In his first extended public apperance since getting out of prison, Plaxico Burress announced Monday in New York City that he has partnered with the National Urban League and the Brady Center to combat gun violence.
“I want to see every child have a chance to succeed. I have an opportunity to make a difference,” Burress said via the New York Post.
Quickly rehabbing his public image with a partnership like this is a page taken directly out of the Michael Vick playbook. So is the news Monday that Tony Dungy will serve as a mentor to Vick. Magic Johnson will also mentor Burress, who no longer owns a firearm.
“I’ve been a champion on the field and I want to be a champion in life off the field,” Burress said. He wants to discourage youth from owning firearms.
It’s easy to be cynical here, but Bob Glauber of Newsday believes Burress is a humbled, changed man after his experience in prison. Dungy said that prison taught Burress plenty.
“You hate to say it was a good experience, but it was a fruitful experience,” Dungy said via the Newark Star-Ledger.