Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Strahan

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

Michael Strahan is a prominent American television personality and former professional football player. He spent his entire 15-year NFL career as a defensive end for the New York Giants. Renowned for his pass-rushing skills, Strahan holds the NFL record for single-season sacks. He capped off his career with a Super Bowl XLII victory in 2007 against the New England Patriots. His achievements on the field led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. After retiring from football, he transitioned into a successful career as a television host and journalist.

Sections (4)

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

1991: Leads SWAC in Sacks

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

1992: All-SWAC and SWAC Player of the Year

In 1992, Michael Strahan was named First-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the SWAC's Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

1993: Drafted by New York Giants

In 1993, Michael Strahan was selected in the second round by the New York Giants.

1997: Start of Dominant Period

From 1997, Michael Strahan began a period of dominance in the NFL that lasted until 2005.

1997: Breakout Season

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

1998: Continued Success

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: Super Bowl XXXV Participation

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

2001: Record-Breaking Sack Season

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

January 6, 2002: Controversial Sack

On January 6, 2002, in the final game of the 2001 season, Michael Strahan recorded a controversial sack against Brett Favre, leading to accusations that Favre deliberately fell to help Strahan break the single-season sack record.

2005: Return to the Pro Bowl

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

October 23, 2006: Ties Giants Franchise Sack Record

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

2006: Possible Retirement and Return

After the 2006 season, it seemed as though Michael Strahan would retire, but he opted to return for one final year.

September 30, 2007: New Giants Franchise Record

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

2007: Career Stats

By the end of the 2007 season, Michael Strahan had retired with 141.5 career sacks, 854 career tackles, four career interceptions, 24 forced fumbles, and three career touchdowns.

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.

February 3, 2008: Super Bowl XLII Victory

On February 3, 2008, Michael Strahan played in Super Bowl XLII, recording two tackles and one sack, as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14.

February 2008: Sneaker Design Collaboration with Nike

In February 2008, Michael Strahan and Giants teammate Justin Tuck collaborated with Nike to design their own exclusive sneakers for ID studio in New York City. All proceeds 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 NFL.

June 24, 2008: Joins Fox NFL Sunday

On June 24, 2008, it was announced that Michael Strahan would be joining the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show as an analyst.

October 1, 2010: Guest Co-Host on Live! with Regis and Kelly

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

June 2011: Commercial Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

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

September 4, 2012: Official Co-Host of Live! with Kelly and Michael

On September 4, 2012, Michael Strahan was selected as 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 a co-host of Live! with Kelly and Michael with Kelly Ripa.

February 2, 2013: Hall of Fame Snub

On February 2, 2013, Michael Strahan was not voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

2014: Regular Contributor on Good Morning America

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

April 19, 2016: Departure from Live! to Join Good Morning America

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.

Loading Video...

2016: Hosting The $100,000 Pyramid

In 2016, ABC announced that Michael Strahan would be hosting a summer revival of The $100,000 Pyramid.

2016: Joining Good Morning America full-time

In 2016, Michael Strahan left Live! with Kelly and Michael to join Good Morning America full-time.

December 2018: Volunteer Work at St. Jude

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

2018: Host of Fox NFL Thursday

In 2018, Michael Strahan became the host of the Fox NFL Thursday pregame show when Fox acquired the rights to broadcast Thursday Night Football.

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.

January 2019: Retitled Strahan and Sara

In January 2019, the daytime talk show spin-off of Good Morning America, originally titled GMA Day, was retitled Strahan and Sara.

August 2019: Retitled Strahan, Sara and Keke

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

2021: T.J. Watt matches Strahan's sack record

In 2021, T.J. Watt matched Michael Strahan's record for most NFL single-season quarterback sacks at 22.5.

February 19, 2025: Departure from Good Morning America

On February 19, 2025, NewsNation reported that Michael Strahan would be leaving Good Morning America at the end of his contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2025.

Loading Video...