Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Legend Michael Strahan Dealt Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 3:53 PM ET

Michael Strahan has become a major television personality following his NFL career. After retiring in 2008, the former New York Giants star joined Fox Sports as an analyst on "Fox NFL Sunday," where he remains to this day. Strahan also expanded his brand as a full-time co-anchor on the popular morning show "Good Morning America" in 2016.

But while Strahan continues to shine on television, he remains one of the greatest players in NFL history, helping the Giants win Super Bowl XLII over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. During the 2001 season, Strahan famously sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for his 22.5th sack of the year, the play that broke Mark Gastineau’s single-season sack record.

NFL and New York Giants legend Michael Strahan © Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Fast forward to the 2021 NFL season, Strahan's single-season sack record was in jeopardy as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt nearly took it away. But after recording five sacks in the final two games, Watt was only able to tie Strahan's record, keeping it alive for a few more years. Until Sunday.

To cap off the 2025 NFL season, Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns faced off against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 18 AFC North matchup. Going into the game, Garrett had recorded 22 sacks on the year, needing one more to pass Strahan and Watt.

After going without a sack for the first three quarters of action, Garrett finally brought down Burrow for a five-yard loss, marking the former Texas A&M star’s first sack of the day. In doing so, Garrett broke Strahan's record, which had stood for nearly a quarter century.

"MYLES GARRETT IS THE NEW SACK RECORD KING," the NFL wrote on X.

MYLES GARRETT IS THE NEW SACK RECORD KING.

CLEvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Jaa4aBGrIl
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

While Strahan, and Watt, may no longer hold the single-season sack record, it is important to note that Strahan achieved 22.5 sacks in 16 games, while Garrett secured the new sack record in 17.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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