One of the most intricate fanbase relationships we have ever witnessed may belong to John Rhys Plumlee.
Either UCF Knights supporters adore him or they have harsh criticisms for him. There’s no middle ground.
To be honest, I was guilty of joining the group of people who were very critical at times. This was mostly in the previous season, when I had a lot of relationship ups and downs. However, I saw myself as a member of the JRP Fan Club during the entire season.
And this year, I think the club has expanded significantly. Even though the ferociously critical mob persisted throughout the football season, I believe it shrank and Plumlee won over a lot of detractors. However, if you get onto social media now, you can see.
Why am I bringing this up here? since it relates to the topic I wish to discuss. JRP declared that he will seek an NFL career and will not be playing baseball for UCF in the spring.
This Saturday at the Hula Bowl in FBC Mortgage Stadium will be his last game wearing a UCF uniform.Now that we can formally declare that his Knighthood is over, JRP has been on my mind a lot. Regarding his stay here and all of his accomplishments.
@JohnRhysPlumlee of @UCF_Football tells me what he’ll remember about his time on the UCF football team and how he wants the UCF fans to remember him. #GKCO #UCF pic.twitter.com/BohwiuYeeN
— Nick Porcelli (@NickPorcelli2) November 25, 2023
All of this began in November following the Houston game. I had the opportunity to ask JRP a question during the postgame press conference when he was at the podium.
JRP and I have spoken before. All those chats were about baseball, not football, because I had joined the Banneret in January, after the football season had concluded, but I was used to probing him. Nevertheless, his response has stayed with me.
I wanted to pose a question to JRP that addressed the idea of legacy on Senior Day, which honors an athlete’s tenure with a program. I questioned him about his favorite memories from his football career and what he wants the UCF supporters to know.
I anticipated a succinct response. a few phrases that express gratitude or happy memories, or similar topics. That’s not at all what I got from him in the end.
It was serious, introspective, and lengthy. He shared a wealth of information on his love for UCF, his off-field activities, his relationships in the locker room, the experiences he made, and much more.