The Michael Strahan era officially began this morning on “Live! With Kelly” as the future Hall of Fame football star strode out onto the stage and presented his petite partner Kelly Ripa with a dozen roses.
The gesture drew appreciative “ahhhs” from the audience of mostly women.
Kelly stood in a floral print sheath dress and unveiled her new host (it was revealed nearly two weeks ago that Strahan had the job). In came the 6’5 former football star running in and lifting up his new partner. In the middle of nearly two minutes of non-stop applause, Strahan stated, “I’m so happy to be here and be a part of this. You know how you say it’s a dream come true? Well, I truly can’t say that, because I didn’t know I could even dream this.”
Strahan made his first appearance in 2008, shortly after the Giants won the Super Bowl. During that appearance Philbin asked the now former football player what he would want to do after retiring from football. Strahan said he wanted to take over Philbin’s job.
“I was joking,” Strahan said on Tuesday, “and I’m glad the joke came true.”
