Michael Strahan’s ⁢journey from NFL star to media mogul

Michael Strahan’s ​spotlight was far from dimming when he‌ retired from the NFL in 2008. After a stellar 15-year career with the New York ​Giants, culminating in seven Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl victory, many might have‍ thought his⁢ peak had‌ already been reached. Yet, Strahan knew his journey had just‌ begun.

A new beginning

“Your career is over when you’re still very young,” Strahan⁢ reflects.⁣ “I was 36⁢ when ​I retired!” But his ambitions were far from retired. Enter Constance Schwartz-Morini, a savvy former NFL executive and talent agent. Recognizing Strahan’s ​off-field potential, she initially‌ approached him to emcee a golf tournament in the ’90s. This partnership blossomed into a lifelong ‍friendship and professional collaboration.

Under Schwartz-Morini’s guidance, Strahan seamlessly transitioned from football to television, first excelling ⁤as an analyst on “Fox‌ NFL Sunday,” and then​ securing the highly coveted co-hosting role ⁤on “Live​ With Kelly and Michael”. “I call her ‌the boss because she⁤ is the ‍boss,” Strahan says of Schwartz-Morini. “She’s more than likely right,” he adds​ with a smile.

Building the Strahan brand

Over‍ the years, Strahan has evolved into a multifaceted personality. ​Beyond the gridiron, he has built a‌ diverse portfolio, including becoming an author, entrepreneur, and a familiar face on TV, hosting “Good Morning America” and “The $100,000 Pyramid”.

This evolution didn’t stop at personal achievements.⁤ Strahan and⁤ Schwartz-Morini sought to replicate their success for other ⁣athletes by founding SMAC Entertainment in ⁤2011. This innovative company focuses on talent management, production, ‌and brand incubation.

“People would try to pigeonhole ⁤and say, ‘You’re‍ only going to do this,’” Schwartz-Morini ​recalls. “The future is being⁤ able to weave all of this together.”

Revolutionizing post-retirement for athletes

Traditionally, athletes’ ‌post-retirement options were limited, often confined​ to commentator roles​ or podcasts. SMAC aims to drastically expand these horizons.

Take Deion Sanders, for example. Thanks to SMAC, the former pro football and baseball player has added “docuseries star” to his résumé. His latest venture, “Coach Prime,” follows his journey as a college football head coach and is set to return for its third season on Prime Video in early 2025.

Sanders’s partnerships extend beyond media. Collaborations with brands like Nike,⁣ Blenders, and RedCon1 help him promote products ​ranging from sunglasses to protein powder. “Coach Prime’s cleats were on fire this week,” notes Schwartz-Morini, “So many top-level NFL players were‌ wearing them.”

Expanding the SMAC roster

SMAC’s client list isn’t ​limited to athletes. It includes a variety of entertainment and media figures such as rappers ‍Common and Wiz Khalifa, sports commentator Erin ⁤Andrews,​ and model Camille Kostek. This eclectic‌ mix ⁣highlights the company’s capability to manage diverse talents and navigate different industries.

The secret to SMAC’s success? In-house production resources that help clients ‍achieve their broad-ranging goals. “Talent is raising their hands and shouting from the ‌mountaintops, ‘We’re more than just one thing. We want‌ to produce projects,’” notes‌ FredAnthony Smith, SMAC’s unscripted development chief.

Upcoming productions and continued innovation

Among their ⁣new projects is “Evolution of the​ Black Quarterback”, a Prime Video series where Michael⁢ Vick explores the historical and social significance⁤ of Black quarterbacks in America.

The SMAC team maintains a relentless pace, launching new shows every month from now until January. Highlights include ​ “Black Comedy in America”,⁣ hosted by Tiffany Haddish, Chris Spencer, and Ryan Davis, and an untitled⁤ docuseries on the legendary “Madden” ⁢video game.

“We’re tiny and mighty, and our heads are always down,” ⁣Schwartz-Morini reveals, emphasizing their commitment to constant innovation. Strahan echoes this: “It seems like a short time for most,⁣ but it’s been a grind. I just marvel at​ Con’s ⁤tenacity. ⁢The boss led the‌ way.”

The lineup’s impressive diversity exemplifies SMAC’s⁢ holistic approach to ⁣talent management. Rather than focusing narrowly on one aspect of ‌a client’s career, SMAC aims ⁢to cultivate multifaceted stars capable​ of excelling in various fields.

Looking ahead

As “Coach Prime” gears up for its third season on Prime Video and⁣ new documentary series prepare for launch,​ SMAC Entertainment continues to redefine ‍what it means to be a modern athlete and media personality. By blending sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, Strahan and⁤ Schwartz-Morini pave the way for a new era of post-retirement opportunities for athletes.

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