Dubuque Native Quarterback is the MVP of the United Football League

Dubuque native quarterback Jack Plummer went from being an undrafted free agent in the NFL, to out of football for an entire year, to MVP of the United Football League (UFL) all in the span of two years.

Earlier this month, Plummer, the starting quarterback for the Orlando Storm, one of the new teams in the UFL this season, was named the Most Valuable Player of the league after leading the league in passing yards. Furthermore, he tossed 17 touchdowns to merely one interception, and led the Storm to an 8-2 record, one of the best in the entire league.

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How a Brief Stint in the NFL Led Jack Plummer to His New UFL Home:

Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Jack Plummer signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers. He proved enough during training camp and a few preseason games to remain on Carolina's practice squad the entire year, behind the likes of Bryce Young and Andy Dalton.

That said, it's a challenge for undrafted quarterbacks to stay on any NFL roster. Plummer was cut by the Panthers ahead of the 2025 season, and spent the entire season in free agency. In January 2026, Plummer was allocated to the Orlando Storm as part of the 2026 UFL Draft, where he would go on to win the starting job.

What Jack Plummer Had to Say About Being Named UFL MVP:

Jack Plummer's statement on winning the UFL MVP was made available via the UFL website:

It is an incredible honor to be named the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player. While my name may be on this award, it truly belongs to so many people who have helped me along this journey. Football is the ultimate team sport, and this recognition would not have been possible without my teammates. Every practice, every game, every challenge we faced together contributed to this achievement. I am grateful to each and every one of them for their commitment, sacrifice, and belief in what we could accomplish as a team - Jack Plummer, per a press release from the United Football League

Beyond Plummer being born in Dubuque, the Orlando Storm has another notable Iowa connection. Storm head coach Anthony Becht is the father of Rocco Becht, former Iowa State Cyclone quarterback. Rocco Becht currently plays for the Penn State Nittany Lions, having followed former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell to the school following his own departure.

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Find out more about Jack Plummer on his Wikipedia page, and read about him winning the UFL MVP on the UFL's website.