8. Jim Plunkett (2)
James “Jim” Plunkett played college football for Stanford University where he won the Heisman Trophy and was selected as the first pick of the 1971 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played for the Patriots from 1971-1975 before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where Plunkett played in 1976 & 1977. After a poor season in 1977, he was released by the 49ers and joined the Oakland Raiders in 1978. Plunkett served in a reserve capacity for two seasons before coming into relieve 1st string quarterback Dan Pastorini after he suffered from a fractured leg. Plunkett threw 5 interceptions and lost the game.
He continued as the starter for the rest of the season and guided Oakland to 9 victories and a playoff berth as a wild card. Plunkett continued to lead the Raiders through the playoffs and to a win in Super Bowl XV, becoming the first team to win a Super Bowl as a wild card. He was named the games MVP for his efforts, and returned the team to a championship win after a victory in Super Bowl XVIII. Plunkett spent the remainder of his seasons as a backup or injured before retiring in 1988.
He continued as the starter for the rest of the season and guided Oakland to 9 victories and a playoff berth as a wild card. Plunkett continued to lead the Raiders through the playoffs and to a win in Super Bowl XV, becoming the first team to win a Super Bowl as a wild card. He was named the games MVP for his efforts, and returned the team to a championship win after a victory in Super Bowl XVIII. Plunkett spent the remainder of his seasons as a backup or injured before retiring in 1988.