04/19/24
February 16, 2011
Jake the Snake: You have to wonder why a red-blooded American male in his prime would walk away from fame and fortune as an NFL quarterback to play handball and hang with his family and his dogs. Don't you A profile of Jake "The Snake" Plummer (via MetaFilter).
This was a great read.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:00 PM on February 16, 2011
That was indeed a great read. It's sort of sad that people who choose to follow their own path are referred to as quitters or cowards. Plummer is living the life he wants to, spending time with those he loves while he can. I can't think of a better way to live. I always liked Jake, but now I'm a big fan.
posted by tahoemoj at 05:32 PM on February 16, 2011
Remember reading a short article about two months ago or so on the Yahoo CFB sports blog (I'm too lazy to look it up now) on Jake Plummer. The takeaway was that Mike Shanahan was a dick. Plummer's commentary on the then-current McNabb mess was that Shanahan got lucky with John Elway as the perfect QB, and then couldn't understand why every other QB wasn't perfect.
posted by Bonkers at 09:35 PM on February 16, 2011
I always liked Jake, but now I'm a big fan.
I always thought it was easy to like him as a person and even as an entertainer. However, as the quarterback of your favorite team he could be a bit of a nightmare.
posted by tron7 at 11:03 PM on February 16, 2011
It is admirable doing what you want and have fun doing just that. Having a couple million dollars to do that helps but Jake Plummer deserves everything he has and seems to have peace in his life and enjoys it, after all he did earn it. I have huge respect for those who can do that, the right way. I have met the other "Snake" several times and Kenny Stabler is the one I always think of when I hear that nickname. Not to change the subject but he is another Raider that should be in the HOF along with Ray Guy and Lester Hayes and I'm not a Raider fan.
posted by gfinsf at 06:57 AM on February 17, 2011
Other guys like Bledsoe have also reconfigured their lives and are finding that contentment after retirement groove. In pursuits other than broadcasting.
Such a welcome relief from the typical expectation that they have to do it till they're totally used up and incapable, followed our shock and sadness when their post-retirement lives turn out to be pure hell one way or another.
posted by beaverboard at 11:04 AM on February 17, 2011
After reading the story I found myself liking Plummer a lot. Seems like a very smart guy with principles
posted by Atheist at 03:22 PM on February 17, 2011
Plummer is disarmingly laid-back, the Dude from The Big Lebowski as a former All-Pro.
Damn it. I had a "The snake abides" comment ready to go.