TMZ: Michael Strahan, Nicole Murphy Break-Up Announcement Timing Suspect
A source speaking with TMZ Sports says Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy’s relationship had been in rough waters for some time, with their engagement having been broken off several weeks ago. But the TMZ report says Strahan was blindsided by the announcement of their split, and that the timing — literally at the moment he was receiving his NFL Hall of Fame yellow blazer — is extremely suspect. Was someone hoping to derail the momentum and excitement around arguably the most important moment of his career?
Strahan joins an elite few, having been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame this weekend. “This has been the best weekend of my life,” he said in what is described by PEOPLE as an “emotional” induction speech.
A source speaking to PEOPLE backs that sentiment up, saying, “He was genuinely grateful and thrilled to be celebrating with his friends.” The source also said Strahan was the last to leave an after party in the wee hours of Sunday after snapping pictures and dancing to performances by Jon Bon Jovi and LL Cool J.
Strahan began his professional football career when he was drafted by the New York Giants in 1993. He was close to ending his career in 2006, refusing to play in 2007 for the $4 million he was contracted, notes ESPN’s Ian O’Connor. But he played. And he won the world championship; Super Bowl XLII.
The big win of his 15 year career was one that his ego nearly kept him from shooting for. And while he reluctantly played for less than he eventually proved he was worth in that 2007 season, the overflow of opportunities might also have never happened.
Giants’ General Manager, Jerry Reese, said “If he didn’t come back for that season imagine how it might’ve been different for him. It could’ve changed the life he’s living.”
Strahan’s life is different these days. He beat out 58 other potential suitors for Kelly Ripa as a replacement for the retiring Regis Philbin on the now-appropriately-titled Live with Kelly & Michael on ABC. With incredible ratings success, more opportunities arose.
Now, Michael Strahan joins the cast of ABC’s Good Morning America, on a regular basis. He also serves as a football analyst for FOX Sports.
Strahan has a lot going on. According to the rep for his ex-fiance, Nicole Murphy, that is much of the couple’s problems. “They love each other very much, but with the distance and work schedule it has been hard to maintain the relationship.”
At his Hall of Fame induction. he did offer some love to his “TV wife,” Kelly Ripa.
[Image: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP]
