UCF QB John Rhys-Plumlee Gives Up Baseball, Enters NFL Draft
While UCF Knights quarterback John Rhys-Plumlee has played both baseball and football at the same time during his collegiate career, Plumlee made the decision on Saturday to leave one sport behind.
Plumlee announced on social media that he would be giving up playing baseball and forgoing his final season of eligibility on the diamond to enter his name into the 2024 NFL Draft.
Plumlee mentioned in an official statement, “It has always been my dream to play football and baseball at the highest level. I am blessed for the opportunities given to me to live this dream for so long. I am often asked which sports I love more and am grateful that I never had to choose. However, the day has come for me to decide which sport I chose to pursue. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL. It is with some sadness, but I will forgo this season of baseball. I am excited and hopeful about God’s plan for me in this next chapter of my life.
Plumlee then delivered a message to the game of baseball saying, “Thank you for some of my favorite memories and many of my best friends. From playing T-ball and learning about the game to long weekend road trips and travel ball. I cherish many hours of practicing with my Pops and with my teammates. The excitement and frustrations that come with playing this game and everything in between have taught me, shaped me, and given me so much. Thank you. This is a difficult goodbye but dang, it has been so fun.”
The Mississippi native led the Knights to a 6-6 record in 2023 helping the team to earn their eighth-straight bowl game appearance. Plumlee will now set his sights on the NFL as the dual-threat quarterback plans to take his game to the next level.
