5 Reasons to Believe Plaxico Burress Can Follow Michael Vick's Lead

If the Michael Vick saga has taught us anything, it's that players can redeem themselves on the football field after missing a large chunk of time due to incarceration.

Plaxico Burress has an opportunity to follow in Vick's footsteps this year and I believe he will do just that.  He may be a little rusty at first, but he's currently applying some WD-40 to his game and getting things smoothed out.

Playing in the Big Apple, Burress' media exposure will be tremendous as there will be many eyes gazing upon him and reporting every move he makes.  He'll have that 1980s Rockwell song "Somebody's Watching Me" stuck in his head all year.

While trying to drum up interest for his services upon release from prison, Burress made it known he'd like to join Vick in Philadelphia.  Vick echoed those sentiments and thought Burress would make a great addition to the team.

So it certainly appears there is mutual admiration and/or respect between the two players.  Maybe Burress can take a page or two out of Vick's book and provide a comeback story of his own.

Here are five reasons why that can happen.

1. His Crime Was Much Less Controversial

Michael Vick's crime created a pretty severe divide amongst the public.  The crime committed by Plaxico Burress was merely that he didn't have a license to carry a gun, which of course discharged into his leg in a nightclub.

There was no controversy about the crime itself and it did not create any media or public backlash.  Vick was basically ostracized for what he did.

If anything, Burress has been seen as a victim of an unfair judicial system rather than the perpetrator of a crime.

He served almost two years for carrying a gun illegally but Donte Stallworth only gets 30 days for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk?  From a broad view that is downright ridiculous.

Because of this, he doesn't have the added weight on his shoulders to try and gain the public's approval again.  He only has to worry about his game. 

Prove it on the field and the rest will take care of itself.

2. He Is in the Right Situation

Michael Vick went to the Eagles as a third-string quarterback.  He didn't know it at the time but Philadelphia was ultimately the best team he could have joined.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be in the position he's in right now.

Plaxico Burress also has joined a good team.  Rex Ryan and the Jets may be a little controversial at times, but they are a well-built team and will contend in the AFC this year.

Being in the right situation is a very important factor if one wishes to be successful on the road to redemption.  The Jets are the right situation for Burress.

He won't be the top wide receiver but he also will not lack playing time either.  In a sense, it's the perfect scenario. 

For example, if he went to Philly, he would have been buried under DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and, to an extent, Jason Avant and Riley Cooper.

The only way he can prove himself is by getting on the field and making plays, just like Vick did last season.

In New York, Plaxico is the No. 2 receiver and will get plenty of opportunities to show he still has what it takes to play in the NFL.

3. He Is in Position to Make an Impact

Just as we were discussing on the last slide, Burress is in a good situation with the Jets.  He is their No. 2 receiver and will have plenty of chances to make plays.

And that's exactly what he'll do. Make plays. 

Though he is 34 years old, he still has the rare combination of size and skill.  He presents matchup nightmares for opposing defensive backs.

He will particularly be effective in the red zone.  That was his forte with the Giants and I fully expect him to pick up where he left off in that regard.

With every touchdown reception this season, it will bring him further and further along on his road to redemption.  Actions speak louder than words, and when Burress starts making a difference in New York, he will endear himself to a Jet fanbase that is desperate for a championship.

4. He Will Be Motivated

Michael Vick had all of the reasons in the world to either be motivated or crumble under the immense scrutiny and pressure he faced upon release from prison.

Well, it's apparent that Vick has used all those reasons to motivate himself to climb back up the mountain to success.  There is no reason to think Burress isn't just as motivated himself.

Burress was convicted of what many people saw as a "victimless crime."  I tend to agree with that sentiment and I'm sure deep down inside his conviction and subsequent sentence angered Burress to a great extent.

Prior to signing with the Jets, many people also questioned whether or not he has lost his abilities as a player.  Some thought that his play was on the decline prior to prison and would only be worse now.

Furthermore, many so-called analysts speculated how adding a player such as Burress would be risky due to character concerns.

Then there is perhaps the biggest motivator of all: money.  Burress signed a one-year deal and will certainly be trying to parlay this opportunity into to one more big payday.

If you take all of those things into consideration, Burress has plenty of reasons to be motivated and play well.  Heck, he may even be motivated to win another Super Bowl for a New York team!

5. He Will Have Fan Support

If Michael Vick can win back fans and public support, it should be a breeze for Plaxico Burress.

Everybody loves a winner and the Jets are a winning team right now. 

The Jets also have a rabid fanbase and play in the country's largest media market.  Once Burress starts scoring those touchdowns and making some big catches the fans will have forgotten all about the fact he is fresh out of prison (if they haven't already).

Let him catch the game winning touchdown against the rival Patriots and you'll see No. 17 jersey sales spike through the roof.

Once a player starts feeling the love from the fans, it becomes a huge confidence booster.  With the support and love from so many people, many people can tackle the biggest of problems.

This will be the case for Plaxico Burress.  By the end of the 2011 season, he will be in the same boat Michael Vick is right now.

Maybe the Eagles and the Jets will meet in the Super Bowl.  We can then nickname it the "Redemption Bowl."

I like the sound of that.