Plaxico Burress: Old Virginny
As the Giants and Dolphins embark on a historic NFL regular season game in Europe at London’s Wembley Stadium, the jovial 6-5 Giants big play threat plays goodwill ambassador for Tidewater, welcomes hooligans and offers friendly skepticism regarding Osi Umenyora’s supposed street cred across the pond.
DAVE HOLLANDER: Let’s talk about the big game first. This Friday, your old high school, Green Run, is undefeated and playing undefeated Salem, my niece Hannah’s high school, for Virginia Beach supremacy. Prediction?
PLAXICO BURRESS: I think it’s going to be a great game. I think it’s good for the city, the way Green Run has bounced back from failed seasons in past years, I’m happy to see them back on top. I don’t think Salem’s going to beat us. I think the guys are ready to play. I wish I could come down and give my pep talk, but I’m leaving for London. I can’t wait to hear the score when I get back.
DH: I hear nobody gets out of a Green Run-Salem game alive.
PB: Yeah man, it’s physical because the schools are like 10 minutes apart.
DH: The "757" tattoo on your arm is the Norfolk, Virginia area code. So many pros come from the Tidewater area. Do you come from the most athletic part of the country right now?
PB: We’re flying under the radar. When I tell people where I’m from, they know a professional athlete from the area. But nobody really understands the magnitude of players athlete we produce, basketball, football, baseball. They don’t understand how good the players are from where we come from -- this little area called Tidewater, "The Seven Cities." I mean, I can name so many athletes that people say "Oh, he’s from Tidewater, too?" David Wright, Bruce Smith, me, Allen Iverson, David Macklin. We got a lot of guys doing really well.
DH: How much time have you spent in London?
PB: I haven’t spent any time in London. This will be my first trip. I’m going over there to win a football game. But I’m going to enjoy myself also. When I get a chance to go out and see what London is all about , I'm definitely going go check it out.
DH: This year, they opened up the investigation into Princess Diana’s death. Did her death hit your hard?
PB: I wouldn’t say it hit me hard. My knowledge or Princess Diana at the time, ‘97-‘98 when I was in college, really wasn’t as deep. I knew of her, I saw her on television but I really didn’t understand what she stood for until she passed away. Then, I was taking an advertising class at Michigan State and we had like a whole week just discussing Princess Diana. I really didn’t know the effect she had on people and on the world. Then I realized everything she stood for. Wow, this was a really fabulous woman. It’s sad what happened, and they opened the investigation 10 years later. That one of the focal points they’re concentrating on right now over there but we’re not gonna let that affect us.
Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme, left, and Josh McCown, right, sit on the bench in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. From Delhomme's 11 turnovers in two games to backup Josh Mc Cown's leg injuries, the Panthers are in disarray. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals walks with teammates to the lockerroom prior to the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tim Hightower
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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Arizona Cardinals team president Michael Bidwill speaks before the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Bidwill
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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the sidelines during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry Fitzgerald
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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Shaun Hill #13 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Darnell Dockett #90 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shaun Hill;Darnell Dockett
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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals leads teammates onto the field prior to the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tim Hightower
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field following a loss to the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jay Cutler
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank Of America Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Kolb;Charles Johnson
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles heads off the field after being injured against the Carolina Panthers at Bank Of America Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan McNabb
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Matt Forte
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DH: People in the UK go by the metric system. They use meters instead of yards. An NFL football game is measured in yards. How confused do think Londoners might be during the game?
PB: Some of my teammates and myself were talking about it. We really don’t they they’re gonna understand what’s going on. I think we’re gonna get the most cheers when we kick the ball off or when we kick field goals, because that’s what they’re used to. American football is not really popular over there. I think it will be good for them to get a glimpse of it live and see what it’s all about. We might not think as players they’re really gonna understand what’s going on but nobody’s gonna have a home-field advantage and the crowd’s not going to be a factor.
DH: According NFLUK.com, the Dolphins are England’s favorite NFL team. And this is technically an away game for you. You sure there’s no home-field advantage?
PB: If I was to say anybody was the more popular team I would say us because we’re from New York and we represent the greatest city in America. Everybody comes to New York. I’m pretty sure we’re gonna have a few fans over there.
DH: Do you think American football will ever catch on big in Europe?
PB: It will always be behind soccer. I think it will catch on more and more as the years go on and we play more games over there. What will happen is they’ll probably start getting special requests to see certain teams, because if they get to liking football, it’s going to be up to the citizens and fans over there as to who they want to watch, not just the NFL picking the teams. I’m just happy I get to go and set the benchmark and get to be the first two teams to go over there. I hope I can get the first 100-yard game.
DH: One thing British soccer is known for is hooliganism. Gangs from rival teams fight before and after the games. Would the NFL benefit from that kind of fan loyalty?
PB: I would love to see it! I want to see how it goes down over there -– the fans getting all into a fight. I mean, let them carry their traditions. Don’t let it stop just because we’re the NFL and we’re football. Let ‘em have fun and do what they’re used to doing.
DH: There’s an old chant at Wembley soccer games: "You’re going home in a London ambulance." PB: You think they might break that one out during your game?
That’ll be hilarious. We’ll laugh at it and get a good kick out of it. But I don’t think any of us are worried about leaving in an ambulance due to somebody over there.
DH: Your teammate and NFL sack leader Osi Umenyiora hails from London. Has Osi shed any light on anything for you?
PB: He said he had a couple connections over there, so we’re gonna see exactly how well they know him over there. I want to see if they know Osi.
DH: One difference in meters and yards is that in London pubs serve their ale by the yard. Maybe some of the Giants can become familiar with that, anyway?
PB: We’re gonna play this game, try to win. And after, I’m pretty sure they’ll be some guys trying to measure how much beer is in their cup. It’s gonna be fun. We’re all looking forward to the experience. After the game we get to hang out with guys on the team, our families, go out have a good time and enjoy ourselves.
DH: You’re on five-game winning streak. After the London game, you get a bye week and then you’re home against Dallas. What do you know about Dallas now that you didn’t know the first game of the season?
PB: They’re explosive. They can explode on you at any minute. When Tony Romo is playing great, they can be a great offense. Everybody has seen that. They’re an up and down team but when they’re hot and they’re at home, they’re tough to beat.
DH: Last year you set a career high with 10 touchdowns. This year you already have eight. You’re finding the end zone a lot. What are you doing differently?
PB: Last year I had some big plays and great catches in the end zone that were basically from red zone plays. Those 10 touchdowns felt to so easy to me. I enjoy the end zone. I felt like this year, "Man, there’s no reason I can’t score a touchdown every game." I think there were four consecutive weeks when I scored a touchdown and I was like I just got to put my mind to it. Every time I get the football my goal is to get to the goal line. That’s what I’m trying to do this year. Every time I catch the ball, now matter where I am on the field, I’m trying to go to the touchdown.
DH: You’re named after an uncle, aren’t you?
PB: Yes, he lives in Woodbridge, Virginia.
DH: Is there a message on behalf of the people Norfolk that Plaxico Burress would like to deliver the people of London?
PB: Virginia makes stars too. It’s not just Hollywood or New York. In Virginia we have our own share of stars and we all from small region of the state. As far as athletes go, we are represented very well.
DH: And what message should I deliver to my niece who attends Salem High School about the game this weekend?
PB: Tell her not to take it personally. It’s only business.
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Dave Hollander is the author of 52 WEEKS: Interviews with Champions! Info
at: www.davehollander.com
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