DEBATE: Will Michael Strahan play in another game? (Updated)
This is a reprise of our June 9 debate with some updating because of Osi's injury.
JIM: Strahan will return
In sports we always talk about how great it must be to leave on top. But we also tend to forget these guys wouldn't have accomplished everything they have if they weren't ultra-competitive. That's why Michael Jordan couldn't walk away after that game-winning basket against Utah. He needed to try it again, one more try to see if he could recapture that magic.
Sure, Strahan must feel great to walk away having finally won the Super Bowl. And no doubt he was confident he made the right decision when training camp came and his ex-teammates went through two-a-days. But what happens when the first game is played? When Week 2 and 3 and 4 pass and he's watching on television, getting that itch.
UPDATE: He'll be commenting on FOX, not watching on TV
Every retired player gets that itch. I don't believe Strahan will be able to ignore it.
He'll be back by October.
UPDATE: Make that September.
ANTHONY: He mentally checked out after they won
At least that's what someone who knows Strahan pretty well told me.
Strahan is likely to remain retired because he just doesn't want to go through the rigors of another NFL season. Mucho money would have brought him back, but the Giants would only go so far. In the salary-cap world, that's smart.
I think we're going to see more of this, Jim, meaning players walking away earlier than they might have in the past. Once you've won and once you've made all the money anyone could ever spend, why push yourself if you don't want to anymore?
Life is too short.
Strahan will make a good living as a TV personality. Heck, he'll probably do better than Tiki Barber in that arena.
UPDATE: At least Strahan won't (allegedly) call his TV partner a very bad word on live TV.
Could he come back? Sure. But I don't think he will. Say goodbye, Jim.
UPDATE: I still think he stays retired. Someone told me he's lost about 30 pounds from his playing days. No way he can get in game shape in time to really help this season.
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Comments (4)
Anthony's right. But I refuse to say GO RIEBER. I prefer he stay.
Two words....Brett Favre.
Never say never.
Although I agree with AR, I think Strahan would be nuts.
Leave Michael Strahan to his retirement at Fox. Let's see what Kiwanuka and or Tollefson can do for the Giants defense with Justin Tuck on the other side. Don't panic yet!
Leave Michael Strahan to his retirement at Fox. Let's see what Kiwanuka and or Tollefson can do for the Giants defense with Justin Tuck on the other side. Don't panic yet!