After announcing his newly formed Jay Cutler Foundation to support at-risk youth, the Broncos quarterback told reporters Thursday that as far as he is concerned, there would be no risk having former starter Jake Plummer return.
“Definitely, I’d love to have Jake around,” Cutler said during a news conference at the Broncos’ Dove Valley headquarters. “It would be great to have him in the locker room, have his experience. He’s a great guy, a great team guy.
“I don’t know if that’s what Jake wants or the guys upstairs (Broncos coaches and personnel staff) want. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Plummer’s return is unlikely. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has said trading Plummer might be the most likely scenario. Shanahan figures the 11th-year pro will want to remain a starter.
Cutler said he has spoken with Plummer since the season ended and asked him for advice on setting up a charitable foundation. Plummer has a foundation that benefits children and Alzheimer’s patients.
“He told me that if I wanted to start a foundation, I needed to start it off right,” Cutler said. “He talked about a lot of different groups he has given back to. He introduced me to a lot of people. He was a big inspiration to me to start this foundation up.”
The Jay Cutler Foundation will partner with Mile High United Way’s Youth Success initiative to help at-risk kids overcome societal challenges and graduate from high school. An initial check of $25,000 was presented to Mile High United Way during the news conference. Cutler plans to participate in fundraising events and volunteer efforts to support the foundation.
“Being the Denver quarterback is a very high position in this state,” Cutler said. “I’m in a position to give money and raise concern about issues that I felt important. It’s going to be fun the next few years when everything is rolling.”
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
