New York Giants: 5 worst injuries in team history
By Curt Macysyn
#1 – Plaxico Burress
Tall and lanky, Plaxico Burress was the best red zone target for the New York Giants in the Eli Manning era. Burress caught the game-winning touchdown from Manning in Super Bowl XLII. While that game was considered an upset, it was only because the New England Patriots were undefeated. Big Blue had a great squad, and that came through during the 2008 NFL season.
The New York Giants were going through the regular season like a hot knife through butter. The team steamrolled to an 11-1 mark through the end of November. Believe it or not, their only loss was a 35-14 hiccup to the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.
Just before a game against the Washington Redskins in late Nov. 2008, Burress accidentally shot himself. According to ESPN:
"“Burress was with Giants teammate Antonio Pierce when the shooting occurred. Pierce, who is now with the team in Washington, D.C., for Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, is cooperating and has spoken to police by phone.”"
Despite the distraction, Big Blue beat the ‘Skins 23-7 and upped their record to 11-1. But reality came crashing down shortly after that victory. The G-Men dropped three of their next four games and limped into the playoffs with an 12-4 record. They were quickly dispatched by the Philadelphia Eagles in the division playoffs, and dreams of a World Championship repeat were dashed.