NFL Legend Michael Strahan Retires After 15 Seasons

After 15 years as one of the best players in the NFL, Michael Strahan is finally walking away from the game that he has given so much in his 15 seasons, all as a New York Giant. Strahan leaves the game fifth all time on the NFL total sacks list with 144.5

Strahan will be remembered by teammates and fans for his memorable record setting 2001 season in which he recorded 22.5 sacks. All time, he ranks behind Bruce Smith (200 sacks), Reggie White (198 sacks), Kevin Greene (160 sacks) and Chris Doleman (150.5 sacks).

Strahan was loved by fans and his heart was always a Giant. He was the face of the franchise in an era which was filled with turmoil for the most part. Tiki Barber was the fan favorite but after his controversial remarks about Eli Manning and coach Coughlin upon his retirement last year, his former teammates including Straham became disgusted with him and Barber's comments on his NBC sports gig served as a unifying force to rally the Giants team around Eli Manning and Strahan.

It was Strahan's leadership on the defensive line that sturdied the Giants defense over 15 years and made it the formidable force that it was against Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Strahan's career off the field was filled with bumbs along the way like with a mesy divorce but he always played hard and earned the respect and admiration of his teammates.

Strahan was also part of the Giants defensive team that made it to the Super Bowl in 2000, losing to the Baltimore Ravens in an offensive breakdown. Strahan's presence will be missed as a team leader in the Giants lockerroom but his performance on the field should be able to be filled with the aging of defensive end and linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka who had much success lining up as a defensive end. Justin Tuck is also only 24 years of age at the defensive end position. Osi Uminyora will steady the other side of the defensive line to make it a staple of the Giants defense for years to come.