New York Giants legend Michael Strahan reflects on family, teammates as sports world celebrates his jersey retirement

By Kelly McCarthy

No New York Giant will ever wear Michael Strahan's famed number 92 again after the team officially retired it from circulation on Sunday.

For 15 seasons, Strahan was a fearsome defensive end in the league. He notched 141.5 career sacks, 854 tackles, four interceptions and one Super Bowl Championship title.

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Former New York Giants player Michael Strahan during the ceremony to retire his number at half time of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Nov. 28, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J.

"When I came to New York to play football, I just wanted to play football. I just was happy to have a job. And I never figured that that job would transfer into like a career and doing what I love and the best city in the world," the "Good Morning America" co-anchor said. "And now to have my jersey retired. It's absolutely incredible honor. Lost for words."

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During his speech at MetLife Stadium in front of a stadium full of longtime fans, Strahan praised his family for their support.

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Former New York Giants player Michael Strahan jumps on the stage during the ceremony to retire his number at half time of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Nov. 28, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J.

"I am so grateful to have my family here because without them, I am not here," he said. "My father is here in spirit and my mom is here. Thank you, mom, for giving birth to me. For encouraging me and for being the toughest person in my life."

🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/mZA4cqVNYi

— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) November 28, 2021

For Strahan, this moment was also about his teammates.

"STOMP YOU OUT." @Giants | @michaelstrahan pic.twitter.com/6Kp2baxChV

— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021

"You don't do anything alone. Everything's not always about you," he told ABC News. "And teamwork makes the dream work."

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In this Sept. 30, 2007 file photo Michael Strahan of the New York Giants celebrates at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

David Duprey/AP, FILE

In this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo New York Giants Michael Strahan reacts after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Former teammates, competitors, friends and colleagues continued the celebrations on social media, hailing Strahan's incredible career.

"Congrats you are one of a kind and it was an honor to play against you," Tom Brady commented on Strahan's Instagram post.

It was great to celebrate ⁦@michaelstrahan⁩ getting his number retired. Now I get to celebrate the win. pic.twitter.com/QrD0oAcpUC

— Eli Manning (@EliManning) November 28, 2021

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A post shared by Kimberly Godwin (@newsmom8)

Today my brother @michaelstrahan gets his jersey retired. Veryyyyy long overdue. So of course I had to have him make me a suit with #92 lining the inside. Very proud of you bro, very few saw the work this dude put in when nobody else was watching.@mstrahanbrand @nflonfox @Giants pic.twitter.com/sjsmLr78rD

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 28, 2021