By Jordan Long
The New York Giants are preparing to take on the Denver Broncos on September 12th to open the season. The franchise has decided to retire the jersey of one of the top defensive linemen to play for them, Michael Strahan. This will occur in week 12 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles.
Strahan was drafted by the New York Giants in the 2nd round of the 1993 NFL Draft, 40th overall. Some notable names in that draft include quarterback Drew Bledsoe, running back Jerome Bettis, and safety John Lynch. The Giants had an aging linebacker in Lawrence Taylor who retired after the 1993 season. They were hoping Strahan would fill his shoes to sack the quarterback.
Strahan didn’t do much in his rookie year, totaling 1 sack and 3 tackles. In 1994, Strahan improved his game and ended up with 4.5 sacks and 40 tackles. In the 1997 season, Strahan had his first of his 6 seasons of 10+ sacks, totaling 14.
His top season for the Giants was in 2001. He set a goal for the NFL record for sacks in a year. Reggie White and Chris Doleman were tied with the most sacks in a season with 21. Reggie White totaled 21 in 1987 while Doleman tied White in 1989. Strahan broke the record with 22.5 sacks that year. The next best year for Strahan was in 2003 when he totaled 18.5 sacks.
When Strahan was on the field, offensive lineman needed to know where he lined up. They had to double-team him so Strahan couldn’t take down the quarterback easily. Unfortunately, that didn’t work. Strahan would find a way to push back the offensive lineman or fight around the double team to sack the quarterback which flipped field position.
Strahan finished his Giants’ career with 141.5 sacks, the most in Giants’ history. He broke the franchise record set by Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor who had 132.5 sacks from 1981 to 1993.
The Giants ended up in the postseason 5 times with him. New York advanced to the Super Bowl twice with him, Super Bowl 35 and Super Bowl 42. They lost Super Bowl 35 to the Baltimore Ravens 34-7. The Ravens had one of the best defenses in NFL History. Super Bowl 42 was Strahan’s only Super Bowl victory. The Giants knocked off the New England Patriots 17-14. New England was undefeated going into the game and this was their only loss of the season.
Besides his Super Bowl victory, Strahan played in the Pro Bowl 7 times. He was also placed on the All-Pro First Team 4 times and All-Pro Second eam twice. Strahan is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his play on the field.
The Giants needed to retire his number to show he was one of the top players ever to put on their uniform. According to ESPN.com, New York Giants co-owner John Mara said, “Michael Strahan was one of the greatest players in franchise history. He deserves to have his number retired as other Giants’ immortals have, including Mel Hein, Frank Gifford, and Lawrence Taylor. Michael’s career was defined by his achievements, his consistency, and his leadership. Very few defensive ends played the position as well as Michael. He was a tremendous run defender as well as a great pass-rusher. And he realized a goal every player aspires to, but few achieve, winning a Super Bowl in his final game. We are grateful for all his contributions and are happy to officially say no Giants player will ever wear No. 92 again.”
This was long overdue. Strahan’s number should have been retired as soon as he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He showed what he meant to the franchise. At least they are doing it now because it is better to do it late than never. Strahan deserves this highest honor.
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