Plaxico Burress, a former professional football player, is best known for his 12-season career in the NFL and his game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLII. Despite earning approximately $29.5 million in salary over his career, his financial troubles and legal issues have left him with an estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2025. From his early days in football to his rise in the NFL, subsequent legal troubles, and financial difficulties, Burress’s story is one of immense talent, personal setbacks, and perseverance.
Early Life and Education
Plaxico Antonio Burress was born on August 12, 1977, in Norfolk, Virginia. Raised in a modest household alongside two brothers, Burress attended Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, where he excelled in football. After graduating in 1996, he spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy to further develop his athletic and academic skills before heading to college.
Collegiate Football Career
Burress played college football at Michigan State University, where he quickly made a name for himself. In his first season, he set a Big Ten Conference record with 65 receptions, a mark he surpassed the following year with 66 receptions for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns. By the end of his two-year stint with Michigan State, he had amassed 131 receptions, 2,155 receiving yards, and 20 touchdown catches. His final college game was particularly memorable, as he recorded 13 receptions for 185 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over the University of Florida in the 2000 Citrus Bowl.
NFL Career and Achievements
Pittsburgh Steelers
Burress was selected eighth overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2000 NFL Draft. His rookie season had its challenges, including a widely publicized mistake where he spiked a live ball, allowing the opposing team to recover it. However, he improved in his second season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. His best season came in 2002 when he recorded 78 receptions for 1,325 yards and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs. Across five seasons with Pittsburgh, Burress had 261 receptions, 4,164 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
New York Giants and Super Bowl Glory
In 2005, Burress signed with the New York Giants and had an immediate impact, catching 76 passes for 1,214 yards in his first season. His peak moment came in the 2007 season when he played a crucial role in the Giants’ playoff run. In Super Bowl XLII, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass that secured a stunning 17-14 victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots, cementing his legacy in NFL history.
Controversies and Suspension
Despite his Super Bowl success, Burress became dissatisfied with his contract and held out from mandatory training camps in 2008. Later that year, he was temporarily suspended and fined for multiple infractions. His time with the Giants came to an abrupt end in 2009 following an infamous nightclub incident where he accidentally shot himself in the thigh with a concealed firearm. This led to his arrest and subsequent release from the team.
Return to the NFL
After serving nearly two years in prison, Burress returned to the NFL in 2011 with the New York Jets, where he played one season. In 2012, he rejoined the Pittsburgh Steelers but played sparingly before suffering a torn rotator cuff in 2013, which effectively ended his professional football career.
Legal Issues and Financial Problems
Burress’s career was marred by numerous legal and financial troubles. His most significant legal issue stemmed from the 2008 nightclub shooting incident, which resulted in a two-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to gun possession charges. He served 20 months before being released in 2011.
His legal troubles did not end there. Over the years, he faced multiple civil lawsuits, including a case where he rear-ended a woman’s car in Florida in 2008, leading to a $160,000 judgment against him. Additionally, he failed to honor a contractual agreement with a Chevrolet dealership, which resulted in further legal complications.
Financially, Burress struggled despite earning nearly $30 million during his career. In 2005, he purchased a $1.5 million mansion in Totowa, New Jersey, but faced foreclosure in 2018 after defaulting on his mortgage. He also lost a home in Virginia Beach due to liens. In 2015, he was charged with issuing a bad check for $46,000 to the New Jersey tax authority, ultimately paying $56,000 in restitution and serving five years of probation.
Adding to his financial troubles, in February 2025, Burress put his Super Bowl XLII ring up for auction in an apparent attempt to raise funds.
Personal Life
Burress has been married to Tiffany Glenn since 2005, and the couple has two children, a son named Elijah and a daughter named Giovanna. The family resides in Totowa, New Jersey. Despite his challenges, Burress remains involved in football as a mentor and occasional sports commentator.
Career Earnings Breakdown
Throughout his career, Burress earned an estimated $29.5 million in salary, with his highest earnings coming in 2006 when he made $6.75 million. Here is a breakdown of his career earnings:
- 2000: $1.23 million (including signing bonus)
- 2001: $450,000
- 2002: $550,000
- 2003: $650,000
- 2004: $2.2 million
- 2005: $1.5 million (including signing bonus)
- 2006: $6.75 million
- 2007: $3.29 million
- 2008: $3.46 million
- 2009-2010: Did not play (suspended)
- 2011: $3 million
- 2012: $925,000
- Total Career Earnings: ~$29.5 million