Michael Strahan Rejects the Mirrorball Trophy: ‘I Can’t Fathom It’

Michael Strahan is no stranger to the spotlight, having made a name for himself as an NFL star, television personality, and co-host of Good Morning America. However, when it comes to Dancing with the Stars, the former New York Giants player and Fox NFL Sunday analyst has made it clear he has no plans of competing for the coveted mirrorball trophy. During a May 13, 2025, appearance on Good Morning America, Strahan explained why the idea of joining Dancing with the Stars simply doesn’t appeal to him. Despite the endless excitement surrounding the show, Strahan dismissed the notion of stepping into the ballroom to compete, citing the physical demands and grueling nature of the competition.

The 53-year-old Strahan, who has transitioned from the football field to the television studio, expressed that he “cannot fathom” ever joining the ranks of celebrity contestants on Dancing with the Stars. The conversation started when GMA co-host Lara Spencer asked Alfonso Ribeiro, the co-host of Dancing with the Stars, if there was any athlete he would like to see participate in an upcoming season. Spencer playfully pointed to Strahan, knowing full well that the NFL star’s larger-than-life persona could bring even more fans to the dance competition. Ribeiro, ever the enthusiastic host, responded by joking that someone like Strahan, who had played for the Giants and commanded a large following, would be a perfect fit for the show. However, Strahan immediately shot down the idea, saying, “Don’t be pointing at me.”

Strahan’s Explanation: ‘My Joints Are Too Old and Brittle’

Strahan was quick to explain why competing on Dancing with the Stars was not in his future. While the opportunity to win the mirrorball trophy is enticing for many, Strahan shared that the toll the competition takes on the body is something he simply isn’t prepared for. He humorously noted that his “joints are too old and brittle,” a comment that had the Good Morning America audience laughing. Strahan has always maintained a fit and active lifestyle, but the physical demands of dancing, particularly at a competitive level, would require a commitment and level of endurance that, at 53 years old, he feels is beyond him.

As a former NFL player, Strahan knows firsthand the physical toll that professional sports can take on the body. After years of playing football at the highest level, including winning a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, Strahan’s body has undergone a considerable amount of wear and tear. Transitioning from the football field to a more sedentary lifestyle in television may have allowed him to focus on his career and family life, but the idea of undergoing the intense physical challenges required by Dancing with the Stars is something he finds hard to imagine.

The Difficulty of Dancing with the Stars for Athletes

Strahan’s skepticism about competing on Dancing with the Stars is not unique among former athletes. Several other professional sports stars who have appeared on the show, including NFL legends such as Emmitt Smith, Rashad Jennings, and Jerry Rice, have admitted that the experience was far more physically demanding than they initially expected.

These athletes, known for their strength, endurance, and fitness, found themselves struggling with the complex choreography, hours of practice, and the pressure of performing live. While many of them eventually excelled and even won the competition, their candid accounts of the grueling experience have made Strahan hesitant to take the plunge.

“I think what scared me is that every professional football player and athlete who has been on the show said it was the hardest thing they’ve ever done,” Strahan remarked. “If it was harder than football was for me, I cannot fathom it at this point in my life.” Strahan’s response resonates with the real challenges athletes face when transitioning into the world of competitive dance. The hours of intense practice, the mental strain, and the physical toll are not easily dismissed, and Strahan is realistic about his ability to keep up with that level of intensity.

Ribeiro’s Playful Attempts to Convince Strahan

Despite Strahan’s firm stance, Alfonso Ribeiro, the co-host of Dancing with the Stars and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star, didn’t back down from encouraging Strahan to consider joining the show. Ribeiro jokingly suggested that Strahan could make the competition easier by dancing with a taller partner, which would “not look so awkward.” Strahan laughed off the idea, but Ribeiro continued to push the idea that participating in Dancing with the Stars could fit into Strahan’s schedule, especially since Strahan already spends time in Los Angeles for his work on Fox NFL Sunday.

Ribeiro’s lighthearted persuasion was met with Strahan’s usual good-natured humor, but it was clear that the former NFL star had no interest in stepping into the ballroom anytime soon. He firmly reiterated, “This is the thing; this is what scared me. Every professional football player and athlete who has been on the show said it was the hardest thing they’ve ever done.”

Strahan’s Busy Career and Family Life

While Strahan is content with his role as a co-host on Good Morning America and his work as an NFL analyst, his priorities have shifted over the years. Family life has become more important to him, and he has expressed how his children, who are still quite young, are his top priority. “Next month my son turns 5, and I have a 2½-year-old daughter,” Strahan shared in a recent interview. The experience of fatherhood has changed the way he approaches his career, as he places a higher value on spending quality time with his family rather than pursuing physically demanding or time-consuming projects.

With a well-established career and family commitments, Strahan is happy to leave Dancing with the Stars to those who are ready to dedicate themselves to the intense rehearsal schedules. He is content with being a guest judge, as he did in 2023, offering his expertise without the pressure of performing. His appearance as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars during the Motown night proved to be a fun and engaging moment for fans, showcasing his charm and personality without requiring him to hit the dance floor himself.

Conclusion: Strahan’s Firm Decision to Stay Off the Dance Floor

Michael Strahan has made it clear that, while he may be game for many challenges, competing on Dancing with the Stars is not one of them. His realistic approach to the demands of the show, combined with his desire to prioritize his family life, makes it unlikely that he will ever appear on the show as a contestant. However, his honest and humorous comments about the difficulties of dancing only add to his charm and further solidify his status as a beloved public figure.

While Dancing with the Stars will likely continue to feature athletes and celebrities who are willing to take on the challenge, Strahan’s decision to sit it out reflects his commitment to his own well-being and family life. Strahan’s fans, though they may never see him compete for the mirrorball trophy, will continue to support him in his career as a host, analyst, and father. As Strahan enjoys his career successes, the spotlight will continue to shine on his unique journey from NFL star to beloved television personality.