Although it has been quite a few years since former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan suited up for his final game in Super Bowl XLII, he is still very much a part of the Giants’ community.
Throughout his very busy post-playing career, Strahan has remained around the organization when he can and shortly after Big Blue drafted Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, word spread that Strahan was mentoring him.
Two months later, we now find out Strahan had been working with Thibodeaux prior to the 2022 NFL draft and prior to being selected by the Giants.
Another interesting tidbit from Strahan with Tiki @WFAN660: he connected with @kayvont when he was at Oregon at the urging of Harold Reynolds. So well before Thibodeaux became a Giant, Strahan was a confidante of sorts. @TikiAndTierney
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 28, 2022
Just like Strahan, Harold Reynolds made a name from himself covering the sport he played as one of the regular analysts at MLB Network. Reynolds’ home ties have kept him around the University of Oregon sports programs, so it’s not crazy to see Strahan and Thibodeaux connecting through Reynolds.
Thibodeaux’s athletic upside gives him promise at the NFL level. Although, his build may remind some more of Strahan’s former teammate Osi Umenyiora, having Strahan as a mentor with his hall of fame resume can only benefit Thibodeaux.
Strahan’s presence alone is something that can boost the morale of the team. And any time spent with the Giants rookie pass rusher could help accelerate his path to being a legitimate pass rushing threat in the league.