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EVENTS
CNNSI.com GROUP
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In the moment Giants' Strahan was born for the Super spotlight
Updated: Wednesday January 24, 2001 1:49 PM
By Josie Karp, CNNSI.com TAMPA, Fla. -- With his gap-toothed smile appearing as broad as his shoulders, Giants defensive end Michael Strahan surveyed the scene at Raymond James Stadium on Tuesday. He looked out at the crowd at the annual media day gathering from the glorified dunking booth that provided him shelter and reporters plenty of room to maneuver. It's a position of honor on this day for Strahan, who got the booth location along with players like Kerry Collins and Tiki Barber. It meant Strahan would likely draw a crowd. It meant a lot of people thought he might have something important to say. It meant Strahan was in his element. "I was born for this," Strahan said.
Funny, because Strahan's mouth can get him in trouble. It was just over a year ago that Strahan spent an hour with another media group back in New York, complaining about a Giants offense that always let down its defense. It was just over a year ago that Strahan lashed out at Jim Fassel, believing the coach tried to keep Jessie Armstead from speaking freely about his concerns regarding the Giants and their failure to score. Strahan's comments were ill-timed for a couple of reasons. One, the coach was out of town visiting his dying mother when Strahan spoke. Two, the player was struggling on the field, as well. And so in the "what a difference a year makes" category, put Strahan's media day revelation. "I was born for this," he said. This time, understand that his relationship with his coach has mended to the point that Strahan helped shower Fassel with Gatorade recently. Understand that even though he was not selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in four years, his level of play has improved. Just ask Jon Runyan or Korey Stringer. He embarrassed both on his way to Tampa. "Last year was tough, but I am glad I went through everything because I don't believe I'd be as mature as I am this year," Strahan said. "This season has been great because it's been a redemption year for me." Michael Strahan was talking again Tuesday, finding exactly the right words and adopting the perfect tone. "I was born for this," he said.
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