Plaxico Burress is an American former professional football player who has an estimated net worth of $500,000. He played 12 seasons in the National Football League as a wide receiver and is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and New York Jets.
Burress achieved one of the most memorable moments in NFL history when he caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII, helping the Giants defeat the previously undefeated New England Patriots.
| Plaxico Burress Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Norfolk |
Early Life
Plaxico Burress was born on August 12, 1977, in Norfolk. He grew up in Virginia and attended Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, graduating in 1996.
After high school, Burress spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy, where he continued developing his football skills before moving on to play college football.
College Football Career
Burress played college football at Michigan State University, where he quickly became a standout player for the Michigan State Spartans.
During his first season, he set a single-season Big Ten Conference reception record with 65 catches. He followed that with another strong season, recording 66 receptions for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In just two seasons at Michigan State, Burress finished with:
- 131 receptions
- 2,155 receiving yards
- 20 touchdown catches
He ended his college career with a standout performance in the 2000 Citrus Bowl, recording 13 receptions for 185 yards and three touchdowns against the Florida Gators.
NFL Career
Pittsburgh Steelers
Burress entered the NFL when he was selected eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While his rookie season had some struggles, he quickly improved and became one of the team’s top receivers. In his third season, Burress recorded 78 receptions for 1,325 yards, both career highs at the time.
During his five seasons with the Steelers, he accumulated:
- 261 receptions
- 4,164 receiving yards
- 22 touchdowns
New York Giants
In 2005, Burress joined the New York Giants, where he enjoyed some of the most successful years of his career.
His first season with the team included 76 receptions for 1,214 yards, helping the Giants finish first in the NFC East division.
The highlight of his career came during Super Bowl XLII. In the final minutes of the game, Burress caught a game-winning touchdown pass, giving the Giants a 17–14 victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots led by quarterback Tom Brady.
The play remains one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history.
Final Playing Years
Burress left the Giants in 2009 following legal issues. After serving time away from football, he returned to the NFL in 2011 with the New York Jets.
He later returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012, where he caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger — his first touchdown from Roethlisberger since 2004.
In 2013, a torn rotator cuff injury during training camp ended his playing career.
Career Earnings
Throughout his NFL career, Burress earned an estimated $29.5 million in salary.
Some of his highest-earning seasons included:
- 2006: $6.75 million
- 2007: $3.29 million
- 2008: $3.46 million
- 2011: $3 million
Despite earning millions during his playing career, financial difficulties later affected his net worth.
Financial Problems
Burress experienced several financial challenges after his NFL career.
In 2005, he purchased a 5,500-square-foot mansion in Totowa for $1.5 million. Reports later indicated that the home went into foreclosure after mortgage payments stopped, and the property was eventually sold for $999,000.
Another property in Virginia Beach was sold in 2013 after liens were placed on it related to a $160,000 legal judgment.
In 2015, Burress also faced legal penalties after reportedly issuing a bad check worth $46,000 to New Jersey tax authorities. He ultimately agreed to pay $56,000 in restitution and serve five years of probation.
In February 2025, Burress reportedly put his Super Bowl ring up for auction, highlighting ongoing financial pressures.
Legal Troubles
Burress’s most widely known legal issue occurred in 2008 when he accidentally shot himself in the thigh at a nightclub in New York City.
He was later charged with criminal possession of a handgun after it was discovered that his concealed carry permit from Florida had expired. The incident led to his release from the New York Giants.
Burress eventually accepted a plea deal that resulted in two years in prison and two years of supervised release. He served 20 months before being released in 2011.
He has also faced several civil lawsuits related to car accidents, contract disputes, and other legal issues.
Personal Life
In 2005, Burress married Tiffany Glenn. The couple has two children — a son named Elijah and a daughter named Giovanna. They have lived in Totowa.
Also Read: What is Sterling Shepard Net Worth?
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
