Plaxico Burress auctions Super Bowl XLII ring days before latest championship game
- Plaxico Burress is auctioning his Super Bowl XLII ring, which is linked to one of football's greatest upsets.
- The ring is estimated to sell between $100,000 and more, highlighting its significance as rare memorabilia.
- This auction has stirred up interest around Burress's past and the significance of the upcoming Super Bowl.
On February 8, 2025, days before the Super Bowl, Plaxico Burress, a former New York Giants receiver, announced that he was putting his Super Bowl XLII ring up for auction. The auction, conducted by Heritage Auctions, allowed fans to potentially own a piece of NFL history linked to one of the biggest upsets in football history. Burress made a critical contribution during Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots, making a game-winning catch with just 35 seconds left in the game. This victory is significant in NFL lore, and the ring represents Burress's role in it. The Super Bowl XLII ring, which symbolizes Burress's 2007 team success, features three Lombardi Trophies and the date and score etched into its design. It is noted to be in good condition, although it had been resized for a smaller fit. The initial bid for the ring was $55,000, but Heritage Auctions estimated its value at $100,000 or more, reflecting how valuable such memorabilia is in the world of sports auctions. Burress's ring is unique as it is accompanied by a signed letter from Burress, affirming its authenticity and detailing its significance. Plaxico Burress's journey after his football career has been tumultuous. He has faced legal challenges, including an incarceration following an accidental shooting incident at a New York City nightclub. This incident highlighted issues surrounding gun ownership and the responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm, especially in urban areas with strict gun laws. Burress, who eventually served about 20 months in prison, has since made efforts to rebuild his life, including becoming a commentator on sports media, co-hosting a show that discusses various sports topics. The decision to auction his Super Bowl ring can be viewed as a reflection of Burress's desire to move forward and perhaps financially benefit from his past successes. Given the timing, this public auction creates buzz around both his career and the impending Super Bowl match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, stirring nostalgia among fans and avid collectors. It places a spotlight not only on Burress as a former athlete but also on the significance of the Super Bowl itself as a cultural event, driving excitement as people prepare to gather for the game.