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. Renowned as a defensive end for the New York Giants over his 15-year NFL career, Strahan set the record for the most sacks in a single season. A crowning achievement came in his final season, 2007, when he helped lead the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII against the previously undefeated New England Patriots. His accomplishments 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 media career.

Sections (4)

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

1982: Sacks become an official statistic

In 1982, sacks became an official statistic in the NFL.

1991: SWAC sack leader

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

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.

1997: Start of Dominant Period

From 1997, Michael Strahan established himself as one of the most dominant defensive ends in the NFL.

1997: Breakout Season with 14 Sacks

In 1997, Michael Strahan had a breakout season, recording 14 sacks and earning his first Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors.

1998: Continued Success and Pro-Bowl Selection

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 Return

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 Appearance

In 2000, Michael Strahan participated in Super Bowl XXXV with the New York Giants, where they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens 34-7.

2001: Sets NFL single-season sack record

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

January 6, 2002: Controversial Sack against Brett Favre

On January 6, 2002, in the final game of the 2001 season, Michael Strahan recorded a controversial sack against Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, which helped him break the single-season sack record.

2005: Pro Bowl Return

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

October 23, 2006: Ties Giants' Career 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 Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys.

September 30, 2007: Breaks Giants Franchise Sack Record

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

2007: Career Statistics at Retirement

By the end of the 2007 season, Michael Strahan retired with 141.5 career sacks (fifth all-time when he retired), 854 career tackles, four career interceptions, 24 forced fumbles, and three career touchdowns in 200 games over a 15-year career.

2007: Super Bowl XLII Victory

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

February 3, 2008: Super Bowl XLII Victory

On February 3, 2008, Michael Strahan won Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants, defeating the New England Patriots 17-14.

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 NFL.

June 24, 2008: Joins Fox NFL Sunday

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

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

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

June 2011: Commercial Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

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

September 4, 2012: Permanent Co-Host on Live! with Kelly and Michael

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

2012: Joins Live! with Kelly and Michael

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

2014: Regular Contributor on Good Morning America

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

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

On April 19, 2016, it was 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: Departure from Live! and Joining Good Morning America Full-Time

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

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: Hosts Fox NFL Thursday

In 2018, Michael Strahan began hosting the Fox NFL Thursday pregame show.

2018: Co-hosting GMA Day

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

January 2019: Program retitled to Strahan and Sara

In January 2019, the program was retitled Strahan and Sara.

August 2019: Program retitled to Strahan, Sara and Keke

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

December 11, 2021: Suborbital Space Flight

On December 11, 2021, Michael Strahan flew on a suborbital space flight aboard the Blue Origin NS-19, becoming the tallest person to fly in space. He was also one of the final recipients of the FAA Commercial Space Astronaut Wings.