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After an illustrious career, it took way too long for the Giants to retire Michael Strahan's number 92, but today is finally the day his name and number are enshrined in New York's history. While his number was officially retired until today, it had been effectively retired and off-limits to players since his retirement at the end of the 2007 season.
Arguably a steal in the 1993 NFL Draft, the Giants snagged Strahan in the second round with the 40th pick. At Texas Southern, he was a sack machine, tallying a school record of 41.5 in his career. His ability to attack the quarterback transitioned well into the NFL. In his 15 season career, he ranked fifth all time and was the Giants leader with 141.5.
Strahan became one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, especially against the run. In 2001, he made a new NFL record collecting 22.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He earned NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year that season too.
Part of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s and eventually the Hall of Fame, he is well known amongst Giants fans for his efforts in two NFC championship victories and two Super Bowls. His final game came in Super Bowl XLII, the thrilling 17-14 win over the Patriots, recording two tackles, added one assist, garnered one sack and had one pass defensed in the game. His resume speaks for himself,
Super Bowl champion (XLII)
NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2001)
4× First-team All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2001, 2003)
2× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2005)
7× Pro Bowl (1997–1999, 2001–2003, 2005)
2× NFL sacks leader (2001, 2003)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
100 sacks club
New York Giants Ring of Honor
New York Giants No. 92 retired
854 Tackles
141.5 Sacks
4 Interceptions
24 Forced Fumbles
Strahan was the epitome of a New York Giants. He was the definition of the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew", an an anchor for a GMEN Championship. He is one of those guys you are thankful to have part of your team, and blessed he spent his entirety of the career with New York. Thank you for everything 92, and congratulations!