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

By Kelly McCarthy, ABC News Nov 29, 2021 | 8:06 AM


Sarah Stier/Getty Images

(NEW YORK) — 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 quarterback in the league. He notched 141.5 career sacks, 854 tackles, four interceptions and one Super Bowl Championship title.

“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.”

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

“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.”

For Strahan, this moment was also about his teammates.

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

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.

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