Childhood & Early Life
Burress was born Plaxico Antonio Burress (named after his uncle) on August 12, 1977, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Vicki Burress. He lost his father at an early age. His mother worked hard to raise Burress and his two brothers, Ricardo and Carlos.
Upon graduating from 'Green Run High School' in Virginia Beach, in 1996, Burress pursued post-graduation for a year at 'Fork Union Military Academy,' Virginia.
In his pre-NFL career, Burress broke his 1998 school season-record of 65 catches and Mitch Lyons’ 1992 single-game record of 12 receptions. He set a school record of 255 yards receiving on ten catches against the 'University of Michigan.' Burress ended with a school-record of 13 receptions for 185 yards.
Burress broke his record of eight touchdown receptions with 12 in a single-season for 'The Michigan State Spartans' football program.
In 1998, 'The Sports Network' selected Burress in the 'All-Big Ten Conference' first-team. He shared the 'Spartan Outstanding Underclass Back Award' with teammates Sedrick Irvin and Gari Scott.
In his first season at 'Michigan State,' Burress registered a 'Big Ten Conference' single-season record of catching 65 passes. In two seasons at 'Michigan State,' he recorded his third career highest in touchdown catches (20) and receptions (131) and fourth highest in receiving yards (2,155).
'SportsPage.com' selected Burress in an 'All-American' second-team and he was drafted in an 'All-Big Ten Conference' first-team in 1999.
In the 2000 'Citrus Bowl,' Burress recorded three touchdowns against the 'University of Florida.'
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Career
Burress was drafted the eighth overall in the 2000 'NFL Draft' and had a five-year stint with the 'Pittsburgh Steelers.' In a total of 71 games, he recorded 261 receptions for 4,164 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six fumbles for 'Steelers.'
The 'MTV' show 'True Life' documented his rookie season.
With Burress's 1,008-yard and Hines Ward's 1,003 receiving yards in 2001, the 'Steelers' got their first 1,000-yard receivers pair. The two accomplished the same feat in 2002.
On November 10, 2002, Burress scored a 'Steelers' franchise record of 253 receiving yards during the 15-minutes tie-breaker against the 'Atlanta Falcons.' In 2002, he had his best 'Steelers' season, with his career highs for receptions (78) and yards (1,325).
Burress made his playoff debut with six receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown in 2002.
In May 2004, 'Steelers' suspended Burress for not attending a team practice session. On October 24, a total of $60,000 fine was imposed on him for making inappropriate comments on officiating, unsportsmanlike conduct, throwing the ball in the stands, and slapping a referee.
On January 23, 2005, after losing a playoff game, Burress announced his decision to quit the 'Steelers.' On March 17 of the year, he signed a six-year contract with the 'New York Giants.'
In his first 'Giants' season, Burress recorded a score of 11–5 and led the team to the first place in the 'NFC East' and the NFC's fourth seed.
Playing for the ‘Giants,’ Burress recorded a career-high of ten touchdowns in the 2006 season, but appeared in only 15 games and struggled with a groin injury for most of the season.
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In 2007, Burress was the 'Giants' top receiver (70) for 1,025 yards despite an injured ankle and lack of sufficient practice. He scored a franchise playoff record of 11 receptions for 154 yards during the NFC title game in Green Bay and led the 'Giants' to 'Super Bowl XLII.'
In 'Super Bowl XLII,' Burress made the game-winning touchdown pass and earned his team, 'Giants,' a win over the undefeated 'New England Patriots.'
On April 30, 2008, the then-President George W. Bush invited Burress and his teammates to the 'White House' to honor their 'Super Bowl XLII' victory.
'Giants' started their mandatory May mini-camp in 2008, but Burress announced that he will not participate in the camp, as he was unsatisfied with the contract. He, however, attended the camp to avoid the fine, but did not practice with the team. Burress felt that he was underpaid as compared to other star players for the 2008 season.
In September 2008, Burress did not show up and was unreachable over the phone for two days. On September 24, 'Giants' announced his suspension for the next game for violating the team rulesPrior to the season, Burress was given a five-year contract extension which, however, was an incentive laced deal. It was reported that 'Giants' was eligible to cut or trade Burress post the season.
On November 2, 2008, Burress scored his 500th career reception against the 'Dallas Cowboys' in second quarter of the ninth regular-season game of the 'Giants.'. Then on November 23, Burress opened the game against the 'Arizona Cardinals' in Arizona despite a hamstring injury and had a penalty in the first play of the game. It was his final appearance for the 'Giants.'
He suffered an accidental gunshot wound on his right thigh at the nightclub on Lexington Avenue in New York City, on November 28, 2008. Burress inadvertently pressed the trigger of his gun, causing it to fire. He was charged with possessing an unlicensed handgun. It was later reported that Burress carried an expired license from Florida, but had no New York license.
On August 3, 2009, the grand jury indicted Burress on two felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and a single count of reckless endangerment in the second degree.
Burress was sent to jail on September 22, 2009. After serving for 20 months, he was released on June 6, 2009.
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On July 31, 2011, Burress was drafted to the 'Jets' and on October 23, he tied a game career-high of three touchdown passes from Sanchez, against the 'San Diego Chargers.'
Burress returned to the 'Steelers' on November 20, 2012, to replace injured players, Jerricho Cotchery and Antonio Brown. On March 12, 2013, 'Steelers' and Burress signed a mandatory one-year deal but suffered a torn rotator cuff during a practice session on August 8.
In 2008, Burress published a book 'Giant: The Road to the Super Bowl,' co-written with Jason Cole. The book chronicles his 'Super Bowl' experience.
In May 2013, Burress launched his luxury socks collection during a private event at ‘XVI Lounge' in Manhattan.
On July 29, 2014, Burress appeared on the 'ABC' reality 'Celebrity Wife Swap.'
On September 7, 2014, Burress made his debut as NFL analyst with 'SportsNet.' On July 22, 2017, the 'Arizona Cardinals' hired him as a coaching intern.
