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Michael Strahan Ready To Wing It At Hall Of Fame Induction

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Michael Strahan has it all: the single-season sacks record, a Super Bowl ring and a hit television show.

This weekend, he'll get his gold jacket.

The former New York Giants defensive end will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night. And, like when he was on the field, he's just going to trust his instincts. That means no script.

"I want to kind of go up there and be free and not worry about giving the speech of a lifetime," Strahan told People magazine. "I think a lot of guys sit and write and write and write because everyone tries to outdo the other with the speeches. I don't care for that. I just want to make sure I thank the right people, make sure we all have a good time."

Strahan was the leader of a defense that stunned the undefeated Patriots in the 2008 Super Bowl. He holds the single-season mark for sacks with 22.5 in 2001 — yeah, we know all about Brett Favre's "dive" for the record-setting sack. He retired with 141.5 sacks, seven Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro team selections.

And while he was a game-changer on the field, he was making his mark elsewhere with his gregarious personality, gap-toothed smile and willingness to step out of his comfort zone. He became a regular in commercials, most notably for Subway.

Strahan easily moved from the field to the television studio after retirement, and now is co-host of the "Live! With Kelly and Michael" morning show.

But he's going into the Canton shrine because of his on-field achievements in 15 seasons, all with the Giants.

"It's one of those things where I was like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe it,' " Strahan told People. "It was actually very amazing and very scary at the same time."

Strahan will be honored on November 3 at MetLife Stadium, Giants public relations chief Pat Hanlon confirmed Friday on Twitter.

The 42-year-old Strahan, who was elected in his second year of eligibility, will join former teammates Harry Carson and Lawrence Taylor in the hall.

"Everybody gets a little nervous," he said. "I'm no different than anyone else. I think the key is to shake that nervousness and turn it into production."

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(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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