Michael Strahan leaves "Live with Kelly and Michael" to join GMA
Fun times in "Live with Kelly and Michael" is all but over after Michael Strahan bolts the show to become a full-time member of ABC News' "Good Morning America." The transfer of the former New York Giants was announced by ABC News President James Goldston.
The 44-year old retired American football great became part of the segment back in 2012, during a time when viewers gave him a thumbs up when he made several guest appearances. He eventually was partnered with Kelly Ripa, who herself is a veteran of the popular morning show.
Goldston, via ABC News, also revealed that "Live" will be conducting a search for a new male host to join Ripa. In a separate statement, Strahan said that he intends to continue working with the team at Good Morning America. "My time with Live with Kelly and Michael has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet," he said. He thanked her co-host for the support since the beginning of their partnership.
Strahan also works as a football analyst for FOX, although he achieved most of his success with the GMA family. In fact, he was hired as a special correspondent by the show two years ago, where he saw himself appear a couple of times every week. After that, he got the nod to become part of "Live" as a full-time host, when Ripa's original co-host, Regis Philbin, retired in 2011.
Before carving out a niche in broadcasting and TV hosting, Strahan played 15 years of American football with the New York Giants in the NFL, where he established himself as one of the greatest defensive ends in team history. He won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2007 and set an NFL record for the most sacks back in 2001. Seven years after retiring in 2007, Strahan was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
