After stints with three NFL franchises, the dual-threat playmaker brings his dynamic athleticism to the Houston Gamblers, providing much-needed depth and versatility to the struggling squad’s backfield.
John Rhys Plumlee was the heart and soul of UCF football for the two years that he manned the quarterbacking position.
Plumlee began his career at Ole Miss before transferring to Orlando in 2022.
After bouncing around multiple NFL training camps/practice squads, Plumlee has now landed with a new team - the UFL's Houston Gamblers.
On Friday, the UFL Communications Department's X account posted a list of recent transactions, with Plumlee's being the lone free-agent move.
PFN's James Larsen approved the signing, saying that the Gamblers desperately needed quarterback depth.
After his time with UCF, Plumlee was signed to an UDFA contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
Plumlee was waived in that same summer, but found his way onto the Jacksonville' Jaguars squad shortly after.
He also had a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks, where he made the active roster, but not as a quarterback.
Plumlee made the switch to wide receiver with Seattle, something that had been floated around as a possibility for the athletic quarterback.
Unfortunately, Plumlee did not make the following season's 52-man roster cuts, being waived in August 2025.
Plumlee was a fan-favorite during his two years with the Knights, as he demonstrated great leadership and passion for the game.
The two-way threat threw for 4,857 yards and 29 touchdowns during his two seasons at the helm, adding 1,367 yards and 16 scores with his legs.
Under former head coach Gus Malzahn, Plumlee's dual threat ability was a perfect fit, as Malzahn wanted to play fast and mobile.
One of Plumlee's most impressive performances came during his senior campaign, as the former Rebel threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, adding 74 yards with his legs to knock off No. 15 Oklahoma State in dominant, 45-3 fashion.
Entering the game as huge underdogs, the Knights jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind a Plumlee score and RJ Harvey rushing touchdown.
Midway through the second quarter, Plumlee broke open the flood gates, uncorking a 75-yard bomb to Kobe Hudson and building a 24-0 lead.
Late in the third quarter, Plumlee found Hudson again - this time for a 14-yard score.
This was the Knights' most shocking and impressive victory of the season.
Now, Plumlee joins a Gamblers team that is currently 2-4 and in need of help at the quarterback position.
Plumlee's ability to attack defenses with his legs and experience at wide receiver make him an instant plug-and-play option for wherever the team decides to utilize him.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!