T-Rock's Take on the Giants

As you undoubtedly know by now, Michael Strahan has announced his retirement, at least in some form. He's quoted on Foxsports.com as saying: "It's time. I'm done."

We found out on the sideline while watching the OTAs -- love those Blackberries! -- which seemed to be a good deal of time before most of the team knew. As they were walking off the field, PR staffers tugged aside players such as Kiwanuka, Tuck and Umenyiora, seemingly to pass on the news. Asked when the Giants learned about Strahan's decision, a Giants spokesman said it was "not long before you guys." Coughlin and Reese had no comments, though I'm sure they'll either chat with us or issue a statement sometime today. The staff looked to be scrambling a bit to catch up with the news and set up the proper protocol for these things.

In the locker room, the reaction was mixed with skepticism and acceptance. Many players said they would believe it when they see him standing at a podium talking into the cameras. Others said they wouldn't be surprised if Strahan is on the field come September. One even suggested it might be a ploy to navigate around this week's mandatory minicamp with getting fined, only to show up later in the summer ready to play.

The news affects most of the franchise, but there are two players in particular whose careers will be nudged in different directions by the news: Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Tuck will likely step into the starting role at defensive end opposite Umenyiora. And Kiwanuka, who was shuffled to linebacker last summer, could wind up landing back on the defensive line. Kiwanuka said he hasn't been told anything yet (there's a lot of that going around) but he would feel comfortable switching positions. He'd certainly be more comfortable going back to his natural position.

Tuck, by the way, immediately started lobbying for Strahan's corner locker. No word on whether or not the Giants will be like the Packers, who sealed Brett Favre's locker for posterity, dipping it in bronze, and making exact duplicates of it to position around the locker of Aaron Rodgers. Or something like that.