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?
Financial Troubles Push Plaxico Burress to Auction
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
From Super Bowl Glory to Legal Troubles
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.
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Failed Comeback and Mounting Debt
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?
Tax Evasion and Foreclosure Battles
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 (@ViralShid) February 8, 2025
Plaxico Burress’ Ring Joins Other High-Profile Auction Items
Burress isn’t the only NFL icon with memorabilia hitting the auction block. Heritage Auctions is selling a 2017 game-worn Tom Brady Patriots jersey, signed and expected to fetch around $250,000. While Brady’s jersey represents one of the most dominant players in NFL history, Burress’ ring holds sentimental value as a piece of one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
Will Plaxico Burress’ Ring Fetch Big Money?
With the auction ending on February 22, all eyes will be on how much Burress’ Super Bowl ring ultimately commands. Given its historic significance and the financial troubles he has faced, this sale marks another chapter in the former star’s turbulent post-NFL life. Whether the final bid helps ease his financial burdens remains to be seen.
Also Read: Ex-NFL WR Plaxico Burress Who Made $29M In League Suddenly Opens OnlyFans Account
