Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Strahan

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Strahan made an impact.

Michael Strahan is an American television host, journalist, and former professional football player. He spent his entire 15-year NFL career as a defensive end for the New York Giants. Strahan holds the NFL record for most single-season quarterback sacks. A Super Bowl champion, he helped the Giants defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII in his final season. Following his football career, Strahan transitioned to television, becoming a well-known host and journalist.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Sacks Became Official Statistic

In 1982, the NFL officially began tracking sacks as a statistic, setting the stage for Michael Strahan's record-breaking season in 2001.

1991: Leading SWAC in Sacks

In 1991, Michael Strahan led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with 14.5 quarterback sacks as a junior.

1993: Drafted by the New York Giants

In 1993, Michael Strahan was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the New York Giants. He played in only six games due to injuries and missed the Giants' two playoff games that season.

1997: Beginning of Dominant Period

From 1997, Michael Strahan started being one of the most dominant defensive ends in the NFL.

1997: Breakout Season with the Giants

In 1997, Michael Strahan had a breakout season with 14 sacks for the New York Giants. He was voted into his first Pro Bowl and was named First-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.

1998: Continued Success with the Giants

In 1998, Michael Strahan continued his success, racking up 15 sacks and being voted into his second Pro-Bowl and All-Pro team.

1999: Game-Winning Interception

In Week 8 of the 1999 season, Michael Strahan returned an interception 44 yards for a game-winning overtime touchdown in a 23–17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

2000: Participation in Super Bowl XXXV

In 2000, Michael Strahan was a member of the New York Giants team that participated in Super Bowl XXXV, where they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens 34-7.

2001: Record-Breaking Season

In the 2001 season, Michael Strahan set the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22.5.

January 6, 2002: Record-Breaking Sack

On January 6, 2002, in the final game of the 2001 season, Michael Strahan achieved the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22.5. The controversial sack occurred against Brett Favre.

2005: Return to Pro Bowl

In 2005, Michael Strahan rebounded from injury and returned to the Pro Bowl, combining with Osi Umenyiora for 26 sacks.

October 23, 2006: Tying Lawrence Taylor's Sack Record

On October 23, 2006, in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, Michael Strahan tied Lawrence Taylor's Giants franchise record for career sacks with 132.5.

2006: Return for Final Season

In 2006, after contemplating retirement, Michael Strahan returned for one final season with the New York Giants.

September 30, 2007: New Franchise Sack Record

On September 30, 2007, Michael Strahan sacked Donovan McNabb, setting a new New York Giants franchise record with 133.5 career sacks.

2007: Super Bowl XLII Victory

In 2007, during his final season, Michael Strahan helped the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots.

2007: Career Stats Through 2007 Season

Through the 2007 season, Michael Strahan retired with 141.5 career sacks, 854 career tackles, four career interceptions, 24 forced fumbles, and three career touchdowns in 200 games over a 15-year career.

February 3, 2008: Super Bowl XLII Victory

On February 3, 2008, Michael Strahan won Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants against the previously undefeated New England Patriots. Strahan had two tackles and one sack in the game.

February 2008: Sneaker Design with Nike

In February 2008, Michael Strahan and Giants teammate Justin Tuck teamed up with Nike to design their own exclusive sneakers for ID studio in New York City. All proceeds from the sneakers were donated to Nike's Let Me Play global campaign.

June 9, 2008: Retirement from the NFL

On June 9, 2008, Michael Strahan officially retired from the National Football League (NFL).

June 24, 2008: Joining Fox NFL Sunday

On June 24, 2008, Michael Strahan joined the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show as an analyst.

October 1, 2010: Guest Hosting Live! with Regis and Kelly

On October 1, 2010, Michael Strahan co-hosted Live! with Regis and Kelly as a guest host alongside Kelly Ripa.

June 2011: Commercial Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

In June 2011, Michael Strahan filmed a commercial supporting legalizing same-sex marriage in New York.

November 2011: Philbin Leaves Live!

In November 2011, Regis Philbin left Live! with Regis and Kelly, leaving an empty spot for a new co-host.

September 4, 2012: Official Co-Host of Live!

On September 4, 2012, Michael Strahan officially became Kelly Ripa's new co-host on the syndicated talk show, Live! with Kelly and Michael.

2012: Co-hosting Live! with Kelly and Michael

In 2012, Michael Strahan became the co-host of Live! with Kelly and Michael with Kelly Ripa.

2014: Regular contributor on Good Morning America

In 2014, Michael Strahan became a regular contributor on Good Morning America.

September 8, 2015: Launch of Clothing Line

On September 8, 2015, Michael Strahan launched a men's clothing line exclusively through JCPenney.

April 19, 2016: Departure from Live! to GMA

On April 19, 2016, ABC announced that Michael Strahan would be leaving Live! with Kelly and Michael to work full-time on Good Morning America.

2016: Hosting The $100,000 Pyramid Revival

In 2016, Michael Strahan began hosting a summer revival of The $100,000 Pyramid on ABC.

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2016: Joining Good Morning America Full-Time

In 2016, Michael Strahan left Live! to join Good Morning America (GMA) full-time.

December 2018: Volunteer Work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

In December 2018, Michael Strahan volunteered at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and was featured in a series of holiday promotions.

2018: Co-hosting GMA Day

In 2018, Michael Strahan began co-hosting a daytime talk show spin-off of Good Morning America, originally titled GMA Day, alongside Sara Haines.

2018: Hosting Fox NFL Thursday

In 2018, Michael Strahan began hosting the Fox NFL Thursday pregame show alongside Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long.

January 2019: Retitling to Strahan and Sara

In January 2019, GMA Day was retitled Strahan and Sara.

August 2019: Retitling to Strahan, Sara and Keke

In August 2019, Strahan and Sara was retitled Strahan, Sara and Keke with the addition of actress Keke Palmer.

March 2020: Show Put on Hiatus

In March 2020, Strahan, Sara and Keke was put on hiatus due to ABC News coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Pyramid Airing Cancelled

In the summer of 2020, Pyramid did not air due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: T.J. Watt Matches Strahan's Sack Record

In 2021, T. J. Watt matched Michael Strahan's record for the most NFL single-season quarterback sacks.

February 19, 2025: Leaving Good Morning America

On February 19, 2025, it was reported that Michael Strahan would be leaving Good Morning America at the end of his contract.

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