On the day after a three-touchdown performance, the old Plaxico Burress might have celebrated with a night out.
The new Burress followed through last Monday on a speaking engagement for which he volunteered. It marked another step in his rehabilitation from a conviction for carrying an unlicensed gun and a lengthy stay in prison.
"If I can save one life, keep one kid from having a firearm, then I think the higher purpose was served," the New York Jets wide receiver said at an annual fund-raiser in New York City for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
Nearly three years ago, Burress was at a nightspot when a weapon in his trousers discharged, striking him in the thigh. Burress suffered less pain from the bullet than from his loss of freedom. The city's strict gun control laws put him behind bars for 20 months.
Because Burress logged four productive seasons with the New York Giants, preceded by five with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Giants were willing to let bygones be bygones and take him back. In his last active year, the team had suspended him for 12 days for missed meetings, and he shouted at coach Tom Coughlin during a sideline tirade against officials that brought a fine from the league.
Instead, Burress wound up with the city's other franchise on a one-year contract. He said the Jets supported him throughout his ordeal.
Through six games, he had done little to repay the favour, with 14 receptions and three drops. It was more, he said, getting in sync with quarterback Mark Sanchez - coach Rex Ryan described the pair as "just a little bit off" - than a lack of effort.
"It's probably the first time in my career where I've really had to just come to practice, and really just focus on getting better," he said, alluding to eliminating distractions.
The results gave no indication of his fresh approach. "I looked at myself and said I've got to play better," he said.
Two catches had been turned into touchdowns, but the Jets expected more from the 6ft 5 ins target, especially in the red zone.
Last Sunday, Sanchez aimed at Burress on two snaps from the San Diego Chargers' three-yard-line. He caught each one, accounting for all Jets touchdowns in a 27-21 win. The deeper passes remain problematic. A lengthy toss by Sanchez for a possible score was picked off, and he has connected with Burress just once on seven attempts of 20 yards or beyond.
Still, there was reason for Burress to celebrate. This time, with a bye today, he is doing so with his family - at Disney World.
