NFL: Can Plaxico Burress Be Like Michael Vick?

Plaxico Burress and Michael Vick have both made bad decisions, and both ended up behind bars.

But, Burress' image was not tarnished like Vick's. Vick victimized "man's best friend" in such brutal fashion that his image is still recovering.

Burress headed to prison simply because the judicial system felt the need to make an example out of him. I'm not saying carrying a firearm is right in his case, but two years for shooting yourself seems a bit extreme.

Regardless, Vick has proven that everyone deserves a second chance.

Still, the question remains: Will Burress be playing in the NFL in 2011? 

The answer is yes.

With the need for wide receivers in the league at an all-time high, there are more than a handful of teams that would love to have his talents. The Baltimore Ravens sit high on that list of teams looking for more depth and talent at the wide-receiver position because theirs are having a hard time getting past defenders and making catches in the open field.

Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owns may be candidates to replace the New York Jets' free-agent wide receives, but we saw how T. Ocho worked in Cincinnati. Burress would undeniably be greater than that emotionally-challenged, outspoken package.

The Giants would also do well to reevaluate Burress, but Tom Coughlin is the type of coach that would probably be too tightly wound to go down that controversial trail. Despite Burress' potential production, Coughlin is not willing to take those types of risks. 

Regardless of where he will land, Burress will play in the NFL this upcoming season (provided there is no lockout), and hopefully will do some soul-searching (not to mention intense on-field work-outs to make sure he is in a position to return as the elite receiver he once was.)

Like Vick, Burress was dealt a harsh blow. Vick has had the opportunity to experience redemption.

Hopefully, Burress will too.