Seven-time New York Giants Pro Bowler Michael Strahan is staying retired. "This has been one of the toughest nights of my life," Strahan told FoxSports.com in a story released Tuesday afternoon.
"But after long deliberation and throwing around a million scenarios in my head for the past day, I think it's just best if I stay retired."
Tony Agnone, Strahan's agent, did not immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press.
Giants general manager Jerry Reese has asked the 36-year-old Strahan to reconsider his retirement on Monday, just 48 hours after the Super Bowl champions lost Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora for the season to a knee injury in the preseason game against the New York Jets.
Strahan needed just about a day to turn down an offer to return for a 16th season with what could have been an $8 million contract.
"I really love my life now," he told FoxSports.com while on vacation in Greece. "It's great having nobody put a finger on me. You really put yourself through an awful lot in this league, more than people realize.
Reese did not seem surprised by the decision.
"We knew it was a long shot, but we owed it to ourselves to exhaust the possibility," Reese said late Tuesday evening. "We appreciate Michael even considering ending his retirement. He has a new career in front of him and we wish him nothing but the best. As we all said when he announced his retirement, Michael was and is a great Giant."
The Giants moved Mathias Kiwanuka from linebacker to defensive end on Monday to take over for Umenyiora, who had successful knee surgery on Tuesday morning and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
The move will not be a major one for Kiwanuka. He was drafted in the first round in 2006 as a defensive end and started nine games as a rookie. He also lined up as a defensive end in third-down situations last season.
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