John Rhys Plumlee: Dual-Threat On and Off the Field

University of Central Florida quarterback (QB) John Rhys Plumlee is the latest athlete in the world of college football to donate all of his proceeds from a product to a worthy cause. Instead of keeping the profits for himself, the 22-year-old is demonstrating his interest in more than just a check for his actions on the field.

Plumlee is giving back to the Orlando Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. This institution has been ranked as one of the country’s top pediatric hospitals. Part of the Orlando Health Network, the organization features 158 children’s beds and provides specialized practices and outpatient clinics. The institution combines the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Together, both form The Arnold Palmer Medical Center.

OneTeam Partners helped facilitate the deal as a group licensing organization for EA Sports College Football.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rule changes now allow college athletes to financially benefit from jersey sales. According to On3.com, after the NCAA announced this possibility, Fanatics launched jerseys for over 4,300 players available for purchase.

Plumlee stands out in terms of generosity

“Donating 100% of my proceeds from my jersey sales to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children,” John Rhys Plumlee captioned an X post.

One user complimented the Knights QB commenting, “Much respect for JRP. He’s turned into quite the leader for this program.” Another individual stated, “You are what being a Knight is all about! Couldn’t ask for a better representative for our school!”

Some athletes donate most or part of their proceeds to a deserving organization, which is undoubtedly honorable. However, keeping zero percent of the profits speaks volumes about Plumlee, especially in an age where it is possible to profit off of sales related to an athlete’s name, image, and likeness.

Plumlee is familiar with giving back to hospitals. He also spent time with children this past June at Ryan Seacrest Studios, taping a podcast.

The UCF quarterback’s jersey is currently selling for just under $140 on Fanatics. By purchasing his jersey, fans are directly contributing to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

A true team player

The Orlando Sentinel raves about Plumlee in this article, listing ways in which the QB has gone above and beyond for Knights fans.

“He makes time for everybody, signs every autograph for fans, and takes every selfie with them. [Plumlee] runs a summer football and baseball camp for kids. He’s donating all the proceeds of his jersey sales this year to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. He accepted less NIL money from UCF’s collective — the Kingdom — and told them to spread it around among his teammates.”

It seems that brands like to partner with this type of athlete. As of right now, The University of Central Florida athlete has inked NIL deals with Pepsi, Icy Hot, and Dove for Men.

Which is bigger: his commitment to the fans or his craft?

The Knight is unquestionably selfless, but let’s not forget what Plumlee brings to the table in terms of his athleticism. Aside from his work as a quarterback, he also knows his way around a diamond. The dual-threat athlete plays baseball as an outfielder in the spring, demonstrating his diverse set of skills.

This past spring, both the baseball and football coaches needed Plumlee’s participation on each field. As a result, a video surfaced on X showing the athlete quickly changing out of his baseball uniform and into his football pads to participate out on the turf.

If this doesn’t demonstrate his commitment to athletics, I am not sure what does.

Overall, Plumlee’s work ethic is incredibly admirable and he displays compassion in a way that not every college athlete does. The 22-year-old has a deep dedication to giving back and wants to please as many as possible. Coaches should keep an eye out for him at next year’s draft because off-field qualities such as these tend to transfer onto the field and into games.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.