Michael Strahan Shuts Down Dancing with the Stars Possibilities

Michael Strahan, the former New York Giants defensive end turned Good Morning America co-host, recently made it clear that he has no intention of competing on Dancing with the Stars—and for good reason. On the May 13, 2025 episode of Good Morning America, Strahan humorously shot down any speculation about him joining the popular ABC dance competition series. When co-host Lara Spencer jokingly pointed to Strahan as a potential contestant, Strahan quickly responded with his trademark wit, saying, “Don’t be pointing at me.”

The moment unfolded after Spencer asked Alfonso Ribeiro, co-host of Dancing with the Stars, if there was anyone from the sports world he’d like to see participate in the upcoming season. Ribeiro, 53, had a suggestion that immediately turned the conversation to Strahan, teasing that a former New York Giants player, such as Strahan, could bring in a large fan base from New York. Ribeiro, known for his fun-loving personality, also suggested that Strahan could benefit from dancing with a taller partner to avoid the “awkward” look.

Strahan’s Playful Rejection of the Idea

In classic Strahan fashion, the NFL legend didn’t hold back in expressing his stance on the matter. After briefly showing off some dance moves that likely left fans in stitches, Strahan humorously added, “That’s as much as you’re getting.” His refusal to entertain the idea of joining the show continued, as he explained what he loves most about Dancing with the Stars—getting to interview the contestants without needing to hit the dance floor himself. “My joints are too old and brittle,” Strahan joked, showing no signs of changing his mind anytime soon.

Strahan Talks About the Challenges of Dancing with the Stars

Ribeiro, ever the cheerleader, suggested that Strahan’s current role in Los Angeles as an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday could allow him to extend his stay and participate in Dancing with the Stars during his time there. However, Strahan quickly dismissed the idea, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that former athletes have faced when joining the show. He noted that every professional football player and athlete who has competed on Dancing with the Stars has said it was “the hardest thing they’ve ever done.” Strahan added, “If it was harder than football was for me, I cannot fathom it at this point in my life.”

Strahan’s admission wasn’t surprising. Dancing at a professional level requires incredible discipline, skill, and stamina, and he openly acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the intense demands of competitive dancing with the already physically taxing career he had as an NFL player.

NFL Stars Who’ve Competed on Dancing with the Stars

Strahan’s reluctance to compete on Dancing with the Stars is backed by the history of NFL stars who have previously taken part in the show. Several former athletes have graced the ballroom floor, including Super Bowl champions like Emmitt Smith and Hines Ward, and other notable football stars like Rashad Jennings, Antonio Brown, Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice, and more. While many of these athletes are known for their on-field performances, they all revealed that dancing posed a unique set of challenges that were far from easy.

Although some may find it surprising that Strahan would not consider joining the ranks of his fellow NFL stars, it’s evident that his candid, down-to-earth personality and honest approach to challenges continue to resonate with his fans. Strahan, now 53, has transitioned into a successful media career and remains deeply rooted in his sports background, but his physicality and commitment to fitness have evolved. The idea of stepping into the Dancing with the Stars ballroom just doesn’t seem to fit his current priorities or lifestyle.

Ribeiro’s Playful Encouragement

In his playful, teasing way, Ribeiro pushed the idea even further, joking that some athletes on the show may not have “given their all in football,” suggesting that Strahan could still potentially impress on the dance floor. However, Strahan wasn’t having any of it, laughing off the suggestion and emphasizing that there were some Football Hall of Famers in the mix. Strahan’s playful response showed that while he was happy to support others, he wasn’t willing to jump into the competition himself.

Ribeiro, who has starred in Dancing with the Stars for years and was a winner himself in Season 19, didn’t stop there. He suggested that Strahan could also consider co-hosting a special Dancing with the Stars segment or simply joining the show in a different capacity. But despite Ribeiro’s best efforts, Strahan remained firm in his stance. He wasn’t about to throw on his dance shoes anytime soon.

A Fun Alternative: George Stephanopoulos?

Strahan’s playful back-and-forth with Ribeiro also led him to make a suggestion of his own. Strahan proposed George Stephanopoulos, another member of the Good Morning America team, as a potential candidate for Dancing with the Stars. “George would do it, though,” Strahan remarked, laughing. This sparked a wave of reactions from fans, as many joked that Stephanopoulos might indeed be a good fit for the ballroom competition, especially after Strahan’s suggestion.

Stephanopoulos, who is known for his serious and professional demeanor on GMA, might seem like an unlikely candidate for a dance competition, but Strahan’s lighthearted suggestion adds a layer of humor and camaraderie to the ongoing conversation about which stars could potentially participate in the future.

Strahan’s Experience with Dancing: A Guest Judge Role

While Strahan won’t be competing anytime soon, he is no stranger to Dancing with the Stars. In October 2023, he stepped into the ballroom as a guest judge during the show’s Motown night. Strahan joined permanent judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba to evaluate the performances of the celebrity contestants. His time as a guest judge gave him a firsthand look at what it’s like to be part of the Dancing with the Stars family, but it also reinforced his decision to stay off the dance floor.

Strahan has shown time and again that he’s willing to take on new challenges in his career, but competing on Dancing with the Stars just doesn’t seem to be on his radar at this stage of his life.

Conclusion: Strahan’s Firm Stance on Dancing with the Stars

While many Dancing with the Stars fans may have hoped for a chance to see Michael Strahan take on the ballroom, it’s clear that the former NFL player turned TV personality isn’t interested in competing on the show anytime soon. Strahan’s candid admission about his age and his concerns about the physical toll dancing would take on him highlight his practical approach to life. While he enjoys supporting the show in his role as a judge and co-host of Good Morning America, competing for the mirrorball trophy just doesn’t seem to fit into his current lifestyle.

Strahan’s refusal to compete on Dancing with the Stars highlights the challenges athletes face when transitioning to new careers and balancing the demands of their past with the realities of their current lives. As much as the show might benefit from his charisma and fame, it’s clear that Strahan knows his limits and is more than happy to remain on the sidelines—at least for now.