Burress

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Plaxico Burress looked through his wraparound shades and pointed to two choice midfield seats at University of Phoenix Stadium.

"If my mom and her were living now, they would probably be sitting in that first row right there, seats 15 and 16," the New York Giants' big-play receiver said. "They would have the best seats in the house."

And watching his every move, no doubt, in Sunday's Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

The words from Burress' heart said a lot about the women who shaped his life, particularly his grandmother, Louise Elliott, whom he honored by wearing a special T-shirt under his jersey during games at Michigan State.

"My grandma was sort of a rock," Burress said. "Everyone leaned on her. She was a quiet one who walked with swagger though, walked with a swagger. I think my mom got a lot from her. I think I learned from them a quite confidence."

Throughout his college and pro careers that confidence has crossed the line at times.

Burress has never been afraid to speak his mind, and Tuesday was no exception.

Five days before the biggest game of his career, Burress predicted that the Giants would spoil the Patriots' bid for a perfect season with a 23-17 win.

"It was the first thing that came into my mind," said Burress, sporting bling galore — a diamond in each ear, a silver cross hanging from his neck and a huge gold watch wrapped around his wrist.

He then downplayed the obvious bulletin-board material for the Patriots.

"I am going to say it again, the goal is to win the football game," Burress said. "It is not to come here and just play. The goal is to come here and win. That's why we are here."

When pressed, Burress would not back down, noting if the Giants do what is necessary "we will win the football game."

Giants coach Tom Coughlin was stunned to hear that one of his players guaranteed a win, a la Joe Namath poolside in 1969.

"That's not the way we have done things all season," Coughlin said.

But that's Burress' way.

Off the field, he was arrested on a charge of drinking in public and criticized for socializing with opposing players.

"We are all humans," Burress said. "We all make good and bad choices but it makes you who you are. I am very happy with who I am and that's one of values instilled in me. I'm not perfect, far from a saint. I wouldn't want to be any other person other than Plaxico Burress."