Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan just completed what is widely considered to be one the greatest seasons ever for a defensive player. In 2001, Strahan broke the 18-year old NFL single-season record with 22.5 sacks. The perennial Pro-Bowler and charismatic leader of the New York Giants, Strahan, was named the NFL's Player of the Year by Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated and named Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He became the first New York Giant to win the award since Lawrence Taylor. 

He is one of the most visible and popular Giants, a player the television networks seek out every week for an interview. Strahan is also extremely generous with his time, donating hours and goodwill to numerous charities in the metropolitan area.

Strahan is actively involved with the American Cancer Society, The Children's Miracle Network, Housing Enterprises for the Less Privileged (H.E.L.P.), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and the Starlight Children's Foundation. Starlight Children's Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families. Last year, Strahan was inducted into the Starlight Hall of Fame in recognition of his support of Starlight's Mission and programs. Furthermore in 1999, Strahan was selected as a "Dime Hometown Hero" by Dime Savings Bank in recognition for his community involvement and charitable efforts. 

Strahan has been one of the most visible and vocal leaders in the aftermath of the World Trade Center tragedy. As the player representative of the Giants, Strahan was led the charge in calling for the league to cancel their upcoming games. He was also instrumental in decision of the NFL Players Association that all NFL Players donate one weeks pay to charity. Strahan is also actively involved with the "New York Restoration Project," a charity organization dedicated to the preservation of one of America's finest cities. The project, founded by Bette Midler 6 years ago, has increased its efforts since the September 11th terrorist attacks. 

As a senior at Texas Southern, Strahan was selected All-America first team by the Associated Press when he recorded 62 tackles with a school-record 19 quarterback sacks and 32 tackles totaling 142 yards in losses. Strahan was born in Houston, Texas but spent most of his youth in Germany, where his father Gene was stationed in the U.S. Army before retiring in 1985 to enter private business in that country. Strahan is married to Jean and they reside in New Jersey.

2001-2002 Season Highlights:

Set an NFL single-season record with 22.5 sacks. The previous record of 22 sacks was set by Mark Gastineau of the Jets in 1984.

Became the sixth player to record at least 20 sacks in a season since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. He was the first player with at least 20 sacks in a season since the late Derrick Thomas accomplished the feat for Kansas City in 1990 and the first with 21 since Chris Doleman, then with Minnesota, did it in 1989.

The previous Giants record was held by Lawrence Taylor, who had 20.5 sacks in 1986.

Has 84.5 career sacks, second in Giants history behind Taylor (132.5).


Is fifth in career sacks among active players, trailing only Bruce Smith (126.0), John Randle (125.0), Trace Armstrong (99.0) and Robert Porcher (85.5).

His 4.0 sacks at St. Louis left him a half-sack shy of the team's single-game record of 4.5 sacks by Pepper Johnson at Tampa Bay on Nov. 24, 1991.

Tied John Abraham of the Jets for the NFL lead with six forced fumbles.

Voted to his fourth Pro Bowl in five seasons.

Named the NFL's Player of the Year by Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated.

Named Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press

Strahan In the News:

02/09/2002   Strahan in Demand at Pro Bowl After Setting Sack Record (Bergen Record)
02/05/2002   Giants DE Strahan Wins Defensive Player Honors (Associated Press)
01/06/2002   Giants' Strahan sets NFL sacks record (AP)
01/07/2002   More Downs than Ups for Giants  (Bergen Record)
12/10/2001   Strahan has become the NFL's most complete and dominant defensive lineman and is
                     bull-rushing toward the season sacks record (Sporting News)
12/01/2001   NY Giants Michael Strahan Tackles Animal Abuse (PETA)
11/19/2001   PRO FOOTBALL; Out of the Woods, Into the Spotlight (NY Times)
11/12/2001   Strahan Inducted into Starlight Hall of Fame (Starlight Children's Foundation)
10/21/2001   Throwback Strahan Enjoys Old-Time Eatery (Bergen Record)
09/21/2001   Giants to Carry Flag For NY in Heartland (Newsday)

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