Back in 2016, Michael Strahan stood under the studio lights with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He was saying farewell to Live! with Kelly and Michael, his first major solo hosting gig after his Hall of Fame football career. But as cameras rolled, he choked back emotion and quietly thanked the staff who “made me look better than I am.” It was a rare public moment of vulnerability from a man known for grit, swagger, and game-day grins. Nearly a decade later, that same emotion returned—only this time, it marked the end of a different kind of team.

You have to be special to earn fame in two vastly different arenas—and Michael Strahan is exactly that. After dominating offensive lines as a Super Bowl-winning defensive end with the New York Giants, he transitioned seamlessly into television, becoming a household name on Good Morning America and several other shows. But on Sunday, May 11, Strahan found himself in a familiar but painful spot: saying goodbye to a team he’d grown to love.

After nine seasons, the curtain fell on The $100,000 Pyramid—the ABC game show Strahan had hosted since 2016. The final episode of season 8 marked not just the end of a chapter, but potentially the entire book. SMAC Productions has given no indication that the series will return.

Strahan addressed his crew behind the scenes, visibly emotional: “You’re appreciated. I love you. I am thankful for season 8.” The team responded with cheers, but the moment lingered. Then Strahan added: “It never gets boring sitting around here and being with you, because you make what’s really been… The greatest thing about it [is] when I am somewhere and people come and say, ‘We love watching Pyramid,’ and not just for themselves but [they] watch it with family. Thank you all so much. Everybody, have a great night.”

For eight seasons, Strahan was the glue holding the show together. A hybrid of charm and control, he created a space where celebrities and everyday contestants could navigate a whirlwind of wordplay and race against the clock for a shot at $100,000. The season 8 premiere in March featured filmmaker Mark Duplass and comedian Pete Holmes squaring off, while Laverne Cox and Thomas Lennon brought their own blend of energy and laughs in a follow-up matchup.

Strahan, as always, was the steady center. One moment cracking jokes, the next moment locked in, rooting for contestants to win life-changing money. His warmth was never just for the cameras—it helped build a culture behind the scenes that clearly meant something to everyone involved.

Now, with more time on his hands, there’s speculation that Strahan could lean more into his NFL roots. And not just as a legacy figure—but potentially as a team owner.

Michael Strahan aiming to be an NFL owner

Though Strahan retired in 2007 and had his iconic No. 92 jersey retired by the Giants, his competitive fire hasn’t cooled. Inspired by Tom Brady’s successful push to become a minority owner with the Las Vegas Raiders, Strahan has reportedly been exploring a similar path—with his own former team.

Back in February, reports surfaced that Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch were open to selling a 10% stake in the franchise, ideally to just two or three buyers. Strahan jumped at the opportunity, partnering with billionaire Marc Lasry, former co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

He’s not the only Giants legend interested. Eli Manning is also believed to be forming an investment group in a bid for the stake. But Strahan, with his outsized media presence and longstanding relationship with the franchise, may have the edge.

He’s already making moves. Just days after rookie minicamp, Strahan was spotted visiting the Giants’ facility, watching rookies run drills, and speaking with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. The interest is clearly more than symbolic.

Strahan’s credibility within the Giants community is unquestionable. He’s a Hall of Famer, a team ambassador, and a respected voice in the broader sports world. Now, the question is whether he’ll get to add “NFL owner” to that résumé.

That answer may come by the end of the year. But one thing’s already clear: whether he’s dominating on the field, guiding contestants through high-stakes games, or potentially stepping into a boardroom, Michael Strahan isn’t done building legacies. He’s just shifting gears—again.