Reality set in as the Cardinals’ 2002 season neared its end. Jake Plummer, Arizona’s second-round pick five years earlier, was playing on an expiring deal and by then it became apparent the Cardinals had no plans to re-up. No interest in keeping him around.
Others did, though.
In his final game with the team, Plummer and the Cardinals took a 37-7 beating at the hands of the Broncos in Denver. And it was there, in front of a packed crowd, that Plummer could envision the next phase of his career.
“Everyone knew I was going to be a free agent and I remember the last game here in Denver, actually, and the fans were chanting, ‘We want Jake!