Post by TheShadow on May 26, 2006 4:33:48 GMT -5
www.recordnet.com
Bob Highfill
Record Staff Writer
STOCKTON - Jesse Meza of Stockton had waited 34 years to meet former Stanford and NFL quarterback Jim Plunkett.
Meza finally had his chance on Tuesday when Plunkett addressed a crowd of about 100 at the one-year anniversary celebration of the Gary and Janice Podesto Impact Teen Center. It is run by the city of Stockton and the Boys & Girls Club.
"I couldn't miss this for the world," said Meza, 72. "I can die a happy man now."
Meza showed Plunkett one of his favorite souvenirs - a framed Stanford pennant flanked by a Stanford button and a ticket from the 1971 Rose Bowl that cost $8.
"This is my pride and joy," Meza said of the collectibles. "I've never had an opportunity to meet him."
Plunkett signed autographs and then relayed his life story to a group that included scores of elementary and high school-age kids.
He spoke about overcoming adversity and taking advantage of opportunities. Raised by blind parents on welfare in San Jose, Plunkett worked odd jobs to help support his family.
He described how he was an outstanding athlete and student, and earned a football scholarship to Stanford. He led the then-Indians to a 27-17 victory over Ohio State in the 1971 Rose Bowl.
Plunkett was the No. 1 draft pick of the New England Patriots and earned NFL rookie of the year honors in 1971, but four frustrating years followed. He was traded in 1976 to the San Francisco 49ers, but was cut following the 1977 season. He considered quitting the game altogether.
"I wanted to make it work in San Francisco in the worst way, but for whatever reason, it didn't," Plunkett said. "My friends and family encouraged me to stay with it."
The Oakland Raiders acquired Plunkett in 1978, where he was a reserve behind Ken Stabler and later Dan Pastorini. In 1981, Pastorini broke his leg, and Plunkett seized the opportunity.
He led the Raiders to a 27-10 victory over Philadelphia in Super Bowl XV and was named the game's most valuable player. In 1983, Plunkett guided the then-Los Angeles Raiders to a 38-9 win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII.
He retired following the 1986 season with 25,882 career passing yards and 164 touchdowns.
"Jim came from a humble background and has won a Heisman Trophy and two Super Bowls, and you'd never know it," Gary Podesto said. "He's a guy these kids need to meet."
Today, Plunkett owns the San Joaquin Beverage Co. in Stockton and travels the country giving motivational speeches to corporations. He also works in broadcasting for the Raiders and volunteers for various charities, including Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics.
"This a big help for these kids," Plunkett said as he surveyed the teen center, which opened a year ago. "It gives them a place to study, relax and meet other people."