He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, where he won the Ray Guy Award and earned unanimous All-American honors.

He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft, and also played for the Washington Redskins.

In football, as a senior, he was a first team All-Avocado League selection and was named the North County Times Kicker of the Year.

Following his senior season, he was presented the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the top college punter in the nation.

Plackemeier was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round (239th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL draft and signed to a four-year, $1.65 million contract.