Lissi Chasteen

Written by Lissi Chasteen

Modified & Updated: 14 May 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

22-intriguing-facts-about-plaxico-burress
Source: Usatoday.com

Plaxico Burress, the former NFL wide receiver, has always captivated fans and critics alike with his remarkable skills on the field. With a career that spanned over a decade, Burress made an indelible mark in the world of football.

But there’s more to Plaxico Burress than just his athletic prowess. Behind the helmet and shoulder pads lies a fascinating persona, filled with intriguing facts and anecdotes that make him a truly unique figure in the realm of celebrity.

In this article, we’ll delve into 22 fascinating facts about Plaxico Burress that will not only surprise you but will also provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the player. From his early life and upbringing to his professional career and personal life, get ready to uncover the lesser-known aspects of this talented athlete.

Key Takeaways:

  • Plaxico Burress, a former NFL player, overcame challenges, won a Super Bowl, and continues to be admired by fans for his talent and perseverance.
  • Burress is a dedicated father, involved in charity work, and has ventured into entrepreneurship, showcasing his versatility beyond the football field.
Table of Contents

Plaxico Burress was born on August 12, 1977.

Plaxico Burress, the former professional football player, was born on August 12, 1977, in Norfolk, Virginia.

He played college football at Michigan State University.

During his time at Michigan State University, Burress emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the country, showcasing his impressive skills on the field.

Plaxico Burress was selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft.

His exceptional talent and performance in college earned him a spot in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Burress won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants.

In 2008, Burress played a crucial role in helping the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLII, making the game-winning touchdown catch against the New England Patriots.

He holds the record for the longest touchdown catch in Super Bowl history.

During that same Super Bowl, Burress made an impressive 13-yard touchdown catch, securing his place in history with the longest touchdown reception in Super Bowl history.

Plaxico Burress has played for multiple NFL teams.

Throughout his career, Burress has played for several NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint).

He served a prison sentence for accidentally shooting himself.

In 2008, Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a nightclub, which led to legal consequences. He served a 20-month prison sentence for illegal possession of a firearm.

Plaxico Burress returned to the NFL after his release from prison.

After serving his prison sentence, Burress returned to the NFL, signing with the New York Jets in 2011, followed by a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012.

He retired from professional football in 2013.

After the 2013 season, Burress officially announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of his illustrious career on the field.

Burress finished his career with over 8,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns.

Throughout his career, Burress showcased his remarkable skills as a wide receiver, accumulating over 8,000 receiving yards and scoring 64 touchdowns.

Plaxico Burress made an appearance on the reality TV show “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

In 2013, Burress competed on the reality TV show “The Celebrity Apprentice,” where celebrities competed for business-related tasks under the supervision of Donald Trump.

He has been involved in charitable work.

Plaxico Burress has been actively engaged in charitable endeavors, supporting various causes and giving back to the community.

Burress authored a book titled “Giant: The Road to the Super Bowl.”

In 2008, Burress released his autobiography titled “Giant: The Road to the Super Bowl,” sharing his journey to becoming a Super Bowl champion.

He has been honored with various awards and accolades.

Throughout his career, Burress has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performance, including Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.

Plaxico Burress holds the Big Ten Conference record for most touchdown receptions in a season.

During his college career at Michigan State University, Burress set the Big Ten Conference record for the most touchdown receptions in a single season, solidifying his place in college football history.

He has appeared in commercials and endorsements.

Plaxico Burress has made appearances in commercials and endorsements, leveraging his popularity and recognition to endorse various brands and products.

Burress has been involved in football-related media appearances.

After retiring from professional football, Burress has made media appearances, providing analysis and insights on football-related topics.

He has overcome personal challenges throughout his life and career.

Plaxico Burress has faced personal challenges and setbacks, but has shown resilience and determination to overcome them and continue pursuing his passion for football.

Burress has a strong social media presence.

Plaxico Burress maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates about his life and current endeavors.

He is a dedicated father.

Off the field, Burress is a dedicated father and cherishes spending time with his children, prioritizing family values.

Plaxico Burress has pursued entrepreneurial ventures.

Outside of football, Burress has ventured into entrepreneurship, exploring business opportunities and investments.

He remains a beloved figure among football fans.

Despite the ups and downs in his career, Plaxico Burress continues to be admired and respected by football fans for his talent, contributions to the game, and perseverance.

Conclusion

Plaxico Burress is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing figures in the world of professional sports. From his rise to fame as a talented wide receiver to the controversial incident that landed him in the headlines, Burress has always managed to keep us captivated. With a career filled with remarkable achievements and unexpected turns, there is no shortage of fascinating facts about the man behind the name.

Whether it’s his Super Bowl-winning catch, his time spent in prison, or his post-NFL endeavors, Plaxico Burress continues to be a subject of intrigue for fans and sports enthusiasts alike. His story serves as a reminder of the heights that can be reached through hard work and dedication, as well as the consequences of one’s actions.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Plaxico Burress, it’s clear that his legacy extends far beyond the football field. Despite the ups and downs, he remains an icon that reminds us of the complexities of fame, the importance of second chances, and the resilience of the human spirit.

FAQs

1. What teams did Plaxico Burress play for during his NFL career?

Plaxico Burress played for multiple teams during his NFL career. He started with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won a Super Bowl in 2006. He then went on to play for the New York Giants, with whom he achieved great success, including catching the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLII. He also had stints with the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring.

2. What is the infamous incident that landed Plaxico Burress in the headlines?

In 2008, Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a New York City nightclub. The incident resulted in legal charges and a two-year prison sentence for Burress. It was a highly publicized event that sparked debates about gun control and the conduct of professional athletes.

3. What has Plaxico Burress been doing since retiring from the NFL?

Since retiring from the NFL, Plaxico Burress has been involved in various endeavors. He has worked as a football analyst, sharing his expertise and insights on television. He has also been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly focused on youth development and education.

4. What is Plaxico Burress’ most memorable career moment?

Plaxico Burress’ most memorable career moment came in Super Bowl XLII when he caught the game-winning touchdown pass against the undefeated New England Patriots. This play will forever be etched in football history as one of the greatest upsets and clutch performances in the sport.

5. What impact has Plaxico Burress’ story had on the world of professional sports?

Plaxico Burress’ story serves as a cautionary tale for professional athletes, highlighting the importance of responsible behavior both on and off the field. It has sparked discussions about gun safety and raised awareness about the consequences of one’s actions, even for individuals in the public eye.

Plaxico Burress's journey through football stardom, controversy, and redemption is truly captivating. His time with the New York Giants showcased his incredible talent, while his personal struggles serve as a reminder of life's challenges. Burress's story is one of many fascinating tales in the world of professional football, where wide receivers like him have left indelible marks on the sport's history.

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