Plaxico Burress, the former New York Giants wide receiver who made history with his game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLII, has put his championship ring up for auction as the ex-NFL star aims to stave off financial troubles.
The stunning piece, encrusted with diamonds and featuring three Vince Lombardi trophies, is currently being sold by Heritage Auctions and commemorates the Giants‘ improbable victory over the then-undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008.
It’s expected to fetch over $100,000 by the auction’s end on February 22 and has been confirmed as authentic by the 47-year-old footballer, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2013.
Although the reasons for parting with it remain unclear, the ring currently has a bid of $33,000, but experts believe it will attract much higher offers in the coming weeks as it gains more attention.
Alongside Burress‘ ring, Heritage Auctions is also selling a signed Tom Brady Patriots jersey worn in 2017, with an estimated final bid of $250,000. As the auction progresses, all eyes will be on how much Burress’ piece of Super Bowl history will command.
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Burress’ post-NFL financial struggles
Burress‘ career peaked with his clutch touchdown catch in the 2008 Super Bowl, securing one of the greatest upsets in NFL history.
However, months later his fortunes took a drastic turn when he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an unlicensed firearm at a Manhattan nightclub. The incident led to a 20-month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to attempted weapon possession.
Following his release, Burress returned to the NFL for a short-lived comeback, playing one season with the New York Jets in 2011 and a brief four-game stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012. However, his financial troubles continued to mount.
In 2010, Burress faced foreclosure on his $4 million Florida mansion, which eventually sold for half its original price in a short sale.
Similar financial struggles forced him to sell his Virginia Beach home in 2013 to settle outstanding debts.
A year later, he faced tax evasion charges in New Jersey for failing to pay $46,000 in taxes, leading to a five-year probation sentence and restitution of $56,000.
Then in 2018, his New Jersey home faced foreclosure after he allegedly stopped making mortgage payments, though the dispute was later settled in 2021.