John Rhys Plumlee Bio
John Rhys Plumlee (born January 2, 2001) is an American professional wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and UCF Knights and also played center field for both of their college baseball teams. Plumlee is known for his versatility on the field, showcasing his skills in both football and baseball during his collegiate career.
Early Life and Background
John Rhys Plumlee was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he grew up and attended Oak Grove High School. He was raised in a sports-oriented family and began playing both baseball and football at a young age. His older sister, Rhyan, and younger sister, Reese, were both accomplished volleyball players at Oak Grove High School. Plumlee became the starting quarterback for the Warriors as a sophomore and quickly made a name for himself with impressive statistics. As a junior, he passed for 1,759 yards, 14 touchdowns, and rushed for 599 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top high school players in Mississippi. In addition to his football achievements, Plumlee excelled in baseball, batting .442 with 35 RBIs and 38 runs scored in his junior year. He finished his high school career with a total of 5,430 passing yards, 2,314 rushing yards, and 82 total touchdowns over three seasons.
Path to American Football
After a successful high school career, Plumlee initially committed to play college football at the University of Georgia. However, he de-committed shortly before National Signing Day and accepted a scholarship to play both football and baseball at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). He began his college football career as a backup quarterback in 2019 and quickly made an impact. In his first game against the California Golden Bears, he completed all seven of his passes for 82 yards and rushed for 53 yards, leading the team to a near-comeback. Plumlee’s first career start came against the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he showcased his dual-threat ability by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for over 100 yards. His freshman season concluded with him breaking Ole Miss records for rushing yards and touchdowns by a quarterback.
John Rhys Plumlee Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Plumlee’s early career at Ole Miss was marked by his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. In his sophomore season, he served as a backup quarterback while also contributing as a wide receiver. He made significant plays during the Rebels’ 2021 Outback Bowl victory, catching five passes for 73 yards. After the season, he decided to enter the transfer portal and subsequently committed to the University of Central Florida (UCF). At UCF, Plumlee was named the starting quarterback for the 2022 season, where he tied a school record with seven total touchdowns in a single game against the Temple Owls. He finished the season with impressive statistics, including over 2,500 passing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, John Rhys Plumlee signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. His journey in the NFL began with a series of team changes, including a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Seattle Seahawks. Despite facing challenges, Plumlee’s determination and skill set kept him in the league. He was signed to the Seahawks’ active roster in early 2025, showcasing his potential as a wide receiver. Plumlee’s ability to adapt and perform in various roles has made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Notable Works and Milestones
John Rhys Plumlee’s signature achievements include his record-setting performances during his college career and his transition to the NFL. His versatility as both a quarterback and wide receiver has garnered attention, and he continues to develop his skills at the professional level.
John Rhys Plumlee Award Nominations
Throughout his career, John Rhys Plumlee has received recognition for his performances on the field, particularly during his college years. His achievements have positioned him as a notable player in American football.
John Rhys Plumlee Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, John Rhys Plumlee’s accomplishments in college football and his transition to the NFL highlight his potential and skill as a professional athlete.
John Rhys Plumlee Family
Information regarding John Rhys Plumlee’s family is limited. He has two sisters, Rhyan and Reese, who have both excelled in sports during their high school years.
Personal Life
Details about John Rhys Plumlee’s personal life, including relationships and marital status, are not publicly available. His focus remains on his professional career as a wide receiver in the NFL.