The career of Jim Plunkett is one of the most inspiring in the history of professional football. Time and again, he overcame hardship, injuries and professional disappointments that would have discouraged a less determined man. Plunkett was born in San Jose, California to Mexican-American parents (the Irish surname came from his great-grandfather). Both of his parents were blind, and his father earned a meager living selling newspapers. Jim worked throughout his junior high and high school years to supplement the family income, but still found time for track, baseball, basketball and wrestling. He excelled at football, throwing a 60-yard pass when he was only 14. Jim won a football scholarship to Stanford University, but was unable to play in his freshman year while he recovered from surgery for a thyroid tumor. In his senior year, he led Stanford University to victory over Ohio State in the 1970 Rose Bowl and received the year's Heisman Trophy. The first decade of Plunkett's professional career was less distinguished. His performances with both the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers were disappointing, and at age 33 he was warming a bench for the Oakland Raiders. He had gone an entire season without throwing a ball when the Raiders' starting quarterback was sidelined by an injury and Plunkett was given one more chance. Plunkett guided Oakland to nine victories in 11 games, winning Oakland a "wild card" place in the playoffs. Four playoff victories followed, and Plunkett's Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. Plunkett was named Most Valuable Player. After the Raiders moved to Los Angeles, Plunkett threw a 99-yard pass in a game against the Washington Redskins, the longest throw possible in professional football. Resuming his role as starting quarterback, he led the Raiders to a second championship in Super Bowl XVIII, defeating the Redskins 38-9. Plunkett retired after the 1986 season. He is now active as a broadcaster, covering the Raiders for local radio and television. In this audio podcast, recorded at the Academy of Achievement's 1981 Summit in Dallas, Texas, Plunkett speaks about his life, education, and career as a pro football player. He recalls the decisive role that education has played in his life, and assures the Academy's student delegates that almost any goal can be achieved if you’re willing to work hard enough.