NEW YORK -- Former Pittsburgh Steeler and current New York Giants star wide receiver Plaxico Burress arrived in a black Cadillac Escalade wearing jeans and a black coat while appearing in court on weapons possession charges stemming from an accidental shooting at a Manhattan nightclub.

Walking without a limp Monday, a handcuffed Burress was taken out of a New York City police station after being charged with weapons violations.

Burress remains among an increasing number of NFL players who carry firearms with them following recent attacks.

A year after Washington Redskin Sean Taylor was shot and killed during a robbery attempt, the current issue of ESPN the Magazine focuses on security issues for players.

In the article, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he was once approached by a man with a gun, but was able to talk his way out of the situation.

As a result, Roethlisberger said he now travels with at least one bodyguard.

"If I'm going to a club that I believe that I either need a gun or a bunch of guns, bodyguards and whatnot, do you really need to go to that club?" said Joe Diven of Carengie-based Victory Security. "Some of them need to change their life patterns."

Rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall was robbed at gunpoint in Chicago just days after being drafted by the Steelers.

"You have to be careful of who you are and who's around you," Mendenhall cautioned. "It's rough out there. I just found it was a learning experience."

While a member of the Steelers in 2005, Burress' Washington's Landing townhouse was robbed by gunmen.

The robbers attempted to get away with $65,000 in cash, jewelry, and other items, but were eventually caught.

Burress was with the team in Buffalo at the time.

The Steelers would not comment, but said they do provide security for players on game days and road trips.

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