Former Arizona State University football icon and NFL quarterback Jake Plummer is returning to Tempe, Arizona, not for football, but to host a celebrity pickleball tournament benefiting his non-profit. The Jake Plummer Pickleball Bash will take place on April 18, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Picklr facility. All proceeds go to the Good Sport Foundation.
From Gridiron to Pickleball Court
Jake Plummer, now 50, rose to fame in the late 1990s by leading Arizona State University to the Rose Bowl and nearly securing a National Championship. He was later drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, where he became a local sports hero. Now retired from football, Plummer has shifted his focus to pickleball — a sport he says keeps him active and connected to the community.
“Pickleball is one of my favorite things to do these days.” – (Plummer)
He was introduced to the sport a few years ago and immediately took to it, despite some soreness after his first few games.
Charity Tournament With Celebrity Guests
The pickleball event will pair fans and donors with celebrity athletes in a ProAm format, raising funds for the Good Sport Foundation. Celebrity participants include:
Tim Kempton
DJ Foster
Kyle Vanden Bosch
Amy Van Dyken
Terrell Owens
Inspired by his past “bowl-o-rama” fundraisers, Plummer said the idea for the Pickleball Bash came naturally as his love for the sport grew.
“You won’t see me smashing a lot of balls. I more or less like to play with the grace and finesse that this game originated.” – (Plummer)
Supporting the Good Sport Foundation
The Good Sport Foundation works to promote community, education, health, and hope through pickleball and grassroots initiatives worldwide. The foundation uses sports as a platform to unite people and build positive change in communities.
News in Brief: Jake Plummer Pickleball Bash
Former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer will host the Jake Plummer Pickleball Bash on April 18, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. The charity ProAm will raise funds for the Good Sport Foundation. Celebrity athletes, including Terrell Owens and Amy Van Dyken, will join the event, which mixes fun competition with community impact.
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