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Essentials Inside The Story

  • Michael Strahan appeared on Shark Tank as the NFL season wound down.
  • The pitch focused on real sales numbers and national retail placement.
  • Valuation concerns quickly became the central point of debate.

The buzz surrounding Michael Strahan’s foray into the world of venture capital finally reached a fever pitch this week. The anticipation has been building since July ‘25, when his Good Morning America family announced his guest appearance on Shark Tank Season 17. That episode has officially aired, and the NFL legend didn’t just keep the seat warm; he jumped into the fray.

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He concluded the day with a major six-figure investment deal: $350,000, to be precise. 

Season 17, Episode 8 of Shark Tank, released on January 7, aired during the final week of the NFL regular season, just as playoff positioning was being finalized across the league. It featured entrepreneur Josh Lippiner, who pitched a production-ready solution to a universal annoyance: sudden nosebleeds. Inspired by the popularity and utility of Tampons, he introduced ‘Nampons’ as a specialized nasal insert that expands rapidly upon contact to absorb blood and stop the bleeding fast. 

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As the Sharks began their interrogation, Strahan’s football instincts kicked in. He immediately questioned the product’s patency. Since the Nampons are based on existing “prior art,” they aren’t patented, but the brand holds strong trademarks and a unique market position. 

Finding Strahan—whom he wanted to impress from the beginning—visibly invested, Lippiner unveiled a future expansion. It will cater especially to the players, branded as Nampon Sport. And just like that, Strahan was all ears. 

It’ll be specifically designed so athletes can treat a nosebleed on the sidelines and get back into the game while still being able to breathe through their nose.

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Despite the product’s utility, veteran Sharks were hesitant due to the company’s valuation and recent profitability. Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Barbara Corcoran all eventually bowed out. But Robert Herjavec and Strahan (of course) still saw potential. 

Herjavec offered $350,000 for a 25% stake. 

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When O’Leary pressed Strahan to make a move, he replied, “You know what? I’m intrigued by it. I don’t know if I’m comfortable doing this alone.”

So, he decided to join forces with Herjavec. In response, they received a counteroffer of royalty. The same $350,000 investment, but for 5% equity, plus a $0.05 royalty on every individual unit sold until the investment is recouped. 

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However, Herjavec was more interested in building long-term value than getting his money back. So, together with Strahan, he pushed for a slightly higher equity stake in exchange for a lower royalty.

After a tense negotiation, both parties met in the middle. Herjavec and Strahan agreed to invest $350,000 for 10% equity in Josh Lippiner’s product line, supported by a $0.10 royalty per unit until their investment is repaid. 

As they shook hands, the former NFL defensive end joked that he was going to “go around and start punching people in the middle.”

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The deal came as the NFL calendar shifted from the regular season into the postseason, a period when Strahan remains highly visible through Fox NFL Sunday.

Michael Strahan’s ability to drop six figures on a startup is a testament to one of the most successful second acts in sports history. His current wealth was largely built after he hung up his cleats.

He’s balancing Good Morning America, Fox NFL Sunday, and hosting The $100,000 Pyramid, which brings him a consistent annual income of around $17 million. Then, he has a sturdy business ecosystem with SMAC Entertainment, Apparel Lines, and Real Estate. That’s why he has built an empire of $65 million. 

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Strahan may have retired in ‘08 and built an empire beyond the horizons of the league, but he remained deeply connected to gridiron. He currently serves as an analyst for FOX NFL Sunday. 

Michael Strahan questioned the coach’s leadership after Philly’s playoff exit

Known for his unfiltered takes, he recently made headlines over a hot topic that’s been on everyone’s mind since the Eagles’ playoff exit. Not only did head coach Nick Sirianni fail to repeat the Super Bowl success, but he also became the subject of debate for his sideline altercation with wide receiver A.J. Brown

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Though FOX Sports lead analyst Tom Brady had a more forgiving interpretation of the event, Strahan preferred being blunt. 

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But I don’t understand why you do that in the middle of a game like this, because I don’t think that brings out the best in your players,” Strahan asserted during the halftime broadcast. “I think it takes away from your players. I think it takes away from the attitude of the team and the energy of the team.”

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In the legendary DE’s opinion, Sirianni’s behavior against Brown was “unprofessional.” He even indirectly blamed the head coach for Philly’s 23-19 loss, arguing that his aggressive approach likely fractured the team’s focus during a critical juncture of the game. That could be the reason they were unable to close out the win. 

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