by Michael DeLuca
Yesterday, I began to speculate that Michael Strahan would rejoin the New York Giants following the season ending injury to Osi Umenyiora (see story here). Today, the rumor begins to become reality as the wheels are now in motion for Strahan to rejoin the Super Bowl’s defending champions. The New York Daily News, citing an unnamed source, says Strahan would return to the Giants if they were to offer him an $8 million contract for this 2008-2009 season. As I had mentioned yesterday, Strahan’s retirement was originally believed to be a ploy to get more money out of the team (a venture he had been unsuccessful with by holding out in the previous season). His desire for a new contract, coupled with his well paying new gig as a FOX analyst, surely means a return to the field would come along with a substantial pay raise.
Team co-owner Steve Tisch had the following to say “Would I like Michael to be a New York Giant this season? Absolutely. Absolutely. Will he be? I have no idea. I don’t even want to put a percentage on it but things changed very quickly on Saturday night and if one of the potential solutions is to reach out to Michael, worst-case, it’s certainly worth a phone call.” NFL Live has now reported that the phone call has been made, on Monday afternoon, though no details of the conversation were realeased!
Regardless of the source, Strahan’s comments on NFL Network should make the picture clear, “I haven’t heard from anybody else, so to say if I would or wouldn’t is premature,” Strahan said. “So I’m enjoying my retired life right now.” Certainly doesn’t sound like a man committed to retirement. In fact, it sounds like a man quietly shouting…”SHOW ME THE MONEY!”
Photo from JERRY MCCREA/THE STAR LEDGER
I say the Giants go all Jerry Maguire on him……Show him the $ Show him the $. Sorry, I couldn’t resist some corny humor. Why wouldn’t they at least make him an offer? Still waiting. Osi was integral to their team last year and especially this year. With his loss, they now have even more doubt on their title defense. They could move Kiwanuka back from LB to DE, his natural position but they like the set-up they already have. The next most obvious choice in Strahan. Whether or not they win, at least people can break out the old 92 jerseys for another year.
I guess Giant fans will continue to cry, there will be no Strahan this season for Big Blue…Boo Hoo….