By Darin Born in Santa Clara, California, on December 5, 1947, Jim Plunkett’s impact on the Stanford Cardinal football program was immediate and historic. As a quarterback, he didn’t just meet expectations—he shattered them. In his sophomore season in 1968, he set a new PAC-8 Conference passing record, only to return and break that same record twice more in his junior and senior years. This sustained, record-setting dominance culminated in an unforgettable 1970 season where he swept the major awards and earned collegiate football’s highest honor.
Football Bio
December 5, 1947 – Santa Clara, California – The former quarterback of the Stanford Cardinal, Jim Plunkett, was born. The NFF states that Jim Plunkett set a record in the PAC-8 Conference for passing in his sophomore season of 1968, only to reset it twice more in his junior and senior seasons.
In the 1970 season, Jim won 28 awards, including the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and consensus All-America honors.
The National Football Foundation voted Jim Plunkett into its College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Conclusion
Jim Plunkett’s journey from a hometown hero to a two-time Super Bowl champion (though his NFL career is not detailed here, his legacy is known) began with a collegiate career defined by passing excellence. His record-breaking run at Stanford, culminating in the 1970 Heisman Trophy and consensus All-America honors, cemented his place among the greats. Recognized by the National Football Foundation, his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990 stands as a final testament to the arm and leadership he brought to the Cardinal offense.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
Jim Plunkett: Career Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 5, 1947 (Santa Clara, California).
- College Position: Quarterback, Stanford Cardinal.
- Collegiate Records (PAC-8): Set the conference passing record in his sophomore season (1968) and proceeded to reset that record in both his junior (1969) and senior (1970) seasons.
- Major Awards (1970): Won 28 awards in total, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award.
- All-America Status (1970): Named a consensus All-American.
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
