Elijah Burress Honors His Father’s Legacy and Starts His Own by Wearing No. 17 for Notre Dame Football as a Freshman
When Elijah Burress walked onto the field in South Bend for the first time as a member of the Notre Dame football team, there was a familiar aura about him — not just because he carries the name of one of the NFL’s most well-known wide receivers, but because the number on his jersey, 17, holds meaning far deeper than a simple roster assignment. That number is a symbol, a tribute, and a statement. And for the younger Burress, it marks both a continuation of a legacy and the start of his own unique journey in one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
The story of how Elijah Burress came to wear No. 17 at Notre Dame is rooted in family, legacy, and a deep respect for the game. His father, Plaxico Burress, made the number iconic during his standout career in the NFL, especially during his time with the New York Giants, where he caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII against the previously undefeated New England Patriots. For Elijah, the number was more than just something he saw on old highlight reels — it was something he grew up around, admired, and dreamed of wearing on his own path to greatness.
From a young age, Elijah was immersed in the world of football. Watching his father’s career unfold gave him a front-row seat to the highest levels of competition. But it also instilled in him an understanding of the game’s demands — the discipline, the mental preparation, and the relentless drive required to succeed. While his father was a towering presence on the field, Elijah’s journey was shaped by a desire not simply to follow in those footsteps, but to carve out his own identity, grounded in similar values but forged in his own way.
Choosing Notre Dame was part of that journey. The Irish offered not just a rich football tradition and a national platform, but a culture of excellence and accountability that mirrored what Elijah had grown up with. His commitment to Notre Dame wasn’t just about football — it was about education, development, and stepping into a program where he could be challenged to grow as a person and an athlete.
When Elijah arrived on campus, the question of his jersey number naturally arose. As a freshman wide receiver entering a crowded and talented position group, some players might have chosen to stay under the radar or let the coaching staff assign them a number. But Elijah had one request — to wear No. 17. It wasn’t about hype or trying to make a splash. It was about honoring his father’s influence, respecting the path that had led him there, and embracing the weight of that number as a personal motivator.
Notre Dame, a program known for its reverence of tradition and symbolism, understood the significance. After a brief conversation with the staff and a check to make sure the number was available, Elijah was granted the right to wear No. 17 — a decision that carried quiet but powerful emotional weight. It was a way of saying, “I know where I come from, and I’m ready to build something of my own.”
Wearing No. 17 isn’t about pressure for Elijah; it’s about purpose. Every time he lines up in practice, every route he runs, and every ball he catches is done with that heritage in mind. It’s a reminder of the excellence that came before, but also a call to live up to it — not by being a carbon copy of his father, but by adding his own chapter to the Burress football story.
The early reviews on Elijah have been promising. Though still just a freshman, he has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike for his work ethic, attention to detail, and poise beyond his years. He’s not the biggest receiver on the roster, nor the fastest, but what sets him apart is his technical polish and mental approach to the game. He studies film with intensity, asks questions in meetings, and is constantly looking for ways to gain a competitive edge.
Notre Dame’s wide receivers coach, Mike Brown, has been impressed by Elijah’s maturity. In interviews, Brown has emphasized that Elijah “gets it” — that he understands the difference between hype and hard work. According to those inside the program, Burress has embraced every aspect of the grind, whether it’s early morning lifts, film sessions, or special teams reps. He’s determined to earn his place in the rotation the right way, not by riding his last name, but by proving himself every single day.
That mindset has resonated in the locker room as well. Upperclassmen, including veteran wideouts and team leaders, have taken notice of Elijah’s no-nonsense approach. He’s quiet, focused, and deliberate — qualities that are especially valued in a freshman. One senior described him as “the kind of freshman who doesn’t act like a freshman,” noting that his preparation and maturity make him easy to trust on the field.
Still, the adjustment from high school to major college football is never easy, even for legacy players. Elijah is still learning the speed of the college game, adjusting to complex route trees, and facing defensive backs who are bigger, stronger, and smarter than anything he faced in high school. But his growth curve has been steep, and the coaching staff believes he could contribute sooner than expected — especially as the Irish continue to look for playmakers who can stretch the field and make contested catches.
While No. 17 will always be linked to his father in the minds of many, Elijah is determined to redefine the number in his own image at Notre Dame. That means making big plays on Saturdays, yes, but also becoming a complete player — someone who blocks with intensity, leads by example, and understands the finer points of the position. He’s studying the playbook, asking questions in film sessions, and developing chemistry with the Irish quarterbacks in offseason workouts.
Off the field, Elijah has embraced everything Notre Dame has to offer. He’s built relationships with his teammates, connected with the campus community, and immersed himself in the university’s culture. For him, wearing No. 17 is part of a bigger journey — one that includes academic goals, personal growth, and ultimately, preparing for life beyond football.
The presence of his father, Plaxico, remains an important part of that journey. Though not an overbearing influence, Plaxico has offered guidance and perspective when needed. He’s shared stories from his own college and NFL days, provided tips on route running and game preparation, and most importantly, reminded Elijah that greatness is earned, not inherited. The father-son bond is strong, built not just on football, but on mutual respect and a shared understanding of what it takes to excel.
In many ways, Elijah’s choice to wear No. 17 is symbolic of the balance he’s trying to strike — honoring the past without being consumed by it. He knows the comparisons will come. He knows that every catch, every drop, and every moment on the field will be viewed through the lens of being Plaxico Burress’s son. But he’s not running from that. He’s embracing it — on his own terms, in his own way, wearing the number that started it all.
Notre Dame fans have always loved a good story — and Elijah Burress wearing No. 17 is a great one. It’s a tale of legacy, determination, and the power of a number to connect generations. But it’s also a story that’s just beginning. The Irish faithful will be watching closely as Elijah steps onto the field this fall, ready to see what he can do with that number on his back.
He’s not just wearing it for his father. He’s wearing it for himself, for Notre Dame, and for everything it represents. And if his early work is any indication, No. 17 is in very good hands.
