It’s one thing if Plunkett had made millions over his career as modern NFL players do. But I suspect he probably made less in his career than even most current backup QBs do.
Bump from a backer of his first Superb victim, the Iggles...
“My life sucks...”
Joe, one hopes with age comes perspective, you are 69 after all. Look around at how the rest of the world lives. Review your life, your accomplishments, and the rewards that came with them and, I hope, revise your statement.
Richestcelebrities.org reports his net worth as $1.2-million.
Well, money is not the same, either. A million dollars today is worth a lot less than a million dollars in 1974. A $200K contract was pretty good back then.
I feel sympathy for him, but hell, I feel sympathy for anyone getting old with a body that is rebelling against a lifetime of use, often hard use.
I’ve been extremely lucky, having hurt my back playing football as a teenager, being able to work at jobs that don’t involve physical labor. And believe me, I don’t take that for granted. I was typical, thought I was indestructible and didn’t have a lot of guys to see who were in worse shape than me. But I think if you are a pro, even a rookie, you see how guys have to fight with their body. I can’t believe any pro player ever thought they couldn’t end up like that after they get their first few injuries.
I see a friend of mine who did flooring and carpet all his life from his teens, and that is tough work on a body. Your knees, your back, your neck. It all gets beaten up by that line of work.
So I see Jim Plunkett, and it is hard not to feel sympathy. But I think he knew far better the risks to his body than my friend had towards the risks to his. As a pro football player, the older players aren’t as beat up as players were 30-40 years ago. Medical care is more capable.
But in the end...it’s gonna hurt.
He still made plenty. I guess I’m lucky, just a thumping shoulder from way too much baseball. I made it through college free, but got paid nothing for my injuries.