I honestly don't know what a network like FOX sees in Michael Strahan as a comedian, but the former NFLer is all set to star in his own sitcom next fall. "Brothers" will start out on Fridays at 8pm, and will feature Strahan as a former NFL player (surprise!) called back home to help out his family. Wanna learn more? Of course you do. Via Newsday....

"Starring Michael Strahan (“FOX NFL Sunday”) and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (“Ed,” “Veronica’s Closet”), BROTHERS is a new half-hour comedy about a former NFL hot shot who learns that even though you can always go home again, the trip back might be tougher than you think. MIKE TRAINOR (Strahan) seemingly has it all – he’s a good-looking, wealthy and recently retired NFL player living the high-life in New York City, but he’s about to get sidelined. When Mike gets a phone call from his MOM (CCH Pounder, “The Shield”) who orders him home to Houston, he quickly realizes the more his life has changed, the more his family has stayed the same. His brother CHILL (Daryl “Chill” Mitchell), whose life was altered drastically after a car accident left him in a wheelchair, is struggling to keep his restaurant afloat with the help of his loudmouth associate, ROSCOE (Colton Dunn, “MADtv”). The dynamics between Mike and Chill are the same as when they were kids, and their sibling rivalry hasn’t lessened with age. If they can stop their bickering, put aside their differences and learn to be teammates, the brothers might just turn out to be each other’s biggest asset. Wedged between Mike and Chill are their parents. Their father, whom everyone refers to as COACH (Carl Weathers, “Rocky”), is the local high school football coach and the conservative, opinionated alpha male of his clan. Coach thinks he runs the show, but really it’s Mom who calls the shots. Saucy, stern and a schemer, she is the mastermind of the family. And when she learns that Mike’s business manager took off with all his money, she orchestrates a plan to keep Mike in Houston, save Chill’s restaurant and bring the family back together under one roof again – all without anyone realizing what she’s up to. Mom’s plan helps Mike realize that his family – however dysfunctional they may be – is the only family he’s got. And although he may not have a penny to his name, as long as he’s surrounded by people who love him, he’ll always be a rich man."

Wow. That sounds like a.....umm....winner. Not only is the plot ridiculous, but the show is already pretty much damned by being slated for a Friday. Good luck with that one though, FOX.

Strahan....as Fox Sitcom Star (Newsday)

If you've heard anything about Pros vs. Joes over the past few months, it's that just about every athlete has gotten into a brawl with the contestants. Well Spike released the promos for this year's contest (Season Four), and your hosts for this year will be none other than FOX Sports', Jay Glazer and Michael Strahan! Here's a look....

Seems fun enough, right? The premier episode is this Monday, April 27th, at 11pm on Spike TV. Hopefully Pacman doesn't go postal on anyone.

Michael Strahan was on hand to give the most famous line in racing, and the FOX commentator decided to go all WWE when giving the order for the racers to "start their engines". Not only that, but he even took time out of his race sponsorship duties at the Subway 500 in Phoenix to tell Anquan Boldin to be quiet. Here's the video and Boldin quote....

Michael Strahan has some advice for disgruntled Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin: Be quiet.

“I know he’s not happy here but complaining about it in the press really doesn’t help you,” Strahan said.

The former New York Giants star made the comment Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway, where he was representing the race sponsor in NASCAR’s Subway Fit 500.

Besides, Strahan said, “Playing in Arizona’s not so bad. He could be with T.O. (Terrell Owens) in Buffalo. It’s colder up there.”

While that is certainly good advice, wasn't Strahan famous for talking through the media when he was in New York? Seems like a case of the pot calling the kettle black to me.

Strahan To Boldin: Keep Quiet (Yahoo)

I usually pass on stories that involve media member's personal lives, but this one plays out like a bad movie, so I had to share. Michael Strahan has been dating Nicole Murphy since his divorce in 2007, but lately he hasn't been exactly trusting her. Which is why he installed a tracking device on her Range Rover. Of course, Strahan was right about said indiscretions, and after Murphy took her SUV into the shop with her new lover and had the device removed, the "s" hit the fan....

Things came to a head Feb. 20, after Spencer and Murphy took her Range Rover to a luxury dealership in Thousand Oaks, Calif.. Mechanics quickly discovered the tracking apparatus.

"This is the second tracking device he's had put in her car," one source said.

"This one was found behind the front dashboard." Murphy and Spencer went to have lunch while the tracer - which one source said provided up-to-the-minute location status - was removed.

Seconds later, Strahan barged into the garage, "yelling and screaming," a source said.

Spotting Murphy's car with the tracking device exposed, Strahan walked over, ripped it off the dashboard and stormed out of the shop.

Well that's just about the craziest thing I've heard this month. It seriously sounds like an episode of "Cheaters". This story did come from the NY Post, so remember that it might not be entirely true. It's definitely worth a read though, even if it's made up.

Strahan's Love Bug (NY Post)

Michael Strahan has been all over the place as of late. Since Strahan announced his retirement and joined up with FOX, the former DE has been a correspondent for various programs and was even a guest star on the NBC show Chuck. Well according to the NY Daily News via The Big Picture, Strahan could be getting his own sitcom....

Michael Strahan will be on the tube, too. We hear the 6-foot-5 ex-Giant is in negotiations to star in a Fox sitcom, having gotten a taste of the laugh track on “Chuck.”

Hmmm, not sure how I feel about that one. Sure, Strahan is entertaining and occasionally funny, but the star of his own sitcom? That might be a bit of a stretch. Here's his performance on Chuck....you be the judge....



Meanwhile, back at the raunch (NY Daily News)
Michael Strahan to star in FOX sitcom? (The Big Picture)

I forget a lot of the time that the NFL on FOX is shot in Los Angeles, but you couldn't forget that last Friday night as a few the boys from the pregame show attacked the town. According to TMZ (via SbB), the trio consisted of Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan and the elfish Jimmy Johnson, and the gossip hub has a video of the boozers for you to watch as well.

While a lucid Strahan and red-faced Johnson, don't disappoint, it's Terry Bradshaw and a random lady friend that steal the show. Both Strahan and Johnson answered questions from the cameraman (Strahan more than Johnson), but a seemingly tipsy Bradshaw completely ignores the guy while getting into the passenger seat of a car. What happens next is beyond awesome. Just watch for the very attractive female who slides into frame around the 1:20 mark....

I've watched enough of these to know what that was all about. That is what those in the business call "interference", and it's kind of ironic that they are doing it to an ex-Quarterback. I'm sure it seemed unnecessary to you for her to go that far, but people will go to any lengths to stop photos of themselves when they're drunk.

My favorite part is obviously when she says, "You wanna go street? I'll give you street s**t!", but the best move was her laying across the passenger side of the car to block the camera. I don't know about you, but there was a part of me that wanted that thing to just speed off right then.

I don't want her hurt badly or anything....just a toe or two taken out. Now where's my man Gary?! We're ready to roll!!!

Broadcasters Who Booze Together (TMZ)

Uniwatch via Sports by Brooks came across a really weird feature on the New York Jets website yesterday. Well the feature is a look inside their new stadium, which isn't weird per se, but rather a jersey worn by a woman on one of the virtual concourses. Take a look....


Your eyes are not deceiving you. That is a woman wearing a green Strahan jersey out amongst the other Jets fans. Maybe the Jets know something that we don't know.

Uni Watch DIY Project: Building a Better Bucco Beanie (Uni Watch)
Do The New York Jets Know Something We Don’t? (Sports by Brooks)

I missed Michael Strahan's performance on "Chuck" the other night, but lucky for us, First Cuts got a hold of some of the videos. Here's a little background and a clip that came near the end of Monday's show....

The clip above is one of the final scenes from last night's episode of Chuck, Episode 203 -- "Chuck Versus The Break-Up," where Strahan plays Mitt, leader of the meatheads from the Mighty Jocks sporting goods store in the same strip mall as the fictional Buy More electronics store where Chuck and many of the other main characters work.

I think it's safe to say that I didn't think I'd ever see Michael Strahan being beat up by an attractive Asian girl, while Heart is playing in the background. First Cuts has some more clips, and while I have no idea what the show Chuck is about, they're really not that bad. First Cuts has more so be sure to check them out if you have a few seconds.

Watch Michael Strahan On NBC's 'Chuck' (First Cuts)

There's been a recent surge to label everything skin or hair care related with stamp of "man approval" as of late. Lotions, shaving cream and even hair removal products like Nair (not that I would no first hand, or that there was anything wrong with that) have all been given the label as of late. Well the latest product to go through the "man treatment" is a line of products from Vaseline, and who other than Michael Strahan to be your spokesperson? From CNBC via Deadspin....

Michael Strahan had a tremendous amount of success as an endorser when he was playing in the NFL with the New York Giants, including deals with Right Guard and Subway.

But we're wondering what Strahan was thinking when he picked up a deal to endorse "Vaseline Men." Ads featuring the retired defensive end, who is now paid by FOX Sports, were all over ESPN.com this weekend.

Vaseline Men is basically a line of "cleansing and skin care products." It's an interesting play for the folks at Unilever, which owns the brand, and an even more interesting endorsement.

There are obviously some connotations that come along with men and the Vaseline line of products, and sure that photo above isn't helping anything, but I don't really see anything wrong with the endorsement. I can't remember the last time I used lotion myself, but maybe it's time I started. Uh, on my hands people. You know....for moisturizing AND peak performance?

Michael Strahan: The Face Of.. Vaseline? (CNBC)
Michael Strahan's Strong Enough to be A Vaseline Man (Deadspin)

Well that was quick wasn't it? I really thought this was going to drag out for at least a week, but Jay Glazer is breaking the news (well he is a co-worker, so not exactly "breaking") that Strahan will NOT be returning to the Giants next season. The retired defensive end has decided to stay retired and will continue his role with FOX as planned. Via Fox Sports....

The recently retired perennial Pro Bowler told FOXSports.com exclusively that he has decided to remain retired and has turned down the Giants' offer to lure him back to action.

"This has been one of the toughest nights of my life," Strahan said from Greece. "But after long deliberation and throwing around a million scenarios in my head for the past day, I think it's just best if I stay retired."

"I have gone back and forth on this because as a player you'll always want to play, you'll never lose that urge to be out there. But I could only do this if I could commit 100 percent, physically, mentally, emotionally and I can't do that. I've tried to convince myself and my body to give it one more year, but in the end I just don't think I could turn it on like I need to again."

"I really love my life now," he said. "It's great having nobody put a finger on me. You really put yourself through an awful lot in this league, more than people realize.

"I've got a great home at FOX now and I think it's where I belong. I wish I could've had different news for Giants fans but I've known for a while I'm done."

Strahan was also quoted in the article as saying that the money was right, but that he didn't want to put his body through the rigors of another season. While this is bad news for Giants fans, it's certainly good news for this site. After Emmitt Smith and Tony Kornheiser, I think Strahan is going to be one of the biggest soundbytes this entire season. I'm looking forward to it.

Strahan turns down Giants, will stay retired (FOX Sports)

It's really a shame that this Osi injury went down. No, not because he's a great player and I want to see him play this season but rather because I was looking forward to Strahan joining the NFL on FOX. I think he's perfect for television, and while five people on set is never a good idea, the addition was a great one for that network.

I speculated that the ex-Giant probably had a clause in his contract that would let him make a return and late last night, Vice President of Communications Dan Bell said the network wouldn't try to stop an "un-retirement". From SBD via Sporting News Today....

SPORTING NEWS TODAY's Dennis Dillon reports if former NFLer Michael Strahan re-joins the Giants, Strahan's contract with Fox Sports "will not impede the process." Fox officials yesterday "gave Strahan their blessing to return to the Giants without jeopardizing his job status." Fox VP/Communications Dan Bell: "If he does decide to go back and play for the Giants, he has our full support and his job will be waiting for him when he returns."

I guess that's the right decision, and obviously a good faith gesture by FOX, but now I'm rooting for Strahan to ignore the Giants and move ahead with his second career behind the mic. And no, not just because I'm a Skins fan. I genuinely think he'll be open and honest about teams and players and someone like that is definitely needed within the NFL these days.

As soon as Osi Umenyora went down with a knee injury on Saturday everyone in the Sports Media world began searching for Michael Strahan's cell number. And that was even before it was announced that the DE was lost for the year. Strahan, who was vacationing in Greece, told multiple sources that he'd listen to the Giants yesterday and the rumored amount to get him back in NYC appears to be a grand total of $8 million. Via TSB....

"If the Giants make a sincere overture, it's a good chance that Strahan would consider coming back," the source told the newspaper. "There are other things he has to take into consideration: the money and his contract with Fox. But if the Giants really want him, they have a shot. It's not out of the question."

Strahan, who is 37 and retired June 9, has a contract with Fox to be a television commentator. He didn't rule out a return to the Giants in an interview with NFL Network.

"I haven't heard from anybody else, so to say if I would or wouldn't is premature," Strahan told NFL Network. "So I'm enjoying my retired life right now."

While most of those in the know seem to think that the return is "doubtful", I'm thinking that Strahan will be back in Giant Blue very soon. His contract with FOX is for $2 million a year and I'm assuming that there has to be a clause built in that lets him return to the game if he wants to. Also, that $8 million mark is easily within reach for New York as they currently have $12 million on the cap to spare. That price would be a steal for a future HOFer who hasn't really lost that much of a step.

Obviously the contract amounts are just educated guesses, but in the wake of his highly publicized divorce, it seems like a no-brainer for him to sign with the Giants. Strahan was ordered to pay his ex-wife Jean over $15 million and is also on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in child support. That's not necessarily the best reason for a return, but it might very well make the decision to come back a little easier.

Strahan Could Return or Umenyiora Could Be Back By October or Neither Could Happen (The Sporting Blog)
Can't hurt Giants just to give Strahan a call (NY Daily News)

I know that ESPN First Take is just a glorified PR machine in which stars will only come on to promote something, but I thoroughly enjoyed Michael Strahan on the show this morning. Strahan was on to promote some sort of lotion product he's shooting commercials so he had to tell Jay Crawford that he was "ashy"....

It's definitely early on, but I think Michael Strahan is going to be what Tiki Barber couldn't be in his first year out of the game. Tiki wasted no time in bashing old teammates but the conversations seemed too forced, unbelievable and a PR move for NBC. Strahan's honesty is certainly going to help him and if he sticks with his current plan, I think it'll end up being a great hire by FOX. We shall see though.

Good lord. I'm seriously not trying to make this Strahan Central, but his agent is doing a hell of a job to make sure it happens. Via TSB via the Star Ledger now comes the breaking news that Mikey is going to appear on an episode of the NBC series Chuck....

Last week in Burbank, Ca., Strahan filmed a guest spot for NBC TV show "Chuck," playing Mitt, the manager of the Mighty Jock sporting goods store in the mall where geeky main character Chuck Bartowski works.

"When the cameras rolled, Michael was really, really funny," said Josh Schwartz, the show's creator and executive producer. "Everyone on the set was completely blown away. Broadcasting or acting, he's got a future."

In the episode, which will air Oct. 20, Mitt and his staff take over the home theater of the Buy More electronics store at lunchtime, playing Madden and leaving behind a mess of wrappers and food. Morgan, Chuck's best friend and co-worker at Buy More, has to confront Mitt, resulting in a showdown scene ala 80s film "Three O'Clock High."

Strahan's agent is seriously working a ton of overtime these days. Next thing we know he's going to show up on the CBS Evening News. Also, I've seen every single 80s movie and have never heard of Three O'Clock High until this very moment.

Strahan To Appear On NBC's Chuck (The Sporting Blog)
Strahan films cameo on NBC's "Chuck" (The Star Ledger)

It was just a year ago that we were saying the exact same thing about another Giant in Tiki Barber, and apparently it's now a right of passage to talk trash about your teammates before entering the TV World. Newly hired FOX Analyst Michael Strahan had this to say about ex-teammate and current Giant, Jeremy Schockey....

"I don't think you gain much by keeping a guy around. Regardless of how well he plays for you, there's always that tension, and that's one thing you can't have if you're expected to go back and repeat."

Strahan added Shockey might do his job well, but that doesn't mean he would be happy.

"You don't need that out of one of your leaders," the recently retired defensive end said. "So I think the best thing for them and for Shockey is if they have the opportunity, let him go."

That's the kind of thing Fox will be looking for from Strahan, who signed a four-year deal believed to be worth about $2.3 million a year after fielding offers from other networks.

I'm not saying it's not refreshing to have honesty in the Sports Television world, but you might want to wait at least until the start of the season before bashing your former team. We saw how unaccepted Tiki Barber became before last year and it would be a shame for the same thing to happen to Strahan (even if he is right).

Neil Best also has this tidbit to share as well in the article....

"It's a one-way contract, so the players, you have no rights," he said. "They can come in and say, 'You suck, get out of here,' but I can't walk into the team and say, 'You know, this team really sucks. I want to go somewhere else."'

Eventually Johnson cut him off, saying, "Michael, that is bull," and argued bonuses amount to guarantees. Soon the entire cast was arguing, with Strahan and Terry Bradshaw trading barbs about their respective divorces while Fox Sports president Ed Goren beamed.

"Save it for the show!" Fox Sports chairman David Hill shouted.

Greaaaaaaaat. They're already yelling at each other. If only Caliendo was there as Madden to moderate. Ugh.

Strahan: Giants should dump Shockey (Newsday)

Richard Deitsch of SI has the breaking news that Michael Strahan has signed on to be in-studio with the NFL on FOX starting this upcoming season....

SI.com has learned that Michael Strahan, the garrulous just-retired Giants defensive end, has been signed by Fox Sports as an NFL studio analyst. A press conference is expected Tuesday in New York City to formally announce the hiring.

Strahan will join host Curt Menefee, and analysts Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson on the set of FOX NFL Sunday. He is the second high-profile Giant (Tiki Barber) in as many years to land a plum job on a network pregame show. Strahan's agent, Maury Gostfrand, told USA Today last week that his client is interested in calling games as well as studio work. As a long-term play, Strahan said he could see himself appearing in sitcoms or hosting a late-night talk show. He has a home in Hermosa Beach, Calif., which puts him close to Fox's Los Angeles studios.

Not much of a surprise, and it was just as I had predicted two weeks ago, but that came awfully quick didn't it? What's also interesting is how SI confirmed and posted on this before Strahan's own buddy at FOX, Jay Glazer did. They probably put the kibosh on it until Strahan officially signs tomorrow.

Sundays will certainly be more lively now as FOX tries to rival ESPN in decibels and number of morning analysts.

Strahan to join Fox's NFL studio show (SI.com)
Michael Strahan Retires, Prepare For Him On Television (Awful Announcing)

People have been ragging on the New York Post for years, but this piece just made me laugh. Via The Realests comes news that the Post says NBC could be interested in Michael Strahan for coverage next season. There's only one problem. The Strahan they're referring to is a Hall of Fame Linebacker....

Even NBC is getting in line to talk to the Hall of Fame linebacker, who can turn on the charm and talk like a college professor about football. "It's not what he's used to being paid," says one insider familiar with the trajectory of Strahan's new broadcasting career. "But at least he can be assured that he won't blow out his knees on a Sunday morning."

I know it's tough when a TV guy tries to write about Sports but you've got a whole stable of Sports guys that can help you out with that one. I also love how he quotes "an insider", but can't even get the guy's position right.

Also, if NBC hires Strahan to make him the 20th person on their coverage, and puts him with Tiki Barber, I'm going to throw up.

The New York Post: Still Morons (The Realests)
The Courtship of Michael Strahan (NY Post)

With the news of Michael Strahan's retirement coming from Jay Glazer today, you can expect a Brett Favre-like load of media questions regarding the now 15-year NFL Veteran in the next few days. Obviously Strahan works well on TV because of his personality, but who would take a flyer on him?

The best fit would probably be ESPN. He would most certainly fill in with that collection of jokers, but ESPN has what seems like 45 NFL Analysts and recently hired Cris Carter for next season. CBS seems to have all of their ducks in a row when it comes to coverage and the NFL Network is cutting back, so they're persumably out of the race.

That leaves one network left and that's the outfit who broke the news of his retirement, FOX. Originally said to be pursuing Favre they would do well to add Strahan to the mix after deciding not to bring Barry Switzer back for next year. Strahan was a regular on BDSSP for the network and he definitely has a rapport those at the channel. FOX's coverage could use some player specific pieces in their pregame coverage and Strahan talking with players could balance out some of the goofy Frank Caliendo pieces.