Of the many motivational books written by celebrities "Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life" truly stands out; it isn't really the mantra of motivational inspirational recommendations, but the way Michael Strahan shares the story of his remarkable life, his family, and those who have had an impact on his highly successful career.
The youngest in a family with 6 children, Strahan was raised in Mannheim, West Germany, his father a retired military Army officer, his mom a homemaker, loved to bake and cook, leading to his weight problems in childhood. Surprisingly, he credits exercise from the popular Jane Fonda Work-Out Videos that got him into shape and in the athletic mindset to play football. Convinced his son had a chance to play in the NFL, his Dad sent Michael to live with his uncle Art in Houston, after playing one season at Westbury High School he was offered a full scholarship at Texas Southern University, where his sights were set on eventually becoming a Dallas Cowboy.
When he was 21, Michael became a father (1992), he and his first love Wanda (since age 17) married. Unfortunately the young couple divorced following the birth of their son Michael Junior in 1995, and Wanda took the children back to raise them in Germany. Michael remarried and had twin girls with his second wife, the marriage didn't last. Concerned with the tabloid fodder his children would read when they were older, few things meant more to him than being a good father, coming from a loving supportive home himself.
Feeling the "sting of rejection" on Draft Day in 1993, when the Cowboys traded their 30th pick for another selection. Instead, Strahan was picked up in the second round by the Giants. NFL players usually have an average of 3 years in the league. Over his long career with the Giants (1993-2007), he played over 200 pro games, 7 Pro Bowls, and recorded the 5th most sacks in NFL history. After the Super Bowl win, the Giants offered him a "sweetened contract" to return for another year. After he sustained permanent damage to his lower back, dislocated all his fingers, both AC joints in his shoulders, tore his pectoral muscle, also damaged his knees and shins. Strahan was fortunate not to have any life threatening injuries or paralysis, he could feel himself slowing down, and at 36, he retired. Strahan recalled leaving behind millions of dollars, also the addictive elation tied to the adoration by 75,000-80,000 stadium fans, millions of viewers, marching bands and fireworks going off when players charged onto the field. His friend Howie Long told him: "The minute you retire all of it stops. Immediately. Instantaneously."
Reinventing himself after leaving the NFL, was challenging, he had to stay positive, and apply all the psychological techniques he writes about in this book. Strahan offered motivation, insight, and guidance to his readers, and comes across pretty well. He is grateful, crediting and sharing his success with a host of others, especially his professional business partner Constance Swartz. Many felt that the Network owned by Disney would never give the vacancy of co-host with Kelly Ripa to a retired black football player after Regis retired in 2011. Strahan joined Ripa "Live with Kelly and Michael" in 2012, and is an occasional guest star on GMA. On February 1, 2014 he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Included are "18 Strahan's Rules" and a suggested reading list. With thanks to the Seattle Public Library.