin Tafoya/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer scrambles during preseason action as the Denver Broncos take on the Tennessee Titans at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer greets his former Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, now the Texans' head coach, after the Denver Broncos played a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer greets running back Tatum Bell in the hallway before a game against the the St. Louis Rams in week 1 NFL action at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 10, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer daps up Randy Moss before the Denver Broncos take on the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 15, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer scrambles out of the pocket during a game against the Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 29, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Jake Plummer pulls on his helmet just before the Denver Broncos take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on November 5, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer high-fives Champ Bailey after the cornerback returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in week 17 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 31, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
In our new Broncos Legends series, we'll revisit the careers of some of the best players in franchise history with video highlights and rarely seen photos — and they'll join us to break down their favorite moments as a Bronco and more. Former Pro Bowl quarterback Jake Plummer is leading us off, and as we begin, here's a refresher on his time in Denver.
Career overview
Plummer joined the Broncos as a free agent in 2003 following a six-year stint in Arizona to start his career. A former second-round draft pick in 1997, Plummer played his collegiate football at Arizona State, where he finished third in the Heisman Trophy vote and led ASU to a Pac-10 title as a senior. The Sun Devils nearly won a national title that year behind Plummer's play.
In Denver, he brought stability to the Broncos' quarterback room. The Broncos had been in search of a long-term option at signal caller following John Elway's retirement in early 1999, and Plummer provided that for the better part of four seasons. Plummer started 54 games during his four years in Denver and led the Broncos to playoff berths in three consecutive seasons from 2003-05. "Jake the Snake" set the franchise record for passing yards in a game when he threw for 499 in an October game against the Falcons. The record still stands. A year later, during that third playoff run, Plummer and the Broncos went 13-3 and defeated the New England Patriots to advance to the 2005 AFC Championship.
The mobile Plummer made his lone Pro Bowl in 2005, but he posted higher yardage and touchdown totals in 2004, as he threw for 27 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards. His 20 interceptions that season, though, did drop to just seven in 2005. He made the NFL's all-star game after initially being named an alternate.
Plummer played just 11 more games for the Broncos after the team's stellar 2005 season, as he was replaced by Jay Cutler late in 2006.
Career accolades
One Pro Bowls (2005); All-Rookie Team member (1997, with Arizona); Four Offensive Player of the Week honors (Three with Denver); Most passing yards in a single game in team history (499); Third in team history in career yards (12,301); Second-highest winning percentage as a starting QB in team history (.722, min. 25 starts); Broncos Top 100 Team member; College Football Hall of Fame inductee
Stats to know
54 starts in 59 career games in Denver, a 39-15 record, 59.1% completion rate, 11,631 passing yards, 71 passing touchdowns, 84.3 quarterback rating, five fourth-quarter comebacks, 10 game-winning drives
In his own words
Plummer on his mentality and playing style:
"I played with a lot of passion. I went out there every time to try to win; a lot of times, that might have been sometimes my biggest fault. But also my greatest attribute was that I believe that every play was a play we should make and make work. Sometimes, you know, you've got to just let the ball go out of bounds or give up on a play and know that you're going to have an opportunity later. But when I was in that moment, my passion would take over. My will to win and want to succeed would take over, and sometimes I would forget we had a 10-point lead and you're supposed to be careful with the ball. It was just my nature to be 100 percent immersed in going full speed and doing whatever I felt like, kind of losing myself to the moment and going after it. That was pretty much me — a scrappy competitor that was going to fight and claw to the end."
Three games to remember
Week 2, 2003: Broncos 37, Chargers 13
In just his second start with the Broncos, Plummer completed 9-of-13 passes for 94 yards … and three touchdowns. His quarterback rating was 129.5 in a blowout win over San Diego. A week later, he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after he tossed two more scores in a blowout win over Oakland.
Week 9, 2004: Broncos 31, Texans 13
Plummer threw for 499 yards and four touchdowns in Week 8 of that season against the Falcons, but he also tossed three interceptions and the Broncos lost by double digits. A week later, he rebounded to post a 137.8 quarterback rating and throw four touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the best touchdown-to-interception ratio of his career at that point.
Week 8, 2005: Broncos 49, Eagles 21
Plummer earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the final time in his career as he threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns against the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. Denver galloped past Philadelphia as part of a stretch in which Denver won 14 of 16 games.
