Chris Ballard on Jake Plummer

And he did not even have to resort to the lame "an SI Reporter talked to Plummer...."

 

Would have liked more on how he processed Tillman's death and something on the political fallout from that. At least ask him the question.

 

Boy, I'd have to disagree on that. Tillman/politics has become a third rail that overwhelms whatever the story is supposed to be about. There was plenty on Tillman IMO.

 

Read the first page and enjoyed it, but I"m not reading eight more of them online.

Somewhere I'll find a print copy. Interesting story. If I had millions in the bank I'd walk away, too.

 

I love the total awkwardness of the forced third-person "told a reporter" gimmick. Gosh, who? Gotta be able to write around that somehow. Ballard is high on my SI underappreciated list.

 

A disciplined writer (not that this isn't) could work it in without poisoning the story. You have one of his best friends at a table and you're talking at length. It's more interesting and socially useful than his handball achievements.

 

Great read. I was wondering just the other day what had happened to Plummer.

 

Say what you want about Plummer and his free wheeling life and play, but he did nothing but win in Denver and I believe the current demise of the Broncos started when Shanahan screwed him over. No matter how you feel about a guy, and it's obvious they didn't get along, most coaches don't move up to draft a hot-shot QB when their current one is in his prime and just went to the playoffs three straight years, including a 13-3 record and AFC title game appearance the year before. They were also 7-3 when word came that Plummer would soon be benched for Cutler. The Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since.

It was a good read and as a rare Broncos fan who sides with Plummer over Shanny I'm glad to see he's content and doing his own thing.

 

Really liked the story from Ballard, and he really has me reconsidering Plummer.

Covered Jake for two seasons, and he was an unrelenting asshole. Not just to me, not just to reporters but to everybody. Almost all the time, for no particular reasons. The Ballard story doesn't mention the time Plummer jilted his would-be bride at the altar either.

But now I'm thinking maybe he was just a miserable person because he hated himself, his job, his girlfriend, etc. at the time. The guy described in the Ballard story is a different person than the one I encountered.

 

Yeah, maybe Jake can invite McNabb to next year's handball tournament.

 

I was always wondering about Jake Plummer. About how he was made the fall guy. Then again, Mike Shanahan has mastered the blame game. He thinks his two Super Bowls gave him license to do so and keep his winning reputation intact.

Um, no it didn't, Mr. Shanahan. Blame Brian Griese. Blame Jake Plummer. Blame defensive coordinator after defensive coordinator. It just gave us a better view of your true colors. Denver saw it, and D.C. is getting a really good glimpse of the same. Blame Donovan McNabb.

As for Jake Plummer, money never really motivated him, obviously. He was brought up in the woods and believes in family and doing what makes him and his family happy. Good for him. Nice story.