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Sep 3, 2002, 17:12
By Mr. NFL (AP)
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Sack king Strahan re-signs with G-Men
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Sept. 2, 2002) -- Defensive player of the year Michael Strahan agreed to a seven-year deal that will allow the NFL's single-season sack holder to end his career with the New York Giants.
The deal came three days before the Giants' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers and just six months after an angry Strahan declared that this would be his final season with the team.
"I am very happy I will be in New York and that I am going to stay here," Strahan said at a news conference. "I feel great to know this is where I started my career and this is where I will finish my career."
The new deal will free salary cap space for the Giants this year. More importantly, it won't tie up cap space in the future.
"I have a deal that will make me be a New York Giant for as long as that deal says I should be a New York Giant," Strahan said.
Strahan can't sign the contract until the NFL Management Council approves some language in the deal and insurance clauses.
The deal is the second major one for the Giants since training camp opened. They locked up quarterback Kerry Collins through the 2004 season right after camp opened. Now they have Strahan, who broke Mark Gastineau's single-season sack record last season, collecting 22½ sacks. Gastineau had 22 in 1984.
Strahan earned every penny of his contract last season, breaking Gastineau's 17-year-old record.
The four-time Pro Bowl selection enters the season fifth among active players with 84.5 sacks, including 9.5 in 2000 when the Giants played in the Super Bowl.
"Michael wanted to be here," Giants coach Jim Fassel said. "I don't think we have had a player in the last couple of years that has meant more to the team. I saw that beyond what Michael accomplished last year, setting a sack record. What Michael has meant to this team by his attitude and leadership is worth a lot."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2002, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
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