'GMA' host Michael Strahan honors father's legacy in emotional Thanksgiving message on live TV
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Good Morning America’ star Michael Strahan delivered an emotional Thanksgiving message on Fox’s NFL buildup show, which he also co-hosts.
The 51-year-old former NFL star spoke about a “special time” in his life and recalled how his father made a huge contribution to his professional career as a sportsman.
Strahan talked about how he "worked out" with his father, expressing gratitude on Thanksgiving for having a parent like that in his life.
‘GMA’ host Michael Strahan honors his father on Thanksgiving
The NFL star turned broadcaster was part of Fox's NFL coverage of the Detroit Lions against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving.
He joined co-stars such as Terry Bradshaw and Rob Gronkowski for the pre-game show in Manhattan, New York. And the New York Giants icon reflected on his path to stardom as well as his father's influence.
Strahan was born in Houston, Texas but his family moved to Germany when he was nine years old to an army post. The former defensive end moved back to Texas in his teenage years so he could pursue a football career.
The ‘GMA’ star let it all out on Thanksgiving in a candid chat on air. He said, “Working out with my father, lifting weights with him when I was 13 years old.”
He continued, "My dad was looking at me one year when I was 16 and said 'Do you want to play football?’ I said 'yeah' and he put me on a plane from Germany and I went to stay with my uncle Art in Houston.”
Talking about his move to New York, Strahan said, "I got one scholarship to Texas Southern. Four years later I was here in New York. Thirty years later, after a great career and I'm sitting here with you guys.”
Strahan has enjoyed an illustrious career in the NFL and won the Super Bowl in February 2008 when New York defeated the New England Patriots in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“A lot to be thankful for and thankful for my family, my kids, my mother, my brothers, my father, and everybody else. Thanksgiving is a special time,” he concluded.
‘GMA’ host Michael Strahan is all smiles in Thanksgiving snap with daughters
Jay Glazer, Fox Sports NFL Inside Reporter and longtime friend of Strahan, shared a photo of the ‘GMA’ host and his two twin daughters Isabella and Sophia on Instagram.
Strahan stood behind both twin daughters, as he offered up a big smile. “Turkey Day,” Glazer captioned the snap, tagging Strahan, Isabella, and Sophia in the image which also had him.