Was Super Bowl Hero Plaxico Burress at Giants Practice?
Dec 2, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress (80) prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Plaxico Burress Sighting
There were reports coming out of Giants camp Tuesday that former Big Blue receiver, the one and only Plaxico Burress, was in attendance for practice. On Twitter, Ralph Vacchiano provided the confirmation with this tweet:
Looking around Twitter, it appears it was a celebration for Plaxico Burress, as apparently it was his birthday. Around the blue bird, fans offered Plaxico Burress their well wishes:
The Super Bowl Catch:
Plaxico Burress talks SBXLII Game-Winner
"“It’s one of those moments and one of those times in history that will never be forgotten,” Burress said today between interviews on Radio Row at the Super Bowl XLVIII Media Center in midtown. “To me, it’s still the greatest game ever played. No doubt. Best Super Bowl ever played. People ask me about it every day, especially being in this area and this market, New Jersey and New York.”The Patriots had taken a 14-10 lead on a six-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Randy Moss with 2:42 remaining in the game. The Giants took possession at their own 17 and moved into Patriots territory at the 24 when Tyree famously secured the ball against his helmet on a pass from Manning on third-and-five. Four plays later, after an 11-yard reception by Steve Smith, the Giants had a first down on the New England 13.Burress lined up on the left side, covered by cornerback Ellis Hobbs.“I didn’t know the ball was coming to me, because we had called the same play two times in a row,” Burress said. “They were basically giving me double coverage and single covering everybody on the backside, because we had three receivers on the backside and just myself (on the other side). We got to the line of scrimmage and Eli grabbed me on the way out and said, ‘Hey man, if we get single coverage, I’m throwing it.’ I was like, ‘Man, they’re not going to single me right now.’ I got to the line of scrimmage and my eyes got so big because I couldn’t believe that … it wasn’t just single coverage, it was blitz coverage. The corner had to protect his inside and I just said, ‘I’m going to give him one move, he has to respect it based on the concept of that defense.’ It was history.”Manning quickly threw to Burress, who faked going inside, then popped out toward the sideline. Hobbs momentarily lost his footing and Burress had the separation he needed. Burress then waited for a ball that seemed to take an eternity to float to him.“I know at least three or four times I’ve said to myself, ‘I’m not dropping this ball for nothing in the world,’” Burress said. “I still remember the sound when it hit my hands and my shoulder pads. I will never forget it.”He is still holding onto the ball.“Yes, I have the ball,” Burress said. “It’s in a very safe place, very safe place. I look at it every blue moon. It’s a prized possession.”"
What a GIANT moment
If you didn’t get the opportunity to wish Plaxico a Happy Birthday yesterday, go head and send him your best wishes today, @plaxicoburress.
Credit: Jared Schain on YouTube (NFL on Fox)