Tue Jun 10 12:15:17 2008

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Strahan goes out on top

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East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan made it official on Tuesday, announcing his retirement after a 15-year career that ended with a Super Bowl triumph.

"I am able to leave as a champion, able to leave as a New York Giant -- 15 years as a Giant. The only uniform I've ever known," Strahan said Tuesday.

Strahan said he first thought about coming back for a 16th season following the team's stunning victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII last February, but once reality set in he knew it was time to call it a career.

"I believe I have a lot of gas left in the tank," Strahan noted. "Physically, I'm fine. After 15 years, I feel it takes such a toll on you.

"Usually in sports, you go out when they tell you to go out. I can leave when I want to leave. I'm volunteering to leave the building and that's one of the special things you can do as an athlete."

News of Strahan's decision leaked on Monday and he said the Giants needed to know of his plans, so as not cause a distraction when mini-camp starts.

"I think it's fair to everybody, the organization, my teammates, the fans," Strahan remarked. "I just felt like it was important that everyone knew as soon as possible."

A six-time All-Pro who played the run as well as he played the pass, Strahan is the Giants' all-time sack leader with 141 1/2 and the NFL's single-season sack king after recording 22 1/2 during the 2001 season.

The Texas Southern product was also named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He is only the third player to wear a Giant uniform for 15 seasons, joining Mel Hein (1931-45) and Phil Simms (1979-83).

"When you're a Giant, you're a Giant for life," he stated. "That will never change, but I'm looking forward to watching these guys on the field. I'm looking forward to these guys defending our championship."

Strahan nearly retired before the 2007 season, electing to sit out training camp before joining the club shortly before the start of the campaign. He finished the year with 50 tackles, including 28 solo, and nine sacks, then helped the club capture its third Super Bowl title.

"Either way, I would have retired," Strahan said when asked if winning the Super Bowl affected his decision. "It was hard last year [to come back]. To win the Super Bowl was icing on the cake -- a blessing from above.

"This past season has just been an unbelievable ride. That's what makes it so special. There's no better way to go out, then to go out right now."

Strahan will finish his stellar career with 854 career tackles, four interceptions, 21 forced fumbles and two career touchdowns in a franchise- record 216 games.

"It's been an incredible journey, an incredible ride, thank you," Strahan concluded.

Strahan becomes the third potential Hall of Famer to have called it quits following the 2007 campaign, joining Canton-lock Brett Favre and fellow defensive lineman Warren Sapp.