Michael Strahan & Cigars

If you dedicated your entire professional life to being great at one thing, it might be hard to think there’s anything like a second act. You know, the thing you do after the thing you’ve done. Of course, life is full of second acts and perhaps among the more impressive ones in recent memory is the career of Michael Strahan.

Strahan was a star in the National Football League for 15 years, every one of them as a defensive end with the New York Giants. His final season was in 2007 and he helped the Giants beat the New England Patriots in the 2008 Super Bowl. Today, Strahan is a television personality. He appears on Fox NFL Sunday lending his expert commentary; he’s a co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America; and appeared as co-host on Live with Kelly [Ripa] and Michael. Strahan received two daytime Emmy’s for the latter. Strahan also hosts the $100,000 Pyramid TV game show. Oh, and he loves cigars.

Michael Strahan’s Favorite Cigar

Strahan, 52, plays a lot of golf. And that’s when he smokes cigars.

“When I’m golfing I probably smoke the most cigars.” After that, he continues in his man cave at his New Jersey home. “That is one of my relaxation deals—I smoke a cigar, sit back and enjoy it.”

Like most of us, Strahan likes to try a variety of cigars, but taps the Cuban Montecristo No. 2 as his clear favorite.

“Anything from Cuba I’m really a fan of. I’m also a really big fan of Padróns,” Strahan told Cigar Aficionado. Strahan has said that the first cigar that really appealed to him was a Cuban Cohiba.

Strahan allowed that a big problem for him is keeping track of the many cigars he’s collected.

“I have so many cigars. I have three cigar refrigerators, and about four humidors—I don’t even know what I really have anymore.”

A Hall of Fame Football Career

Strahan is in the pro football hall of fame. He shares the record for sacks, 22.5, in a single season with TJ Watt. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade Team. In 2001, Strahan was NFL Defensive Player of the Year, having tied for forcing the most fumbles that year. Clearly, Strahan had a superb football career, making him among the top NFL players who smoke cigars.

Now it’s time for the second act. And for sitting back and enjoying many cigars.