Plaxico Burress
An exploration of the career of the Super Bowl-winning wide receiver, from his collegiate achievements to his professional triumphs and personal challenges.
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Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Plaxico Antonio Burress was born on August 12, 1977, in Norfolk, Virginia. He attended Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and subsequently completed a post-graduate year at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. He currently resides in Totowa, New Jersey.
Family
Burress married Tiffany Glenn in July 2005. They have a son, Elijah, who is pursuing a football career at Notre Dame, and a daughter, Giovanna, born in November 2009.
College Career
Michigan State Spartans
Burress played college football for Michigan State University from 1996 to 1999. He set a Big Ten Conference single-season record with 65 receptions in his freshman year. Over his career, he ranked fifth in career touchdown catches (20) and eighth in receiving yards (2,155) for the Spartans.
Accolades
Burress earned significant recognition during his collegiate tenure. He was named a second-team All-American by SportsPage.com and a first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection in 1999. In 1998, he received second-team All-Big Ten honors and shared the Spartan Outstanding Underclass Back Award.
Professional Career
NFL Draft and Steelers Tenure
Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the eighth overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, Burress played five seasons with the team (2000-2004). He amassed 261 receptions for 4,164 yards and 22 touchdowns in 71 games. His rookie season was documented on MTV's "True Life." A notable incident involved an unintentional fumble after spiking the ball, which was recovered for a touchdown by the opposing Jaguars.
New York Giants and Super Bowl XLII
Burress signed with the New York Giants in March 2005. He became a pivotal player, recording 70 receptions for 1,025 yards in the 2007 season, despite an ankle injury. His career culminated with a legendary performance in Super Bowl XLII, where he caught the game-winning touchdown against the undefeated New England Patriots, securing a 17-14 victory.
Jets and Second Steelers Stint
After legal issues, Burress signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets in July 2011. He later returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in November 2012 for a second stint, but his season was cut short by a torn rotator cuff, leading to his placement on injured reserve.
Career Statistics
Regular Season Performance
Over 12 seasons and 148 games, Burress recorded 553 receptions for 8,499 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns. His most productive seasons included 2002 with the Steelers (78 receptions, 1,325 yards, 7 TDs) and 2007 with the Giants (70 receptions, 1,025 yards, 12 TDs).
Postseason Performance
In postseason play across 12 games, Burress accumulated 46 receptions for 688 yards and 6 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in critical games.
Legal Troubles
Accidental Shooting Incident
On November 28, 2008, Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a nightclub. The incident led to charges of criminal possession of a handgun. Despite having an expired concealed carry license from Florida, he lacked a New York license. This resulted in his suspension by the Giants for the remainder of the season and a subsequent plea deal, leading to 20 months of incarceration.
Civil Lawsuits
Burress faced multiple civil lawsuits. One involved a car accident in Florida, where he was ordered to pay $159,000 to the plaintiff. Another case involved a leased vehicle that was returned damaged, for which a jury awarded the dealership only $1,700.
Tax Indictment
In April 2015, Burress was indicted for failing to pay approximately $48,000 in state income taxes. He later pleaded guilty to failing to pay $46,000 in taxes for 2013. He received a conditional 364-day jail sentence, probation, and was ordered to repay the debt, avoiding prison time if conditions were met.
Coaching Career
Arizona Cardinals Internship
Following his playing career, Burress transitioned into coaching. In July 2017, he was hired by the Arizona Cardinals as a coaching intern, marking his entry into the coaching ranks of the NFL.
Other Ventures
Media and Publications
Burress co-authored the book "Giant: The Road to the Super Bowl," detailing his Super Bowl experience. He also appeared on "Celebrity Wife Swap" and made his debut as an NFL analyst for SportsNet New York's "SportsNite" in September 2014.
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References
References
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- LaPointe, Joe. "Giants Say Burressรขยยs Season Is Over", The New York Times, December 2, 2008.
- Associated Press. Giants suspend Burress four games in wake of weapons charges. ESPN, December 2, 2008.
- "NFLPA files grievance challenging Burress' suspension, fine." ESPN. December 10, 2008.
- Gun Seized in Search of NFL Player's Home, CNN.com, December 24, 2008.
- "Former Giants Star Defends Himself to Grand Jury in Weapons Case", The New York Times, July 29, 2009.
- Plaxico Burress Is Sued Over Car Crash NY Times, December 22, 2008
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