Total Pro Sports
NFL fans are sharing messages of sorrow after learning that New York Giants legend Plaxico Burress had to sell his Super Bowl 42 championship ring.
Darren Rovell of cllct.com reported that Plaxico Burress’s championship ring sold for $280,600 at Heritage Auctions. This marks the most expensive player Super Bowl ring ever sold, breaking the record previously held by Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl 25 ring.
Burress’s championship ring is extra valuable because he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Eli Manning in arguably the best Super Bowl game ever, when the Giants upset Tom Brady’s dynastic New England Patriots 17-14. The Giants’ victory spoiled the Pats’ bid to become the first 19-0 team in NFL history.
BREAKING: Plaxico Burress' Giants Super Bowl ring has just sold for $280,600 at @HeritageAuction.
It is the highest ever paid for a Super Bowl player ring, beating out Lawrence Taylor's Giants ring from Super Bowl XXV ($230K). pic.twitter.com/VZeFb8pVJt
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 23, 2025
Fans, however, were heartbroken to learn that Burress had to sell the most precious possession of his playing career. In many cases, retired athletes have to sell special memorabilia like their championship rings because of financial issues, and this was sadly the case for Burress as well.
“29 mill career earnings…sad he’s gotta sell his ring,” one fan said.
29 mill career earnings…sad he’s gotta sell his ring
— Gregory (@Hafdog27) February 23, 2025
“Sad really… I can’t imagine heart ache having to let your Super Bowl Ring go to auction,” quipped another.
Sad really…
I can't imagine heart ache having to let your Super Bowl Ring go to auction.
— AG (@_OG_AG_) February 23, 2025
“30m career earnings. He shouldn’t have had to sell it,” wrote a fan.
30m career earnings. He shouldn’t have had to sell it.
— The Gun-Toting Hippie (@GothamCultivars) February 23, 2025
“Unfortunately for financial reasons, he needs the money. So sad,” another user said.
Unfortunately for financial reasons, he needs the money. So sad
— James (@rbirdsfan) February 24, 2025
“Very sad,” remarked one fan.
Very sad
— DH (@realnbacommish) February 23, 2025
“Heartbreaking that it was sold at all,” said a user.
Heartbreaking that it was sold at all.
— Kyle Gruber (@NimbusHex) February 23, 2025
After leading the Giants to the Super Bowl, Burress signed a $35 million contract extension. However, Burress accidentally shot himself outside of a New York City nightclub two months later and was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon.
Burress was cut by the Giants after the 2008 season and was given a two-year prison sentence. He played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011 and 2012, respectively, before retiring.
Burress will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Giants organization and fans. If not...
