Strahan Announces Retirement

New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan has decided to retire.

Strahan told Fox Sports that he wanted to make up his mind before the defending Super Bowl champions opened a minicamp that's scheduled to begin Wednesday.

"It was important that my teammates knew which way I was going before they got on the field to start the work to defend our title," Strahan said, according to the network's website. "It's time. I'm done."

Strahan considered retirement last offseason but reported to the Giants at the end of the preseason and helped them win a Super Bowl title with an upset of the previously unbeaten New England Patriots.

Strahan, 36, played 15 seasons for the Giants and amassed 141-1/2 sacks, including a single-season league-record 22-1/2 in 2001.

The seven-time Pro Bowler finishes fifth on the league's career sacks list behind Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Kevin Greene and Chris Doleman. Strahan had nine sacks last season as the Giants relied on their pass rush to become title contenders.

There had been talk that the Giants might be able to persuade Strahan to play next season if they offered to double his $4 million salary, but a source said the club did not offer a raise that significant.

He always has been among the sport's most eloquent and marketable players and is expected to follow former teammate Tiki Barber into television.

Strahan becomes the fourth prominent NFL player to retire this offseason following defensive tackle Warren Sapp and quarterbacks Brett Favre and Steve McNair.

The Giants, however, are well-stocked at defensive end. They have Osi Umenyiora, who started at the end opposite Strahan, and now could move Justin Tuck into the lineup more regularly. They also could move Mathias Kiwanuka, who shifted to linebacker last season, back to the position if needed.

By Mark Maske |  June 9, 2008; 12:59 PM ET  | Category:  Giants
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