Total Pro Sports
Plaxico Burress, the former New York Giants wide receiver who made history with his Super Bowl XLII game-winning touchdown catch, is parting with one of his most prized possessions. His championship ring, a symbol of the Giants’ legendary upset over the undefeated New England Patriots, is now up for auction.
The stunning diamond-encrusted piece, featuring three Vince Lombardi trophies, is expected to fetch over $100,000 when the bidding ends on February 22. But why is Burress selling it?
Plaxico Burress, 47, has faced ongoing financial struggles since he retired from the NFL in 2013. Despite a 12-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and New York Jets, he has encountered significant monetary issues that have forced him to part with valuable assets.
His Super Bowl ring, currently listed by Heritage Auctions, already has a bid of $33,000. However, experts predict the price will skyrocket as the auction gains more attention. The sale is a stark reminder of the financial difficulties that have followed Burress since his playing days ended.
Controversial NFL star Plaxico Burress puts Super Bowl ring up for auction https://t.co/1dczAeRRhX pic.twitter.com/V0OFzHzwh5
— Indy Sport (@IndySport) February 8, 2025
Plaxico Burress’ career peaked in February 2008 when he caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII, cementing his place in Giants history. However, just months later, his life took a drastic turn.
In November 2008, Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub with an unlicensed firearm. The incident led to serious legal repercussions, including a 20-month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to attempted weapon possession. His NFL career never fully recovered.
After his release from prison, Plaxico Burress attempted a comeback in the NFL. He played one season with the Jets in 2011, where he scored eight touchdowns. In 2012, he returned to the Steelers for a brief four-game stint, but his career was essentially over by 2013. Without a steady NFL income, financial troubles quickly followed.
In 2010, lenders foreclosed on Burress’ $4 million Florida mansion, selling it for half its original value in a short sale. In 2013, he sold his Virginia Beach home to settle outstanding debts.
Also Read: What Are The Greatest Super Bowl Moments In NFL History?
In 2014, Burress’ financial woes worsened when he faced tax evasion charges in New Jersey for failing to pay $46,000 in taxes. This resulted in a five-year probation sentence and a requirement to pay $56,000 in restitution.
Then in 2018, his New Jersey home faced foreclosure after he allegedly stopped making mortgage payments. Though the dispute was settled in 2021, it highlighted his ongoing financial instability.
Former Giants receiver, Plaxico Burress, has apparently fell on hard times and has put his only Super Bowl XLII Championship ring up for auction. pic.twitter.com/8uWMkBU8Dn
— Come On Now Katt...
