Two-time Super Bowl champion and Raiders television personality Jim Plunkett was honored Monday by the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Plunkett received a 2008 Latino Spirit Award during the 7th Annual Latino Spirit Awards ceremony at the state capitol in Sacramento.
"It was quite an honor to accept the award. It was presented for not only what I did on the field but also for community service," Plunkett said. "I've done a lot over the years and I am very proud of it."
The Latino Spirit Awards were created in 2001 to recognize Latinos who promote the values, culture and traditions of California's Latino community.
"It's a tremendous award. The people who were there have achieved so much for Hispanics in this country and around the world," Plunkett added. "They have inspired young Hispanics to go out in the world and give it their best. I was impressed by the people I was surrounded by."
Previous honorees include Grammy-award winner Carlos Santana, actors Edward James Olmos, Andy Garcia and Rita Moreno, ballet dancer Evelyn Cisneros, journalist Giselle Fernandez, author Yasmin Davidds, boxers Carlos Hernandez and Oscar de la Hoya, and former Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing for the State of California Maria Contreras-Sweet, just to name a few.
Plunkett won the Heisman Trophy in 1970 at Stanford and was the #1 overall selection in the 1971 NFL Draft. He joined the Raiders in 1978 and led the Silver and Black to two World Championships of Professional Football with victories in Super Bowls XV and XVIII. Plunkett was named Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XV, a 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He set a then-record with an 80-yard touchdown pass to RB Kenny King. He was also named the Comeback Player of the Year in 1980.
The San Jose, Calif.,-native finished his illustrious playing career in 1986 ranked #4 on the Raiders all-time passing list with 12,665 yards and 80 touchdowns through the air.
In addition to his business, charity and community endeavors, Jim currently serves as the co-host of Silver and Black Productions' Silver and Black Show and as a guest analyst on The Raiders Report and Behind the Shield.
