So, you’re watching a game, you hear the name "Plummer" on the broadcast, and your brain immediately does that thing. It jumps back to the late 90s or mid-2000s. You're thinking about "Jake the Snake." You're thinking about that classic Arizona State run or those years when he was slinging it for the Denver Broncos. Then you see this new kid, Jack Plummer, under center. He’s tall, he’s got a live arm, and honestly, the resemblance in the name is just too close to ignore. It feels like a "like father, like son" story waiting to happen.
But here’s the thing: is Jack Plummer related to Jake Plummer? The short answer is a flat "no." They aren't related. Not at all. Jack is not Jake’s son, nephew, or even a distant cousin from some obscure branch of the family tree. It’s one of those weird sports coincidences that keeps the internet's search engines humming every single Saturday during college football season and now into the pros.
The Case of the Missing Family Tie
It’s easy to see why the confusion sticks around. Jack Plummer grew up in Gilbert, Arizona. If you know anything about Jake Plummer’s legend, you know he basically became a god in the state of Arizona during his time with the Sun Devils. Having a quarterback named Plummer coming out of an Arizona high school (Gilbert High, specifically) feels like a scripted sequel.
✨ Don't miss: Mets Baseball Schedule 2025: Why This Season Felt So Different
In fact, the confusion got so loud back when Jack was a recruit that Jake Plummer actually had to take to Twitter (now X) to clear the air. People were congratulating him on his "son’s" scholarship offers. Jake, being the laid-back guy he is, basically said, “Hey, he’s got a great arm and he’s a tall, lanky kid, but he’s not mine.” You’ve gotta feel for Jack a little bit. Every time he signs up for a new team or hits a new milestone, he gets asked the same thing. He’s spent his whole career clarifying that while he admires the former Pro Bowler, they don’t share a Thanksgiving table.
Breaking Down the Family Trees
If they aren't related, then who is in the inner circle?
Jake Plummer, born in Boise, Idaho, has two brothers: Brett and Eric. His family was big into handball—not exactly the first sport you think of for an NFL quarterback’s kin, but they were elite at it. Jake’s own kids are much younger than Jack. By the time Jack was starting games at Purdue, Jake’s children were still in elementary and middle school. The math just never added up.
🔗 Read more: Bills Ravens Box Score: Why the Blowout Surprised Everyone
Jack Plummer, on the other hand, does have a very real, very talented football brother. His younger brother, Will Plummer, played quarterback for the University of Arizona. For a while there, we actually had two Plummer brothers playing high-level Division I ball in the same state (when Jack was at Cal and Will was at Arizona). That’s a cool story on its own, but it doesn't involve the 1997 Rose Bowl MVP.
Why the Comparison Won't Die
Even though we know they aren't kin, the comparisons between Jack and Jake linger because of their playing styles and physical profiles.
- The Build: Both are mobile, though Jack is actually taller. Jack stands at about 6'5", whereas Jake was closer to 6'2".
- The "Snake" Factor: Jake was known for his incredible ability to escape pressure and make something out of nothing. Jack has shown flashes of that same pocket awareness, especially during his season at Louisville where he led the Cardinals to the ACC Championship game.
- The Arizona Connection: This is the big one. As mentioned, Jack played his high school ball in Gilbert. Jake played his college ball in Tempe. They were practically neighbors in football terms, separated by a couple of decades.
Honestly, the "Plummer" name carries a certain weight in the football world. It implies a certain level of grit. When Jack was bouncing from Purdue to Cal and then Louisville, he carried that "journeyman" spirit that Jake sort of embodied later in his career when he was navigating the transition from the Cardinals to the Broncos.
Jack Plummer’s Own Path
By 2024 and 2025, Jack started carving out a legacy that has nothing to do with the man who wore #16 in Denver. After a prolific college career where he threw for nearly 10,000 yards, Jack moved on to the professional ranks. He spent time with the Carolina Panthers and eventually found a home in the UFL with the Orlando Storm.
📖 Related: Club Brugge vs Aston Villa: What Most People Get Wrong
He’s a different kind of player. Jack is more of a traditional "pro-style" passer compared to the chaotic, improvisational magic that Jake used to bring to the field. He’s more about timing, rhythm, and using that 6'5" frame to see over the line.
Jake, meanwhile, has moved on to a totally different phase of life. He’s famously into mushroom farming these days (Mycolove Farm in Colorado) and remains one of the most interesting "retired" athletes out there. He’s not coaching Jack or calling in favors for him. He’s just a fan of the game like everyone else.
Fact-Checking the "Relation" Rumors
| Feature | Jake Plummer | Jack Plummer |
|---|---|---|
| Hometown | Boise, ID | Dubuque, IA / Gilbert, AZ |
| College | Arizona State | Purdue, Cal, Louisville |
| Pro Peak | Denver Broncos (Pro Bowl) | Carolina Panthers / Orlando Storm |
| Sibling | Eric & Brett (Handball/Track) | Will (QB at Arizona) |
| Relation? | No | No |
Actionable Takeaways for Football Fans
Next time you're at a tailgate or arguing in a group chat, you can be the "actually" person with the facts.
- Stop the Son Rumors: If someone says Jack is Jake's son, remind them that Jake’s kids are way too young. Jack was born in 1999. In 1999, Jake was busy leading the Arizona Cardinals.
- Watch the Brothers: If you want a real family connection, look for Will Plummer. The Jack-Will connection is the real "Plummer Era" in modern college football.
- Respect the Name: While they aren't family, the name "Plummer" still seems to be a magnet for starting quarterbacks. Whether it’s 1996 or 2026, if there's a Plummer on the roster, there's a good chance he's the one taking the snaps.
Basically, the "Plummer" brand is strong in football, but in this case, it's a matter of two separate lineages reaching the same mountain peak. Jack has done enough on the field at Louisville and in the pros to be recognized for his own merits. He doesn't need a legendary dad to justify his spot on the roster.
If you're looking to follow Jack's current career, check out the UFL standings or the Orlando Storm roster. He’s still slinging it, and he’s doing it under his own name. Just don't expect to see Jake in the family box during the game. He's probably out in a field in Colorado, and honestly, he seems pretty happy about that.