Strahan ends holdout, meets with coaches, ready to practice

[Ebenezer]

Strahan ends holdout, meets with coaches, ready to practice
Associated Press


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan reported to the New York Giants on Monday, six days before the season opener.

Ending a holdout that may cost him more than $500,000 in fines, Strahan arrived unobserved at Giants Stadium around 4 p.m., handled some paperwork and met with general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin. He also took a physical and left after 45 minutes, not making himself available for comment.

Walking the line
Here is a look at how the Giants defensive line stacks up with Michael Strahan back:

LDE Michael Strahan
The single season sacks record holder, Strahan's return undoubtedly bolsters the Giants defensive line.

NT Barry Cofield
The second-year nose tackle had his moments in his rookie season, collecting 44 tackles and three passes defensed.

DT Fred Robbins
The veteran started all 16 games for the Giants last year and snagged two interceptions to go along with 5.5 sacks.

RDE Osi Umenyiora
After his career year in 2005, Umenyiora struggled last season with injuries and notched just six sacks in 11 games.

Key reserve Justin Tuck
The third-year player showed promise in Strahan's absence during training camp and could fill in should someone get hurt.

» Giants.com: Ask head coach Tom Couglin your questions The 35-year-old Strahan, who held out for more than five weeks and missed all four preseason games while deciding whether to play a 15th season or retire, will practice on Tuesday.

"It's all behind us," Reese said, sitting in his car beneath Giants Stadium. "We're moving forward and getting ready for Dallas."

The Giants have been granted a two-game exemption for Strahan, so he will not count on the 53-man roster. He can be activated any time during that period. The NFL's active sacks leader would be paid his $4 million salary during that period.



http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=090...o&confirm=true

[Cntrygal]

Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan reported to the New York Giants on Monday, six days before the season opener.

Ending a holdout that may cost him more than $500,000 in fines, Strahan arrived unobserved at Giants Stadium around 4 p.m., handled some paperwork and met with general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin. He also took a physical and left after 45 minutes, not making himself available for comment.

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[Cntrygal]

Michael Strahan dropped thoughts of retirement and returned to the New York Giants for a 15th NFL season because his desire to play football and his love of the game were rekindled.


He also, not incidentally, still wants a Super Bowl ring.


"You know you just want to come back," a bearded Strahan said Tuesday after rejoining the team and practicing. "I felt I wanted to play football, plain and simple. I wanted to enjoy it. I wanted to come here and enjoy myself, play football, enjoy my teammates and the fans and just do it -- do it one more time."


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[!Papacrunk!]

I see Strahan is now taking the Big Daddy Wilkinson route of avoiding the offseason.

[DraftBoy]

Well he is still pissed about being fined 200k

[Cntrygal]

Michael Strahan increased his work load in practice on Thursday and said that if he continues to feel good that he expects to play in the New York Giants season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Practicing for only the third time since ending a holdout on Monday, the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end said that he ran every play during the defensive period and nothing was held back.

"I feel good," Strahan said after practice in a short interview. "See how I feel tomorrow. Today, I ran a lot more plays than I ran before, the last two days. If I am going to feel good, I'll be out there."

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[Cntrygal]

but yet he also states he was confused by some of the plays.....

[Cntrygal]

New York Giants on Saturday activated defensive end Michael Strahan, saying on their Web site that the seven-time Pro Bowler will likely play in Sunday's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants waved cornerback Dovonte Edwards to make room for Strahan on their 53-man roster.

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