Arguably the face of the New York Giants during Super Bowl week in Arizona (no one was more popular with reporters during Media Day), defensive end Michael Strahan almost wasn’t a Giant this season.
During the summer, Strahan, 36, pondered retirement after 14 seasons despite coming off a season with nine sacks. In fact, he missed all of training camp, spending most of the time in Hermosa Beach, Calif., enjoying the sun and the sand.
Strahan wasn't happy with his contract, and General Manager Jerry Reese wasn't going to give him a raise.
So Strahan stayed away, racking up fines from the club, fielding calls from Reese and text messages from teammates and coaches, asking him when he was going to show up.
”I was enjoying myself on the beach,” Strahan said. “My offseason was phenomenal. I had a great time. I did not regret or miss not being at camp one bit.”
There were reports that a messy, public, expensive divorce may have been the motivation for Strahan eventually returning (it reportedly cost Strahan around $15 million).
Strahan says his motivation to play this year was as simple as wanting to finish his career upright and healthy and to have a chance at playing in his second Super Bowl.
And played well, part of a defense that led the NFL with 53 sacks. Strahan finished the regular season with nine sacks, third on the team behind fellow defensive ends Osi Umenyiora, who had 13, and Justin Tuck, who had 10.
”We compete against each other so if somebody gets a sack, the other guys want to get two. We compete against each other and that's why I think we've had the season we've had together,” Strahan said.You're talking about a 15-year veteran who still plays the game at a high level of skill,' linebacker Antonio Pierce said. 'He's a Pro Bowler, a future Hall of Famer. He's been a big influence on the young guys, especially on the defensive line.'
Strahan, whose 141.5 career sacks lead all active players and rank fifth on the NFL’s all-time list, is one of two Giants (Amani Toomer) who played on New York’s Super Bowl XXXV team, which lost 34-7 to the Ravens.
”It’s a different type of happiness than it was the last time. Last time was probably giddiness. This is, “I’m just happy to be here,” and I realize that we still have one step to take.”
If the Giants were to pull the upset, Strahan hasn’t said whether he will take the route of John Elway or Jerome Bettis and retire while on top.
”I think if you start to think like that, it takes away from your season, it takes away from your preparation for that year and especially a game like this,” said Strahan. “It’s the last thing on my mind.”
”I just want a ring. ... (and) you know what’s he said, laughing. “If I would have stayed retired, they wouldn’t be here. We all know that.”
Bet on Super Bowl XLII at WagerWeb.com
No comments:
Post a Comment