Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer made his priorities crystal clear heading into the team's first-ever playoff game. When asked about being considered the MVP frontrunner, Plummer didn't hesitate with his answer.
"I think the championship definitely means more to me," Plummer said during Tuesday's press conference. "I think MVP is great, and you know, I'm not up for that award if we're not in the playoffs, if offensive line's not blocking, if the receivers aren't making plays, if we're not designing good plays. So it's a team award, but I think, you know, you play the game to win."
Historic Season Sets Foundation for Franchise
The Storm wrapped up their inaugural UFL campaign with an impressive 8-2 record, earning the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. For a first-year franchise, the success has exceeded all expectations.
"First year for the Orlando Storm in the UFL, hopefully this spring loads us into next year and there's more awareness and, you know, there's more fan support where people really know about it and people want to follow us," Plummer explained. The quarterback sees this playoff run as a launching pad for building the franchise's presence in Central Florida's competitive sports market.
Third Meeting with DC Creates Unique Challenge
Orlando faces the unusual situation of playing the DC Defenders for the third consecutive week in Sunday's playoff matchup. The familiarity cuts both ways for a Storm team that's dominated the season series.
"We're basically playing them for almost a month straight," Plummer noted. "It's good in a way where we kind of know how they run and how they operate and their players and stuff like that. But it's going to be a fun chess match to play them again for the third straight week."
The extended preparation period presents tactical challenges as both teams have extensive film on each other. Plummer acknowledged the coaching staff's challenge of designing new concepts while avoiding predictable patterns.
Composure Key Against Physical DC Defense
The Defenders bring an aggressive, physical style that has tested Orlando in previous meetings. Plummer emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline in the high-stakes environment.
"We got to focus on us and we have to play smart and keep our composure and not let a 15-yard penalty kill our drive, you know, take points off the board," he said. "Stuff like that could really swing the game."
Championship Drought Adds Personal Motivation
For Plummer, the playoff opportunity carries special significance. The veteran quarterback revealed he hasn't won a championship since his youth football days, adding personal stakes to the team's historic run.
"Championship would be awesome. I haven't won a championship since flag football, so definitely looking forward to that," he said with a laugh.
His message to teammates heading into the do-or-die game captures the mindset of a leader ready to seize the moment.
"Shoot your shot. You know, you don't know if this is gonna be the last time you're gonna play. Don't second-guess yourself. And if there's a play to be made, don't hesitate. Just run full speed, do what you got to do. If you miss, you miss. But you don't want to have to look back at yourself and say, oh, what if I would have done this?"
Orlando's remarkable first season positions the franchise as a legitimate contender while establishing a foundation for sustained success in Central Florida's growing sports landscape.