Plaxico Burress Can Make Old Myths Die Hard

Who wouldn't love a receiver who's 6-foot-5, athletic as hell, and has a Super Bowl Ring? Well, there is one statistic that is left off the back of football trading cards that might extinguish the excitement: a two-year stint in prison. Of course, I'm talking about former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who was released from prison June 6 for a 2009 weapons charge. Plax has made it known he wants to return to the field. The screaming heads on talk radio have been arguing for months whether Burress is worth the gamble. I say, why not?

Media Myths

Even before his release, rumors began to swirl about where the former Super Bowl could end up. According to ESPN, talk of his coming back to New York - with the Jets - may have some credibility, but can Plaxico still produce? In covering sports, the media has a tendency to create myths. A long road trip spells doom for a team, no running back can produce over 30, and some guys are prone to injury are just a few. The fact is, there are too many variables to make these blanket statements. One of the main knocks against Burress is his age. Burress turns 34 in August; you know when your hair turns gray and dementia sets in.

Old, Really?

Is 34 supposed to keep NFL teams from acquiring Burress. During the 2010 - 2011 season, two of the top ten players in receiving yards in the NFL were over the age of 30; Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss. This is not the NFL of old. Modern conditioning and training has made for a more durable NFL player. In addition, the NFL rules barely allow you to breathe within 10 feet of a receiver without being penalized. The Ronnie Lot play of the 1980s is not only the exception, it's illegal. Anyway, Plaxico Burress has avoided two years of wear and tear by being locked up. Some will say that fact will work against him. But does jail take away your height, god given athleticism, or ability to catch? People act as if there was a guard assigned to Burress tasked with withering away his hand-eye coordination.

Another Vick?

Then, there is the argument that Plaxico is a slacker with a bad attitude, unlike the other humble receivers that make up today's NFL. Has anyone ever seen Desean Jackson play? Allow me to use an argument from the broad statement arsenal to dismantle this argument. It is often said that athletes are more motivated during a contract year. Well, what year could be more important to Plaxico than the upcoming one? Jail isn't exactly good for the wallet, and Plaxico will have to prove himself to replenish his wealth. Thus far, Burress has taken the path a la Michael Vick. According to NBC, on Wednesday Burress spoke with rookies about the consequences of bad decision making.

It makes sense for a team to take a chance on Plaxico. In 2007, Plaxico caught 12 touchdowns, according to NFL.com. Even if his production does suffer, who cares? Could you argue that he would be less productive than a rookie? According to NFL.com, the much hyped Dez Bryant was third last year in rookie receiver touchdowns with six, and then he got hurt. Plaxico can be had on the cheap and offers not only experience, but Super Bowl experience. Any team with a legit number one receiver could use his services. He would force defenses to roll coverage his way, and take away their ability to double the number one receiver on the opposing offense. At the very least, Burress would make for a serious red zone threat. To the General Managers out there, start a new myth that all players who were in jail succeed in the NFL. It has just as much validity as the other ones out there.