MMichael Strahan's broad, gap-tooth smile is practically
a New York icon, on par with David Letterman or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And his kilowatt personality is equally entertaining.
So it was only fitting the NFL legacy of Strahan, one of the greatest sack artists ever, finally caught up with his Big Apple-sized persona. The 6-5, 255-pound defensive end led the New York Giants' defensive charge that ultimately derailed the New England Patriots' quest for perfection.
Pats quarterback Tom Brady was sacked a season-high five times and the Giants defense harassed the record-breaking signal caller all night. And once Eli Manning led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, one of the biggest upsets in NFL history was complete.
The Giants walked off the field at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., a 17-14 winner over the Patriots and as unlikely champions of Super Bowl XLII. Credit the presence of Strahan, a 15-year NFL veteran and six-time Pro Bowler.
While Strahan recorded just three tackles and a sack, he was the anchor of a D line that played with super resolve. Justin Tuck dropped Brady twice and rookie Jay Alford put the exclamation point on the night by drilling Brady for a 10-yard loss on the game's final series.
Facing a Patriots offensive line featuring three Pro Bowlers that rarely let Brady feel the heat en route to an 18-0 start, the Giants would counter strength with strength. After all, the D line has been the heart of the Giants defense.
The Giants managed just one sack of Brady in a 38-35 Week 17 loss to New England. This time Strahan and company rose to the occasion, shutting down running lanes for young stud Laurence Maroney while collapsing the pocket on Brady. As a result, the highest scoring team in NFL history was held to just a single touchdown for more than three quarters.
Manning took home the Super Bowl MVP Award. And make no mistake, he was clutch. But this victory was all about the New York defense.
And when you consider Strahan missed the entire preseason posturing and contemplating retirement, it makes you wonder where the Giants would be today had Strahan actually gone quietly into life after football.
Now he's guaranteed to be considered among the great defensive players of all time. A super effort on Super Bowl Sunday ensures he will live on in that vacuum forever. That's a legacy even Letterman can't touch.
So it was only fitting the NFL legacy of Strahan, one of the greatest sack artists ever, finally caught up with his Big Apple-sized persona. The 6-5, 255-pound defensive end led the New York Giants' defensive charge that ultimately derailed the New England Patriots' quest for perfection.
Pats quarterback Tom Brady was sacked a season-high five times and the Giants defense harassed the record-breaking signal caller all night. And once Eli Manning led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, one of the biggest upsets in NFL history was complete.
The Giants walked off the field at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., a 17-14 winner over the Patriots and as unlikely champions of Super Bowl XLII. Credit the presence of Strahan, a 15-year NFL veteran and six-time Pro Bowler.
While Strahan recorded just three tackles and a sack, he was the anchor of a D line that played with super resolve. Justin Tuck dropped Brady twice and rookie Jay Alford put the exclamation point on the night by drilling Brady for a 10-yard loss on the game's final series.
Facing a Patriots offensive line featuring three Pro Bowlers that rarely let Brady feel the heat en route to an 18-0 start, the Giants would counter strength with strength. After all, the D line has been the heart of the Giants defense.
The Giants managed just one sack of Brady in a 38-35 Week 17 loss to New England. This time Strahan and company rose to the occasion, shutting down running lanes for young stud Laurence Maroney while collapsing the pocket on Brady. As a result, the highest scoring team in NFL history was held to just a single touchdown for more than three quarters.
Manning took home the Super Bowl MVP Award. And make no mistake, he was clutch. But this victory was all about the New York defense.
And when you consider Strahan missed the entire preseason posturing and contemplating retirement, it makes you wonder where the Giants would be today had Strahan actually gone quietly into life after football.
Now he's guaranteed to be considered among the great defensive players of all time. A super effort on Super Bowl Sunday ensures he will live on in that vacuum forever. That's a legacy even Letterman can't touch.
