Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and receiver John Rhys Plumlee has found a new home in the UFL, signing with the Houston Gamblers. The move comes just weeks after the Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the NFL Draft, prompting Pittsburgh to part ways with the versatile playmaker.
Plumlee, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after a standout college career at Ole Miss and UCF, has bounced between several teams over the past two seasons. He spent time with the Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks, where he was briefly elevated to the active roster as a receiver late in the 2024 season. Despite his athleticism and positional flexibility, Plumlee has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game.
The Gamblers, who announced the signing on Saturday, listed Plumlee exclusively as a quarterback—a role he knows well from his college days. The move addresses a pressing need for Houston, which has been dealing with injuries under center. The Gamblers currently sit at 2-4 after a tough loss to the Columbus Aviators on Friday, and Plumlee's arrival could provide a much-needed spark to their offense.
For Plumlee, the UFL represents a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase the dual-threat ability that made him a fan favorite in college. While the NFL dream remains alive, this spring league stint could be the perfect platform to prove he belongs on a bigger stage—whether under center or out wide.
