Why Is Michael Strahan Leaving ‘Live With Kelly And Michael’? The Reason Behind His Surprise Exit

Michael Strahan spent his entire NFL career with one franchise. However, after four years of being a part of “Live With Kelly and Michael,” the former defensive end is ready to join a new team in his TV career.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Strahan will be leaving the syndicated “Live With Kelly and Michael” in September to take on a full-time role with ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Strahan has appeared on “GMA” two days a week since 2014, but now he’s ready to be on the show every weekday. He said he’s looking forward to the new opportunity, while also being grateful for his four years on “Live.”

“My time with 'Live with Kelly and Michael' has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet. Kelly [Ripa] has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team,” Strahan told the Hollywood Reporter.

James Goldston, president of ABC News, made the announcement Tuesday morning, Variety reported. Goldston had high praise for the host and is looking forward to the “opportunities” Strahan will have in his new role.

“Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on ‘GMA,’ he’s proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop-culture icons and newsmakers,” Goldston said.

“Good Morning America” anchor George Stephanopolous showed support for Strahan on Twitter following the announcement. He welcomed Strahan by referring to him as a “team player.” You can see the Tweet below:

Strahan joined Kelly Ripa on “Live With Kelly and Michael” in 2012 . He had filled in for former co-host Regis Philbin in the past, which helped him land the spot after Philbin announced his retirement from the show in 2011. Ripa has been a co-host since 2000 and ABC News reports the program will begin to search for a new co-host when the new season kicks off in the fall.

Before starting his career as a TV host, Strahan had spent 15 years in the NFL playing for the New York Giants, from 1993-2007. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

“Live With Kelly and Michael” airs on various stations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. EDT.