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 retired American football player and current television personality. He played his entire 15-year NFL career with the New York Giants as a defensive end. Strahan holds the NFL single-season record for sacks and won Super Bowl XLII with the Giants in 2007. His achievements on the field led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. Since retiring from football, he has transitioned to a successful career in television.

Sections (4)

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

1991: Led SWAC with 14.5 Sacks

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

1993: Drafted by New York Giants

In 1993, Michael Strahan was selected in the second round by the New York Giants. He played in only six games that season due to injuries.

1997: Dominance in the NFL

From 1997 to 2005, Michael Strahan was one of the most dominant defensive ends in the NFL, considered the standard and best at his position during his prime.

1997: Breakout Season and First Pro Bowl

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

1998: Second Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team

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 was a member of the Giants team that participated in Super Bowl XXXV, where they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens.

2001: NFL Record for Sacks in a Single 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 Brett Favre

On January 6, 2002, in the final game of the 2001 season, Michael Strahan recorded a controversial sack on Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, helping him set the NFL single-season sack record. Some accused Favre of deliberately falling to ensure that Strahan would get the record.

2005: Returned to Pro Bowl

In 2005, Michael Strahan rebounded from injury, returning to the Pro Bowl, with his protégé, Osi Umenyiora, as the two combined for 26 sacks while anchoring the Giants' defense.

October 23, 2006: Tied Giants Franchise Record for Career Sacks

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

September 30, 2007: New Franchise Record

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

2007: Super Bowl XLII Win

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

2007: Career Stats at Retirement

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. He was also named to the Pro Bowl roster seven times.

February 3, 2008: Super Bowl XLII Win

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

February 2008: Sneaker Design Collaboration 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 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.

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October 1, 2010: Guest Co-hosts 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.

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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.

November 2011: Regis Philbin Leaves Live!

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

September 4, 2012: New 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: Co-host of Live! with Kelly and Michael

In 2012, Michael Strahan became a 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.

April 19, 2016: Leaves Live! with Kelly and Michael

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

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