Michael Strahan has already made promise as surprise Ryder Cup role emerges

Michael Strahan, once a dominant force on the football field, is taking his talents to the Ryder Cup.

A Super Bowl XLII champion who played 15 NFL seasons with the New York Giants, the legendary defensive end will feature in an ‘All-Star’ match at Bethpage Black before golf’s greatest competition between the United States and Europe gets under way.

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NFL icon Strahan will play at the Ryder Cup this year

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The 10-hole scramble will feature celebrities from both sides of the Atlantic, two days prior to the actual start of Ryder Cup matches.

All-Star teams will be made up of sporting legends, award-winning musicians and actors, and other cultural icons.

Strahan is no stranger to the golf course, and has taken part in other competitions, like the Icons Series and various pro-ams, in years gone by.

In fact, back in 2021, he made a promise that this year’s teammates will hope still rings true.

During a Q&A with Golf.com four years ago, Strahan opened up on all things golf — and offered an insight into his competitive spirit both on and off the green.

“I don’t embarrass myself,” he explained.

“I’m pretty good. My average is 81, but I’ll shoot in the 70s. I won’t embarrass myself.

“If you’re on my team, you won’t be disappointed.”

Strahan no doubt hopes to put on a show every time he picks up a club, and his 2025 Ryder Cup teammates will be hoping he can back up his confidence of four years ago.

When he takes to the course later this month, the Pro Football Hall of Famer will be competing alongside a very familiar face.

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NFL greats Strahan and Manning will compete alongside one another once againCredit: Getty

Super Bowl champions to reunite at Ryder Cup

Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who together with Strahan pulled of one of greatest upsets in NFL history at Super Bowl XLII, will also be playing at Bethpage Black.

During memorable game against the New England Patriots, Manning was named MVP, while Strahan sacked Tom Brady on a crucial play.

The latter was once asked what he considers a better feeling — sacking Brady, or making birdie on the golf course.

“Oh, Tom Brady, for sure!” Strahan responded.

“A birdie feels fantastic, a hole in one feels amazing, but sacking Tom Brady feels incredible!

“You get to hit another man, take him down to the ground and get paid for it and not go to jail, that’s fantastic.

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Strahan was once asked to pick between sacking Brady and making birdieCredit: Getty

“You feel like a gladiator. You feel like a lion who’s just taken a gazelle down. You’ve captured your prize.”

Alongside Strahan and Manning, plenty of other famous faces make up the American Ryder Cup All-Star team.

Tennis icon John McEnroe will play, while chef Bobby Flay, Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, and country music stars Kane Brown and Miranda Lambert round out the team.

Europe will be represented by former NBA champions Toni Kukoc and Pau Gasol, chef Jose Andres, and Brooklyn Beckham — son of soccer icon David.

The team is completed by NHL legend Teemu Selanne, Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Harry Potter stars Oliver Phelps and Tom Felton.

When did Strahan start playing golf?

Giants icon Strahan, who will hope to lead the US to victory, revealed he got hooked on the sport way back in 1996, and makes bets ‘every time’ he plays.

“But it’s not about the money,” the NFL legend explained.

“I can wager a buck a hole. It’s more about the competition. I just want something to hold over your head at the end.”

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Strahan is no stranger to the golf course and could lead the US to Ryder Cup gloryCredit: Getty

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He has revealed in the past he likes to bet on ‘every’ roundCredit: Getty
With that kind of attitude, he will be a formidable foe to the Europeans during the Ryder Cup All-Star game, which takes place on September 24.