Friday, April 3, 2026

“I Laugh at Golf”: Michael Strahan Offers Hot Take Despite Tiger Woods Being His Source of Motivation

When it comes to the world of golf, there is one name that stands out above the rest – Tiger Woods. With an impressive record of 5 Masters wins, Woods has cemented his place as one of the greatest golfers of all time. His dedication, skill, and unmatched mentality have inspired countless athletes, including former NFL player Michael Strahan.

Ask Michael Strahan what he thinks about Tiger Woods, and he will share a few insights. His most common appreciation is, “He brought that attitude [an unmatched mentality] that the only way he was not going to win is if he beat himself, not if someone else beat him.” Strahan, who is no stranger to competition and success, recognizes the unique mindset that Woods possesses.

In an interview with EssentiallySports, Strahan opened up about his admiration for Woods and how he has been a source of motivation for him. Despite being a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Strahan still looks up to Woods and his approach to the game of golf.

“I laugh at golf because I’m not good at it. But I respect it because it’s a mental game. And I think that’s what Tiger brought to it. He brought that attitude that the only way he was not going to win is if he beat himself, not if someone else beat him,” Strahan shared.

This mentality is what sets Woods apart from other athletes. He doesn’t let external factors affect his performance. Instead, he focuses on his own game and pushes himself to be the best version of himself. This is a lesson that Strahan has taken to heart and applies to his own life and career.

As a former defensive end for the New York Giants, Strahan knows the importance of mental toughness in sports. He has faced some of the toughest opponents on the field and has come out on top. But even with all his success, he still looks to Woods for inspiration and motivation.

“Watching Tiger, I think, has helped me in my career, because it’s a mental game. And I think that’s what he brought to it. And I think that’s what I try to bring to my game and my life,” Strahan explained.

But it’s not just Woods’ mentality that Strahan admires. He also recognizes the hard work and dedication that Woods puts into his craft. Despite his numerous injuries and setbacks, Woods never gave up and continued to work towards his goals. This determination and resilience are qualities that Strahan greatly respects and tries to emulate in his own life.

“Tiger has been through a lot. He’s been through a lot of injuries, a lot of things that have happened in his life. And he’s still out there, and he’s still competing. He’s still trying to win. And I think that’s what makes him great,” Strahan shared.

As a successful athlete, Strahan understands the importance of having role models and sources of motivation. And for him, Tiger Woods has been that source of inspiration. Despite being in different sports, Strahan has found common ground with Woods and has learned valuable lessons from him.

“I think we all have people that we look up to, and we all have people that we admire. And I think Tiger is one of those people for me,” Strahan said.

In conclusion, it’s clear that Michael Strahan has a deep appreciation and respect for Tiger Woods. From his unmatched mentality to his dedication and resilience, Woods has left a lasting impact on Strahan and countless other athletes. And even though Strahan may not be the best at golf, he still finds inspiration in Woods and his approach to the game. As Strahan himself puts it, “I laugh at golf, but I respect it because of Tiger.”

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