Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Giants WR Plaxico Burress Sells Super Bowl Ring for Record $280K
Plaxico Burress, the former wide receiver known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, has made headlines by selling his Super Bowl XLII ring for an astonishing $280,600 at auction. The sale, which took place in February 2025, marks one of the highest amounts ever paid for a Super Bowl ring, demonstrating the historical and emotional value attached to this piece of sports memorabilia.
Burress played five seasons with the Steelers after being selected eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. In 2005, he joined the New York Giants, where he cemented his legacy with one of the most unforgettable moments in Super Bowl history. During Super Bowl XLII in 2008, Burress caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Eli Manning with just 35 seconds left on the clock. That iconic play secured the Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots, ending their bid for a perfect season and creating one of the greatest upsets in NFL history.
The ring Burress sold is a symbol of that historic game and his crucial role in the Giants’ championship win. Authenticated by Burress himself in November 2024, the ring’s sale reflects both the high demand for memorabilia associated with landmark sports moments and the unique significance of that Super Bowl victory. The $280,600 price tag makes it one of the most valuable Super Bowl rings ever sold, underscoring its importance in the eyes of collectors and fans alike.
Despite earning nearly $30 million over his 12-year NFL career, Burress has faced several financial and legal challenges. In 2008, just months after his Super Bowl heroics, Burress was involved in a widely publicized incident where he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an unlicensed firearm at a New York nightclub. This led to a 20-month prison sentence and significantly impacted his football career.
Following his release, Burress made brief comebacks with the New York Jets and the Steelers, but he never quite recaptured his previous form. In the years since his retirement, Burress has continued to make headlines for various off-field issues, and the sale of his Super Bowl ring may reflect ongoing financial struggles.
Nevertheless, the auction’s success highlights the enduring legacy of Burress’s contributions to the sport. The Giants’ victory in Super Bowl XLII remains one of the most memorable moments in NFL history, and Burress’s game-winning catch is an essential part of that story. For the buyer, this ring is more than just a piece of jewelry — it’s a tangible link to one of football’s greatest underdog victories.
As the market for sports memorabilia continues to grow, record-breaking sales like this one demonstrate the powerful connection between fans and the iconic moments that shape the game. For Plaxico Burress, the sale of his Super Bowl ring marks the latest chapter in a career defined by both brilliance on the field and turbulence off it — and ensures that his contribution to NFL history won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
