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New York Giants star defensive end Michael Strahan has apparently decided to retire after 15 seasons.
Strahan informed the Super Bowl champion Giants of his decision on Monday.
"Michael called me earlier this morning to tell me he had decided to retire," Giants president John Mara said on the team's website. "I told him I was disappointed and that I knew he could still play at a very high level and we were hoping to have him back. But I certainly understand his decision. I told him he's been a great Giant. He thanked me for everything the organization has done for him. I said, 'I think you've done more for us than we can ever do for you.'"
Strahan, who first made it known about his decision through FOXSports.com, apparently wanted to finalize his decision before the Giants gathered for mini-camp.
"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 told FOXSports.com. "It's time. I'm done."
A six-time All-Pro, Strahan is the Giants' all-time sack leader with 141 1/2 sacks 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).
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 a tough decision, but I wanted to be fair to the Giants and fair to my teammates," Strahan added.
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 with a shocking upset of the New England Patriots.
