Strahan Goes out in a Broadway-like Style

By John Kelly-for Football Reporters Online Strahan Goes out in a Broadway-like Style Michael Strahan entertained his audience with his final number, singing the lyrics of "New York New York", as he announced announced his retirement on podium June 11th. While most players shed tears on never playing another NFL down, Strahan just let out that gapped smile we are used to seeing from him during any routine interview. Of course he has plenty of reason to smile finishing his career with a Super Bowl Ring against an undefeated Patriots team critics had marked the team of the century. Before the monumental upset of the Patriots, Strahan had already built a strong enough reseme that can qualify him for Canton in 2013. Strahan leads the Giants in career sacks with 141 and half, ranks 5th in the NFL for his career, and holds the single season sack record with 22 and half which he racked up in 2001. A Super Bowl ring versus the Patriots is final accolade that Michael needed before calling it quits. All the greats like Elway, Favre, and recently Jerome Bettis finished illustrious careers with a Super Bowl ring and it was fitting that Strahan joined that club. Besides his excellent technique and sound fundamentals against the run and the play action, Strahan had a deep seeded passion towards the game. "There is nothing like it," Strahan said to the New York Times. "You come out of that tunnel and you have the cheers, or you have the boos ? and in some stadiums worse. There is nothing, absolutely, like that. And if I didn't have the passion to feel that, then money couldn't buy the passion." Strahan never lacked intensity either with his famous sack celebrations, including one that rap group Dipset produced a hit from. He played 150 percent every down and loved to play against the run more than the pass reflecting his diversity as an all-around defensive end. He always was fired up and even when he was injured on the sideline he was encouraging teammates and acting as the consummate professional. He gave great advice to Usi Umenyiora and other young defensive ends on the team and also had a strong work ethic. He also would work out as long as any free agent rookie trying to make the team. Umenyiora was very fond of Strahan and was quoted by Espn saying, "I loved him like a brother. You put in 15 strong years in the NFL, man that is something in this day and age is impossible to do." "It's a very, very sad day for me personally." Head Coach and Super Bowl winning coach Tom Coughlin had nothing but positives to say about his former Defensive end. Coughlin mentioned Strahan's virtues as a player and as a locker room presence during the Press Conference. "He put team above self," Coughlin said. "And that's the greatest thing he did." Strahan wanted to get his retirement out of the way so he would not be a distraction to the Giants for this year. This announcement is a little off-season distraction for the organization it turns the attention to Strahan at the right time and gets his retirement out of the way honoring him in the proper way. It is unbelievable that the 2007-2008 Giant team of last year was in shambles with Strahan himself holding out for more money, Coughlin on the hot seat, and recently retired Tiki Barber was firing off about Eli Manning not being a good enough leader. Strahan now is a Super Bowl Champion, as well as Coughlin who also has a juicy contract extension. Yet Tiki Barber is without a ring and cast out like most Giants fans like Benedict Arnold. Strahan's retirement is crucial now early in the off-season as the Giants have adequate time to find a replacement to replenish that terrorizing defensive line they have and they can concentrate on resigning Plaxico "crystal ball" Burress. The one question Giants fan are wondering even though Strahan has now dove into a Fox TV contract is whether he will possibly itch to play in the near future. Strahan at 36, according to the New York Times said, "he felt good enough physically to play defensive end but that he wanted to call it quits." "I think after 15 years, the man upstairs said: 'Michael, I let you stick around for 15. I gave you a ring. Now don't be stupid,' " Strahan said. This does not mean if the 2008-2009 Giants get off to a rough start Strahan might be called like a swing coach for Tiger Woods. It is possible he might return but for right now Strahan is on his way to take his personality to Fox Football while moving on to important things in his life. Michael its time to let go and hang it up you have done everything you can to punch your ticket into the Hall of Fame.