Michael Strahan experienced a lighthearted yet chaotic moment on the set of Fox NFL Sunday when a playful demonstration of a play took an unexpected turn. During the segment, Strahan, alongside fellow panelists Rob Gronkowski, Howie Long, and Jay Glazer, aimed to block a kick from former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.
In a comical mishap, Edelman kicked the ball directly into Strahan’s face, leading to an uproar of laughter mixed with concern from the studio audience. Strahan immediately went down, clutching his face as Terry Bradshaw sprinted away toward an imaginary end zone with the ball. The playful atmosphere quickly evolved into a jovial roast of Strahan from his co-hosts.
Gronkowski remarked, “Mission accomplished,” while Glazer humorously suggested, “How about a concussion protocol?” Nearby, Gronkowski genuinely inquired, “Did you lose a tooth?” As Strahan continued to squint and hold his eye, he quipped, “I’m about to lose an eyeball, for real, man.” Thankfully, Strahan emerged relatively unscathed and reported he was fine in the end, leading Gronkowski to lightheartedly criticize Edelman’s kicking prowess.
Edelman, who has transitioned from a wide receiver to an effective punt and kick returner, holds numerous accolades from his NFL career, including being a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the league’s most productive postseason receivers. Strahan, another football legend, is celebrated for his own Super Bowl victory with the New York Giants and is remembered for his record-setting performance as a pass rusher during his impressive 15-year career.
Since hanging up his cleats, Strahan has successfully carved out a new path as a media personality, hosting an array of shows across both sports and entertainment. This recent incident on set showcases the playful camaraderie among NFL icons and serves as a reminder of the lighter side of professional sports.