Plaxico Burress - A Football Life Unpacked
When you think about the players who have truly made a mark in the National Football League, a few names might come to mind, and for many, Plaxico Antonio Burress certainly makes that list. He played as a wide receiver for a dozen seasons in the NFL, leaving his footprint on the sport. His path, you know, it’s one that saw him go from a promising young talent to a seasoned professional, with moments that captured headlines both for his amazing plays and for some of the difficulties he faced off the field.
This individual, Plaxico Burress, brought a particular kind of presence to the football field. Born on August 12, 1977, he spent a good part of his life dedicated to the game, becoming a recognized figure in professional sports. His story, in some respects, shows how someone can reach great heights in their chosen field, yet still encounter unexpected turns along the way. It’s a compelling look at the life of a public figure who experienced a wide range of situations.
People often look up information about his time playing, wanting to check out his statistics or learn more about the position he held on the team. His professional life, you see, was pretty much defined by his time catching passes and making big plays. We can explore a bit about his beginnings, how he got into the professional league, and some of the more widely known parts of his time in the public eye. It’s a story that has many facets, actually.
Table of Contents
- A Look at Plaxico Burress's Early Years
- What Was Plaxico Burress's College Experience Like?
- The Start of a Pro Career - Plaxico Burress's Draft Day
- How Did Plaxico Burress Perform in the NFL?
- Beyond the Field - Plaxico Burress's Personal Hurdles
- What Happened with Plaxico Burress's Legal Situation?
- Where Can You Find More About Plaxico Burress?
- A Look Back at a Career
A Look at Plaxico Burress's Early Years
Plaxico Antonio Burress, as we know, came into the world on August 12, 1977. His beginnings, you see, trace back to Virginia, where he spent his younger days. This background in Virginia set the stage for his athletic endeavors, which would eventually lead him to the bright lights of professional football. It’s a common path for many who go on to play at a high level, starting out in their local communities and then moving up through various stages of competition. His early life, in a way, was building blocks for what was to come.
Before he became a household name in the National Football League, Plaxico Burress was like many other young athletes, honing his skills and showing a real knack for sports. His athletic gifts were evident from a relatively young age, suggesting a future where he might excel in a physical pursuit. This period of his life, while perhaps not as widely documented as his professional days, was absolutely crucial in shaping the player and person he would become. It really lays the groundwork, you know, for any professional athlete's story.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Plaxico Burress
Full Name | Plaxico Antonio Burress |
Date of Birth | August 12, 1977 |
Place of Origin | Virginia, United States |
College Attended | Michigan State University |
NFL Draft Year | 2000 |
Draft Round / Pick | 1st Round, 8th Overall |
Primary Position | Wide Receiver |
Professional Seasons | 12 seasons in NFL |
What Was Plaxico Burress's College Experience Like?
Before he ever stepped onto an NFL field, Plaxico Burress spent his college days playing football for Michigan State University. He was, in essence, a Spartan, representing the school's athletic programs. This time in Michigan was a significant part of his development as a player, helping him refine the abilities that would make him a top draft pick. College sports, you know, are often where future pros really begin to shine and show what they are capable of doing at a higher level.
During his time at Michigan State, particularly in his senior season, Plaxico Burress made a notable impact. He was a leader for "the green," a common way to refer to the Michigan State team, given their colors. This period, it’s almost like a showcase for his abilities, where he put up numbers and made plays that caught the attention of scouts and professional teams. His college career, then, was a vital stepping stone, showing the kind of talent and drive he possessed, which would soon translate to the professional ranks. He really showed what he could do, that season.
The Start of a Pro Career - Plaxico Burress's Draft Day
The year 2000 marked a pivotal moment for Plaxico Burress, as it was the year he officially entered the National Football League. He was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL draft, specifically as the eighth overall pick. This selection, you know, placed him among the top talents entering the league that year, indicating the high hopes and expectations that teams had for his potential. Getting picked so early in the draft is a big deal, signaling a player's perceived ability to make an immediate impact.
Being drafted by a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers meant Plaxico Burress was joining an organization with a rich history and a strong fan base. His arrival was met with anticipation, as fans and coaches looked forward to seeing what he could bring to the offense. The draft itself is a huge event, and for a player to be selected so high, it speaks volumes about their skills and what they might achieve. It's a moment that, basically, changes a young person's life forever, setting them on a path to professional sports.
How Did Plaxico Burress Perform in the NFL?
Over his twelve seasons in the National Football League, Plaxico Burress played as a wide receiver, a position that requires a unique blend of speed, agility, and catching ability. He was known for his size and his capacity to make difficult catches, often in crucial moments. His time on the field was marked by many memorable plays, contributing to the success of the teams he played for. People often look up his stats, trying to get a full picture of his contributions over the years, and there's a good deal of information out there about his performances, really.
For anyone wanting to know more about his professional career, there are plenty of places to check out the details. You can find information about his specific position on the field, the various teams he played for, and a breakdown of his yearly statistics. Websites dedicated to football, like ESPN or NFL.com, often keep profiles that show his news, live statistics during games, and highlights of his best moments. This means that, pretty much, a comprehensive record of his time as a professional football player is readily available for anyone curious about his on-field efforts.
Beyond the Field - Plaxico Burress's Personal Hurdles
While Plaxico Burress is widely recognized for his achievements on the football field, his life has also included some very public challenges away from the game. His path, you see, has been described as an "eventful" one, encompassing both his stellar career and certain legal issues. It goes to show that even individuals who reach the pinnacle of professional sports can face significant personal hurdles that draw considerable attention. It’s a part of his story that, you know, many people are aware of and often discuss.
His experience, in some respects, highlights the pressures and scrutiny that can come with being a well-known figure. The public's eye follows every move, and personal difficulties can become widely reported. For Plaxico Burress, these situations were a part of his overall public persona, adding layers to the narrative of his life as a professional athlete. It’s a reminder that, basically, life can throw curveballs even when you’re at the top of your game.
What Happened with Plaxico Burress's Legal Situation?
One of the most widely discussed aspects of Plaxico Burress's life off the field involves a legal matter where he ended up pleading guilty to a weapons charge. This particular event led to him receiving a sentence of two years in prison. It was a significant moment in his personal story, drawing a lot of public interest and commentary. Such an event, naturally, had a profound impact on his life and career, marking a difficult period for him.
The situation, as it unfolded, became a prominent part of his public record. It showed how personal actions can have serious consequences, even for someone who has achieved a great deal in their professional life. This legal challenge is a well-known part of the story of Plaxico Burress, and it’s something that people often bring up when discussing his overall experience. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, and that can certainly be the case for anyone, really.
Where Can You Find More About Plaxico Burress?
For those interested in learning more about Plaxico Burress, there are several reliable sources available. Websites like ESPN provide a detailed profile, offering the latest news, live statistics from games he played, and highlights of his most memorable moments on the field. These platforms, you know, are pretty much the go-to for comprehensive information about professional athletes.
Similarly, NFL.com also features extensive coverage of Plaxico Burress, including news updates, his career statistics, videos of his plays, and various highlights from his time in the league. For a broader look at his life, some biographies aim to cover his childhood and family life, giving a more complete picture of the person beyond the player. So, there's quite a bit of material out there if you want to explore his story further, honestly.
A Look Back at a Career
Plaxico Burress, as we have seen, had a career in professional football that spanned twelve seasons as a wide receiver in the National Football League. He was a high draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000, coming out of Michigan State University where he showed considerable promise. His time in the sport was marked by both impressive plays and, as is widely known, personal challenges that drew public attention, including a legal issue that led to a period of incarceration. His story also includes an early aspiration to play basketball professionally, before his path led him to football. You can find a lot of details about his professional statistics and biographical information on various sports-related websites.

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