'GMA' host Michael Strahan honors father's legacy in emotional Thanksgiving message on live TV

'GMA' star Michael Strahan has enjoyed an illustrious career in the NFL and won the Super Bowl in February 2008
Michael Strahan recalled how his father made a huge contribution to his professional career as a sportsman on Fox's NFL buildup show (Getty Images)
Michael Strahan recalled how his father made a huge contribution to his professional career as a sportsman on Fox's NFL buildup show (Getty Images)

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.

Michael Strahan appeared on FOX's Thanksgiving show from Manhattan on Thursday (Fox)
Michael Strahan appeared on FOX's Thanksgiving show from Manhattan on Thursday, November 23 (Fox)

‘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.”

Michael Strahan shared a touching message on Thanksgiving live on FOX (Fox)
Michael Strahan shared a touching message on Thanksgiving live on FOX (Fox)

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

Michael Strahan's friend Jay Glazer posted the Thanksgiving snap on his own Instagram account (@jayglazer/Instagram)
Michael Strahan's friend Jay Glazer posted the Thanksgiving snap on his own Instagram account (@jayglazer/Instagram)

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.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Will Ferrell's comedy series is set to premiere on the platform on July 16, 2026
1 hour ago
‘SVU’ boss Michele Fazekas reveals where Benson and Fin stand after the Season 27 finale raised major questions about retirement
1 hour ago
The show's eighth season began production in April in Vancouver and will conclude in August
3 hours ago
The ‘SVU’ Season 27 finale ends Olivia Benson and Chief Tynan’s long-running clash as the squad races to stop Richard Caine after another kidnapping
4 hours ago
NBC has secured the return of major One Chicago stars, keeping the franchise’s core cast intact for the upcoming television season
5 hours ago
‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ Season 27 finale promises an intense case, rising tensions, and difficult choices for the squad.
12 hours ago
The upcoming 'Law & Order: SVU' finale will also offer some sort of resolution between Benson and her new boss, Chief of Detectives Kathryn Tynan.
12 hours ago
The upcoming eight-part series 'Carrie,' is directed by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, of 'The Haunting of the Hill House' fame.
14 hours ago
The showrunner promises major changes, emotional twists, and new challenges for Voight and the Intelligence Unit in 'Chicago P.D.' Season 14.
15 hours ago
Where is Mackenzie Shirilla now? Netflix's 'The Crash' shares some gruesome details behind tragic incident
16 hours ago