Michael Strahan
Legendary Super Bowl Champion and Emmy-nominated “Fox NFL Sunday” analyst Michael Strahan is the co-host of popular morning talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael.” Strahan joined the program in September, 2012, and recently celebrated the very successful first year of his partnership with co-host Kelly Ripa.
Prior to joining the ranks of the top sports broadcasters in the country, Strahan’s entire 15-year football career was typified by the charisma and sportsmanship that made him a seven-time Pro-Bowler and one of only four players ever to lead the NFL in sacks for two seasons. His spectacular NFL career resulted in Strahan being named to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, the sport’s highest honor.
Strahan lead the New York Giants to a dramatic Super Bowl victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in 2007. In 2001, Strahan completed what is widely considered to be one of the greatest seasons ever for a defensive player, breaking the 18-year-old NFL single season sack record with 22.5 sacks. His record still stands today. The charismatic leader of the New York Giants was named the NFL’s 2001 Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated and the 2001 Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press, making him the first New York Giant to win the award since Lawrence Taylor.
Strahan recently added to his broadcasting portfolio by taking on the role of special co-host for ABC’s top-rated morning program, “Good Morning America.” With a natural affinity for people and an effortless ease in front of the camera, Strahan’s previous hosting duties included “Pros v. Joes,” which pitted amateur contestants against professional athletes in a series of athletic feats. Strahan co-hosted the family cable show “Backyard Stadiums” on DIY Network and built outdoor recreational projects with his co-host. In addition, he participated in the kid-friendly show “Giants on Deck” and the YES Network show “Sack and Renovate,” in which he led a guided tour inside his 100-year-old home. Strahan also tackled the world of scripted network primetime television as the star of “Brothers,” a 30-minute sitcom on Fox from Sony Pictures Television.
Dedicated to many charitable works, Strahan donates his hands and heart to numerous charities including St. Jude Children’s hospital, The USO and Cedar Sinai’s Sports Spectacular.
Strahan was a vocal and visible leader among the athletic community in the aftermath of the World Trade Center tragedy. As the player representative for the Giants, Strahan led the charge in calling for the league to cancel its games following the event.
Born in Houston, Texas, Strahan spent most of his youth in Germany, where his father Gene was stationed in the U.S. Army. Strahan returned to the U.S. for a portion of high school and soon was recruited to play football at Texas Southern University. As a senior at Texas Southern, Strahan was selected first team All-America by the Associated Press when he recorded a school-record 19 sacks and 62 tackles, 32 of which cost opposing teams 142 yards in combined losses.
Now partnered with longtime friends Constance Schwartz and Mark Sudack to form SMAC Entertainment, Strahan brings his skills, determination, leadership, experience and humor to the multi-dimensional entertainment management, branding, and production company. In October 2013, they announced the start of production on an untitled biopic of boxer Arturo Gotti, alongside executive producer Mark Wahlberg. Additionally, Strahan hosted and executive produced Nickelodeon’s inaugural Kid’s Choice Sports Awards in July 2014.
