Getty ImagesOne of the reasons former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan retired while he still had plenty of good football left in him was that he was confident he could have just as much success as a mainstream television personality as he did on the field. And unlike former teammate Tiki Barber, who made the same decision, it appears that Strahan’s confidence in himself was justified.
Strahan will be named the permanent co-host of Live!, replacing Regis Philbin alongside Kelly Ripa, according to Broadcasting & Cable.
Philbin left the popular morning show in 2011, and Ripa has worked with a revolving cast of co-hosts this year. Strahan, Seth Meyers of Saturday Night Live and singer Josh Groban were considered the top choices to land the gig permanently, and now Strahan has apparently been selected as the new Regis.
Strahan is still expected to appear on FOX’s Sunday NFL pregame show this season. He’ll work on Live! in New York Monday through Friday and in the FOX studio in Los Angeles on Sundays. Over the long haul, this job is a step for Strahan away from the sports world, and toward becoming a rare ex-athlete who’s capable not only of talking about sports, but of leaving the sports world behind and becoming a crossover star.
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Hahaha, no wait. You’re serious… Wow.
kelly ripa could fit between mike’s front teeth. but what does this have to do with football?
As far as terrible ideas go, this might be the worst.
Even Giants’ haters have to admit that Michael Strahan is entertaining as all heck.
I hate the Giants and I hated Strahan while he played…
But let’s face it. He’s a very likable guy. I’m really not shocked.
I’m happy for the guy. Replacing a legend won’t be easy, but Strahan is an entertaining, likable guy and he works at his craft knowing nothing is given to him. He overcame huge odds to win this seat and I hope he does well at it.
Nice dig at Tiki, MDS.
I wonder what gift Favre will send to his buddy Michael to congratulate him. Favre already laid down and gave him the sack record, so it’s going to have to be pretty special to top that.
This is worse than Dennis miller hosting MNF….remember that?
They made a bad choice. This won’t last.
what’s the definition of “sack”
There goes the ratings.
I think Michael is a great guy – I wish him all the best in this endeavor, I hope this all works out for him.
He’s definitely a Jeckyl and Hyde type of guy. If you’ve met him before, he’s either the nicest guy on earth… or the meanest. Great story about his behavior immediately after winning the Super Bowl, snapping at reporters.
He’s an odd fellow, was also not the nicest guy on earth to his ex-wife – treated her like dirt.
Do dudes actually watch that show?
This gap-toothed goofball should be banished from polite society for life for perpetrating the most disgraceful act in the history of pro football. His phony “sack” to set a record will live in infamy.
Seems like a terrible fit. Just doesn’t make sense. Should look at the football commentary career of Dennis Miller, this seems quite similar in an opposite fashion.
Tiki MUST be pissed
Back in ’01 or ’02 when Michael was on a holdout during a contractual negotiation Tiki Barber committed the cardinal sin of commenting on another players dealing with management. His comment criticized Strahan and was along the lines of “what else would he be doing if it weren’t for football”. Strahan never struck back publicly. Admirable! It was an ignorant, arrogant comment then and it further proves which guy was a better teammate, which was smarter about their post career and which was quite frankly more genuine and likeable.
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Tiki is flabbergasted, once again!
So Fox will allow him to work for another network at the same time ? Thought that was strictly verboten in tv land. Guess both networks think the exposure is good….
Good for him! Congrats. Strahan has the ability to succeed in this role. Tiki had no personality at all.