Plaxico Burress: The Wide Receiver Who Made NFL History
You know, there are some names in football that just stick with you, and Plaxico Burress is, like, definitely one of them. He's a former professional football player, you see, who really left his mark as a wide receiver in the National Football League, the NFL. For about 12 seasons, he was out there on the field, catching passes and making plays, which is, honestly, a pretty long time to be at the top level in such a demanding sport. People often talk about his career, and, you know, it’s a story with a lot of interesting turns, very much a memorable one for fans of the game.
Born on August 12, 1977, Plaxico Antonio Burress, as he's known, brought a unique presence to the game. He started his journey in Virginia, where he grew up, and then, you know, he went on to play his college football in Michigan. He was a Spartan, playing for Michigan State, which is, in a way, where he really started to show everyone what he could do on the football field before he even thought about going pro. It’s always fascinating to see where these athletes begin their path, and his was, like, pretty clear from the start.
His time in the NFL, honestly, was full of big moments and, you know, some really impressive accomplishments. He played for a few different teams, making an impact wherever he went, and, in some respects, he’s probably best remembered for one particular catch that sealed a very famous victory. We'll get into all of that, of course, because his story is, you know, more than just statistics; it’s about those moments that truly define a player’s legacy, the kind of things fans talk about for years and years.
Table of Contents
- Plaxico Burress: A Career Overview
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- The Legendary Super Bowl Catch
- NFL Career Highlights and Statistics
- Life After Football and Current Endeavors
- Frequently Asked Questions About Plaxico Burress
- A Lasting Impact on the Game
Plaxico Burress: A Career Overview
Plaxico Burress, as a professional football player, truly made a significant mark on the National Football League. He spent a good 12 seasons playing as a wide receiver, which, you know, shows a lot of dedication and skill to stay in the league for that long. His journey, you see, started way back in Virginia, where he was born and raised. Then, for his college years, he went off to Michigan, playing for the Spartans, which is, in a way, where he really honed his abilities before hitting the big time.
When he got to the NFL, he played for a few different teams, and, you know, each stop added another layer to his story. He was with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then the New York Giants, and later, he even played for the New York Jets. That's, like, three major teams, which is pretty cool. For anyone interested in the history of the game, following a player like him through different uniforms is, honestly, quite a treat. You get to see how his style of play adapted and, in some respects, how he contributed to each team's unique dynamic.
His career, when you look at it, was filled with some pretty incredible moments. He was known for his ability to make big plays, especially when it mattered most. That’s, like, what wide receivers dream of doing, right? Catching the ball when the pressure is on. He had a knack for it, which, you know, made him a truly exciting player to watch on Sundays. People still talk about his contributions, and, in a way, his presence on the field was always something to anticipate.
Personal Details and Bio Data
It's always interesting to get a bit more detail about the people we admire in sports, and Plaxico Burress is, you know, no exception. Here's a quick look at some of his personal information, just to give you a better idea of the man behind the famous catches.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Plaxico Antonio Burress |
| Born | August 12, 1977 |
| Hails From | Virginia |
| College Team | Michigan State (Spartans) |
| Primary Position | Wide Receiver |
| NFL Seasons Played | 12 |
This table, you know, gives a pretty clear picture of some of the key facts about him. Knowing where he came from, like Virginia, and that he played college ball in Michigan, helps to, like, round out the picture of his journey to the pros. It’s always cool to see those early steps, isn’t it? And, of course, that birth date, August 12, 1977, is, you know, a very specific detail that helps place him in the timeline of NFL history. He's a wide receiver, that's for sure, and he played for a good long time.
The Legendary Super Bowl Catch
Now, if you're talking about Plaxico Burress, you absolutely have to talk about that one moment, you know, the one that really cemented his place in pro football history. It was during the New York Giants' spectacular Super Bowl run, a game that, honestly, many people thought they wouldn't win. The Giants were playing against a team that was, like, undefeated, and the stakes were incredibly high, very much a pressure cooker situation.
In the waning moments of that game, with everything on the line, Burress made his mark. He caught the decisive touchdown pass from Eli Manning, the Giants' quarterback. This wasn't just any touchdown, you see; it was the one that, in a way, secured the victory for the New York Giants. That play, honestly, is still talked about today, years later, as one of the most memorable and, you know, truly significant moments in Super Bowl history. It's the kind of play that young kids dream of making when they're tossing a football around in the yard, very much a highlight of his career.
That catch, for many fans, is the first thing that comes to mind when they hear his name. It was a moment of pure clutch performance, where he stepped up and delivered when his team needed him most. It showed his skill, his composure, and, you know, his ability to perform under the brightest lights. That Super Bowl win was, like, a huge upset, and his touchdown was, arguably, the key moment that made it all happen. It’s a pretty amazing part of his story, and, you know, it just goes to show how one play can really define a player's legacy.
NFL Career Highlights and Statistics
Looking at a player's statistics, you know, really tells a story about their consistency and impact over time. Plaxico Burress played for 11 seasons, specifically with the Steelers, the Giants, and the Jets, which is, like, a pretty extensive career. He racked up some really impressive numbers during his time on the field, showing his talent as a wide receiver year after year. For example, he had a total of 553 catches, which is, honestly, a very good number for someone in his position. That means he was, like, a reliable target for his quarterbacks, always ready to pull in the ball.
Beyond just the catches, he also gained a significant amount of yardage. He had 8,499 receiving yards, which, you know, puts him in a pretty respectable category among NFL wide receivers. Gaining that many yards means he wasn't just catching short passes; he was making big plays down the field, getting his team into scoring position, or, in some respects, even scoring himself. That kind of yardage really shows his ability to stretch the field and be a deep threat for opposing defenses, very much a valuable asset.
And then there are the touchdowns. He scored 64 touchdowns during his career, which is, like, a really strong number for a wide receiver. Touchdowns are, honestly, what every offensive player strives for, and getting into the end zone that many times just highlights his knack for finishing plays. You can, for instance, view his profile on ESPN to see more details, or check out the latest news, live stats, and game highlights on NFL.com. You can also find the most complete, accurate, and reliable reference source for his pro football statistics, draft info, awards, biographical data, and transactions, which, you know, is pretty neat for fans who like to dive deep into the numbers.
His career, when you look at these numbers, shows a player who was consistently productive and, arguably, a significant contributor to every team he played for. He was, like, a true professional, always striving to get better, and his stats really back that up. It's, you know, a testament to his hard work and natural ability that he was able to maintain such a high level of performance for over a decade in the league. People often forget just how demanding the NFL is, and to put up those kinds of numbers is, honestly, quite a feat.
Life After Football and Current Endeavors
Even after hanging up his cleats and stepping away from the professional football field, Plaxico Burress has, you know, found new ways to stay busy and pursue his interests. It's always interesting to see what athletes do once their playing days are over, and he's, like, definitely made a smooth transition into other areas. One of the things he's involved with now, which is pretty cool, is owning a juice bar. It's located in Wayne, New Jersey, and, you know, it really ties together his interests in both business and sports, in a way.
This juice bar venture, honestly, shows a different side of him, moving from the intensity of the football field to, like, a more health-focused business. It’s a good example of how athletes can, you know, take their drive and apply it to new challenges once their playing career winds down. He's, apparently, pretty passionate about it, and it gives him a chance to connect with the community in a different way. It’s not every day you hear about a former NFL wide receiver owning a juice bar, so it’s, like, a unique and interesting path he's chosen.
He continues to be, you know, a recognizable figure, and people often check for the latest on him, including news, stats, videos, and highlights on sites like NFL.com. His biography, for instance, also delves into his childhood, family life, and, you know, some of the controversies he faced, along with his achievements. It’s a comprehensive look at his whole life, not just his time on the field, which is, arguably, what makes his story so compelling. He’s, like, a person who has lived a very full and public life, and he’s still, in some respects, very much in the public eye, even after his playing days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plaxico Burress
People often have questions about famous athletes, and Plaxico Burress is, you know, no different. Here are some common questions folks ask about him, just to clear things up and give you a bit more information.
What teams did Plaxico Burress play for?
Plaxico Burress played for a few different teams during his 11 seasons in the NFL, which is, like, pretty typical for a long career. He started out with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then moved on to the New York Giants, where he had that really famous Super Bowl moment. After that, he also played for the New York Jets. So, you know, he spent time with three well-known franchises, making an impact at each stop, which is, honestly, a pretty good run for any player.
What was Plaxico Burress's most famous play?
Without a doubt, Plaxico Burress's most famous play was, arguably, the decisive touchdown pass he caught from Eli Manning in the waning moments of the New York Giants' Super Bowl victory. That play, you see, sealed an improbable win against an undefeated team, and it's, like, etched into the memories of football fans everywhere. It was, honestly, a truly spectacular moment that showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, very much a highlight of his career.
What is Plaxico Burress doing now?
After his football career, Plaxico Burress has, you know, ventured into the business world. He actually owns a juice bar in Wayne, New Jersey. It's a way for him to tie together his interests in both business and sports, which is, like, a pretty cool transition. So, he's, in some respects, still active and involved in new projects, even though he's no longer playing professional football. It’s, honestly, a nice way to stay connected to the community and build something new.
A Lasting Impact on the Game
When you look back at Plaxico Burress's career, it's, you know, pretty clear that he made a significant impact on the game of football. From his early days playing college ball as a Spartan in Michigan to his 12 seasons in the NFL, he was, like, a force to be reckoned with as a wide receiver. His ability to gather passes, accumulate yards, and score touchdowns was, honestly, very consistent throughout his time on the field. He had 553 catches, for instance, and 8,499 yards, along with 64 touchdowns, which are, you know, really solid numbers for any player.
But beyond the statistics, it's those moments, like the decisive touchdown catch in the Super Bowl, that really stand out and, in a way, define his legacy. That play, you see, helped the New York Giants achieve a spectacular victory and, honestly, remains one of the most talked-about plays in Super Bowl history. It shows his ability to perform when it truly matters, very much a hallmark of a great player. You can learn more about Plaxico Burress on official sports sites, where his career is, like, thoroughly documented.
Even now, years later, his name still comes up in conversations about great wide receivers and memorable NFL moments. He's, in some respects, still very much a part of the football narrative, and his story, you know, continues to resonate with fans. Whether it's his time with the Steelers, Giants, or Jets, his contributions to the sport are, like, undeniable. You can, of course, learn more about his career on our site, and, you know, we have more details on his journey on this page too. What are your favorite memories of watching Plaxico Burress play? It's always great to hear what moments stood out to you.
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