Plaxico Burress Sells Super Bowl XLII Championship Ring for Record-Breaking Price at Auction

Plaxico Burress, a former wide receiver for the New York Giants and a key figure in one of the most memorable Super Bowl victories in NFL history, has officially sold his Super Bowl XLII championship ring for a staggering $280,600 at auction.

The sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions, set a near-record for the highest price ever paid for a Super Bowl ring, falling just short of the $300,000 paid for former Baltimore Colts head coach Don McCafferty’s Super Bowl V ring in 2022.

A Coveted Piece of Sports Memorabilia

Burress’ Super Bowl ring, an elegant 14-karat white gold piece encrusted with diamonds, is a cherished memento from the Giants’ historic 2007 season.

The team famously defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots, securing a 17-14 victory in Super Bowl XLII.

Burress played an instrumental role in the game, catching the game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Manning with just 35 seconds left on the clock.

The sale of the ring had been highly anticipated by collectors and sports memorabilia enthusiasts.

Initially estimated to fetch around $100,000, the final bid exceeded expectations, demonstrating the immense value and significance of this championship artifact.

Burress himself authenticated the ring in November 2024, verifying its authenticity and provenance before putting it up for auction.

A Record-Setting Sale and Market Trends

The $280,600 final bid is one of the highest amounts ever paid for a Super Bowl ring, underscoring the growing demand for sports memorabilia, particularly from legendary games and players.

Heritage Auctions has noted an upward trend in the value of such items, fueled by passionate collectors and investors seeking rare and historic sports artifacts.

This sale also raises questions about why Burress decided to part with such a significant piece of his career.

While Burress has not publicly commented on his motivation, it is not uncommon for former athletes to sell championship rings for financial reasons or to repurpose assets for other investments.

The Legacy of Super Bowl XLII

Super Bowl XLII remains one of the greatest upsets in NFL history.

The New England Patriots entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record and were on the brink of completing an undefeated season, a feat achieved only once before in NFL history by the 1972 Miami Dolphins.

However, the Giants’ resilient defense and clutch offensive plays, including the now-iconic “Helmet Catch” by David Tyree, set the stage for Burress’ dramatic touchdown reception.

Burress’ game-winning catch sealed his place in NFL history, making him a household name among football fans.

The victory was especially sweet for the Giants, marking their first Super Bowl win since the 1990 season and solidifying their status as one of the league’s most formidable franchises.

Plaxico Burress: From Super Bowl Hero to Life Beyond Football

Despite his Super Bowl heroics, Burress’ career faced significant challenges.

In 2008, just months after helping the Giants claim their championship, he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an unlicensed firearm at a nightclub in New York City.

The incident led to legal troubles, including a 20-month prison sentence for gun possession.

After serving his sentence, Burress made an NFL comeback, playing for the New York Jets and later rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that originally drafted him in 2000.

While his post-prison career did not reach the heights of his Giants tenure, Burress remained a respected figure in football circles.

Today, Burress has transitioned into the media industry, co-hosting FOX Sports Radio’s “Up on Game” alongside fellow former NFL players LaVar Arrington and TJ Houshmandzadeh. Additionally, he has ventured into the business world, operating a juice bar in New Jersey.

The Appeal of Super Bowl Rings in the Collectibles Market

Super Bowl rings are among the most sought-after collectibles in sports memorabilia.

These rings symbolize championship glory and often carry immense sentimental and historical value. Over the years, several high-profile sales have drawn attention, including:

• William “Refrigerator” Perry’s Super Bowl XX ring, which sold for $200,000 in 2015.
• Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl XXV ring, purchased for $230,000 in 2012.
• Tom Brady’s family Super Bowl LI ring, which fetched $344,927 in 2018.

Burress’ ring now ranks among these elite sales, reinforcing the continued appreciation for sports history among collectors.

The sale of Plaxico Burress’ Super Bowl XLII ring for $280,600 highlights the lasting impact of one of the most thrilling games in NFL history.

His game-winning touchdown will forever be remembered as a defining moment, not just for the Giants but for the league as a whole.

While Burress’ journey has been filled with highs and lows, his contribution to Super Bowl history remains undeniable.

Whether purchased by a passionate Giants fan, a dedicated collector, or an investor, the new owner of this ring now possesses a piece of football history, a tangible link to one of the greatest moments in the sport.

For sports memorabilia collectors, this sale reaffirms the high value of championship artifacts, ensuring that items like Burress’ ring will continue to command attention and admiration in the years to come.