With the NFL lockout inconveniencing many players and their teams, one who can take advantage of the current labor dispute is Plaxico Burress. The former New York Giants wide-receiver was released from prison today after serving 21 months behind bars for carrying a loaded weapon to a New York city night club. But now that he's served his time, I think it's safe to say there's only one thing on his mind other than his family and that's returning to the game of football. Burress' departure from the New York penitentiary proved just that as his agent Drew Rosenhaus was among the first to greet him.
Despite missing the last two and a half full seasons of the game he's played since his childhood, the NFL's work stoppage could be somewhat beneficial to Burress as it'll allow him extra time to get back on track and into shape depending on how long it lasts. However, if the lockout were to continue on throughout the year, canceling the 2011 season entirely, it would be just another wasted year for the soon-to-be 34 year old Burress who was arrested during the prime of his career. As memorable as Burress' game-winning touchdown catch was with 35 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLII to defeat the New England Patriots, 17-14, ending their bid at an undefeated season, the one incident that could very well define Plaxico's career is the shooting that took place on November 28, 2008.
With a Glock pistol tucked in the waistband of his pants, Burress inadvertently pulled the trigger when the firearm slowly began to slip down his leg, shooting himself in the process. Luckily for him, the injury was not life-threatening which meant for a possible return to the football field after his sentence. With Burress vying for a comeback, the story of Mike Vick's return to fame comes to mind and many even have the two linking up for the upcoming season. And Burress' choice of head wear only added to the discussion as he was interviewed shortly after his release while donning a Phillies ball cap. However, the only real reason for one to think Burress has a shot at becoming an Eagle is that they took a chance on signing Vick when not a lot of teams had the guts to. But with a solid core of young talent already in tact at the wide-receiver position, all signs have him going elsewhere.
According to Cadillac Harris, a high school coach and friend of Burress', there's at least eight teams showing interest in signing the former first round pick once the lockout ends. While half of those teams remain unknown, the few we do know about are the Washington Redskins and the Giants cross-town rivals -- the New York Jets. With the Skins in desperate need of a wide-out assuming they lose veteran Santana Moss to free agency, I think they'll be the frontrunners to dish out a lucrative contract and land Burress when it's all said and done. But who knows as a lot can change between now and then.
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