What is Plaxico Burress' Net Worth?
Plaxico Burress is an American professional football player with a net worth of $1 million. Burress had a remarkable NFL career that spanned 12 seasons as a wide receiver. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and New York Jets before finishing his career with the Steelers. Notably, he won Super Bowl XLII with the Giants, defeating the previously unbeaten New England Patriots.
In 2009, Burress was involved in a high-profile incident where he accidentally shot himself in a New York City nightclub. He carried a loaded gun into the club, resulting in a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his thigh. Burress later faced criminal charges for illegal possession of a handgun, leading to his release from the Giants and a two-year prison sentence. Over the years, he also dealt with legal battles involving moving violations, a car accident, and a breach of contract with a car dealership.
Career Earnings
Plaxico Burress earned an approximate total of $29.5 million in salary over his NFL career. Here is the year-by-year breakdown:
- 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: Did not play (suspended)
- 2010: Did not play (suspended)
- 2011: $3 million
- 2012: $925,000
Total career earnings: ~$29.5 million
Financial Problems
In 2005, Burress purchased a 5,500-square-foot mansion in Totowa, New Jersey, for $1.5 million. By 2018, the mansion faced foreclosure after he reportedly stopped paying the mortgage a year earlier. The home was eventually sold in 2015 for $999,000.
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Early Life
Plaxico Burress was born on August 12, 1977, in Norfolk, Virginia, and grew up with two brothers. He attended Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, graduating in 1996, and then spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy.
Collegiate Career
Burress showcased his talent at Michigan State University, setting a single-season Big Ten Conference record with 65 catches in his first season. He surpassed this in his second season with 66 receptions, amassing 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns. Over his college career, he recorded 20 touchdown catches, 131 receptions, and 2,155 receiving yards. He capped off his collegiate career with a school-record 13 receptions for 185 yards and three touchdowns in the 2000 Citrus Bowl victory over the University of Florida.
Pittsburgh Steelers
In the 2000 NFL Draft, Burress was selected eighth overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a rough first season, he improved significantly in his second season and broke the 1,000-yard mark. His third season was his best, achieving career highs in receptions (78) and yards (1,325) and playing his first playoff game. Across his five seasons and 71 games with the Steelers, he totaled 261 receptions for 4,164 yards and 22 touchdowns.
New York Giants
Joining the New York Giants in 2005, Burress made an immediate impact with 76 catches for 1,214 yards in his first season. Despite injuries in 2006, he set a new career high with 10 touchdowns. His standout moment came in Super Bowl XLII when he caught the game-winning touchdown pass, leading the Giants to a 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots.
After the Super Bowl win, Burress became unhappy with his contract, leading to tensions with the Giants. He was temporarily suspended for not attending work and eventually received multiple fines for various infractions. His tenure with the Giants ended in late 2008, and he was released in April 2009 due to ongoing legal issues.
Final Playing Years
Burress returned to the NFL in 2011 with the New York Jets and later rejoined the Steelers in late 2012. He caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on December 30, marking their first touchdown connection since 2004. Despite signing a deal with the Steelers in 2013, a torn rotator cuff during practice ended his NFL career.
Legal Troubles
Burress has faced various legal issues over the years, most notably the 2008 accidental shooting incident at a New York nightclub. After turning himself in, he was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and accepted a plea deal for a two-year prison sentence, of which he served 20 months.
In addition to the shooting incident, Burress has been involved in multiple civil lawsuits, including those related to a car accident causing permanent injuries and a breach of a publicity deal with Chevrolet. In 2015, he was indicted by New Jersey for failing to pay income taxes, facing up to five years of probation and a conditional jail sentence.
Personal Life
Plaxico Burress married Tiffany Glenn in 2005. The couple has two children, a son named Elijah and a daughter named Giovanna, and resides in Totowa, New Jersey.
