The football thrown by Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress for the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII is now available for purchase through an auction on Sotheby's. This pivotal play secured a 17-14 victory for the New York Giants against the previously undefeated New England Patriots, marking one of the most significant upsets in NFL history.
The auction listing describes the football as carrying immense historical weight, representing the final touchdown of the championship game. Burress, the former Giants wide receiver, has kept the ball in his possession for 18 years since the game, which took place in February 2008. The Sotheby's listing notes that the ball has no reserve pricing.
Following his career-defining catch, Burress's path took a turn when he pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in 2008 after an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. This led to a 20-month prison sentence. After a two-year hiatus from the NFL, Burress returned in 2011 with the New York Jets, recording 612 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during his time with the team. Prior to his Super Bowl moment, Burress played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, achieving two seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.