All it took was 21 months in prison for Plaxico Burress to go from gun carrier to anti-gun advocate.
The former Giants receiver, borrowing the playbook of nearly every disgraced athlete seeking a way back to a big payday, Monday announced a partnership with the National Urban League and the Brady Center to combat gun violence.
“I want to see every child have a chance to succeed,” said Burress, who was released from an upstate New York prison a week ago after serving time for illegal possession of an unlicensed handgun. “I have an opportunity to make a difference.”
Burress needs to improve his image to become a more attractive free agent to prospective teams once the NFL lockout ends. One of the teams reportedly interested in Burress is the Eagles, who took a chance on convicted dogfighting ex-convict Michael Vick.
Vick teamed with the Humane Society following his release from prison in 2009. Like Vick, Burress will be mentored by former Colts coach and NBC analyst Tony Dungy, along with Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Dungy is hopeful an NFL team will take a chance on Burress. Dungy said he feels Burress will no longer take anything for granted and will make better decisions.
“I’ve been with Mike (Vick) and I’ve seen how kids flock to him, and I think we’ll see the same thing with Plaxico,” Dungy said at the Manhattan press conference.