[VIDEO] Plaxico Burress is kicking into high gear his plan to keep his life and career moving in the right direction. In doing so he has recruited some key players to his team, acknowledged his mistakes and made a commitment to volunteerism and community service.
In his first public appearance since his release from prison, WR Burress announced that Marc H. Morial (President of the National Urban League), Tony Dungy (former Indianapolis Colts coach) and Magic Johnson will serve as his mentors to help him get his life and career on track.
“Coach Dungy is a man of great faith and integrity. He is one of the few people who visited me when I was in prison and his visits had a great impact on me,” said Burress.
“I am very excited to see Plaxico Burress becoming involved with community service and mentoring,” Dungy said in his statement. “I really believe he is going to have a positive impact on many people, but especially our young people, as he focuses his efforts on helping them examine their decision making and reducing gun violence. I look forward to helping him and his family in any way I can.”
He also entered into a new partnership with the National Urban League and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
“I have paid a significant price for my bad decision,” Burress said. “I have an opportunity to make a difference and want to see every child have a change to succeed and working with the Urban League is one way I can help.”
Through his partnership with the National Urban League Celebrity Empowerment Challenge, Burress is committing his time and talent to volunteering with National Urban League youth programs that emphasize health, education and anti-violence, and pledging to recruit other professional athletes to do the same.
“Plaxico Burress is one of the nation’s most prominent examples of the power of opportunity,” said Morial. “As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, he’s admirably decided to put public service at the forefront and I’m proud that he’s chosen to direct his energy to the National Urban League.”
At the news conference, Burress signed a pledge to spearhead and inspire the Urban League Celebrity Empowerment Challenge, including a commitment to mentor youth and young adults on the principles of the campaign.
Brady Center President Paul Helmke said of Burress, “He has learned directly, and painfully, about the risks of gun ownership, and understands that he has an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, athletes, and the entire sports community. The Brady Center is pleased to partner with Plaxico in this heartfelt mission.”
“So many people have helped me along the way, and I’m grateful for the chance to do the same for other young people,” Burress said. He hopes through his efforts and example he can become a role model for young people.
