Eyebrows lifted on Thursday’s ‘Good Morning America‘ as ex-NFL star-turned-TV personality and entrepreneur Michael Strahan opted out of a chatty segment about first jobs with fellow anchors, drawing the studio’s attention to his silence. While Rebecca Jarvis, Whit Johnson, Robin Roberts, and Ginger Zee discussed pointers for teens embarking on their initial job experiences, recent developments surrounding Strahan’s role on the show prompted his restraint.
The conversation took off with Jarvis asking everyone to trace back to their job beginnings, prompting her and Ginger to share engaging stories. But when it was Strahan’s turn, Robin playfully ribbed him: “Michael, your first job wasn’t like ours,” hinting at Strahan’s early days tackling opponents for the New York Giants.
Caught slightly unprepared, Strahan – who was rumored to be considering a GMA departure earlier this year – chuckled, “That’s why I didn’t join in the conversation.” Not missing a beat, Whit teased further, “Did you have to fill out an application for that?” prompting Strahan to respond in kind with a laugh, “It all worked out.”
The group shared a moment of levity, before moving on from the somewhat stiff exchange.
Strahan conquered the NFL for 15 years, punctuating his illustrious career with a triumph in Super Bowl XLII, establishing him as a football legend before hanging up his cleats in 2007. His transition to TV stardom was seamless, becoming a familiar face as the co-host of ‘Live! with Kelly and Michael’ and settling into a full-time spot on ‘Good Morning America’ by 2016.
Strahan has offered honest insights about his past struggles over time.
Despite his tough public image, he has recounted how high school was a daily test of endurance – “surviving every day,” with little social interaction and a relentless dedication to football, which ultimately earned him a scholarship at Texas Southern University, sparking his noteworthy professional journey.
Viewers are left questioning whether Strahan would be willing to share his thoughts on career shifts or ponder leaving GMA. Up till now, he hasn’t let on much.
But rather than preparing to exit, word has it that Strahan is close to signing a fresh contract with GMA, potentially decreasing his workload and providing equilibrium between his job on the show and his continued involvement with Fox NFL Sunday.
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Ever since Strahan joined in 2016, ‘Good Morning America’ has managed to vie with NBC’s ‘Today,’ despite the potential for tension as his former ‘Live!’ colleague Kelly Ripa occupies the nearby Hudson Square building – fuelling speculation of uncomfortable encounters.
