The Truth About Michael Strahan's Children

Michael Strahan is a lot of things to different people. To sports fans, Strahan is a former NFL player holding the tied record for the most quarterback sacks in a single season. He's also ranked as one of the players with the most sacks of all time in NFL history, per ESPN. Similarly, to millions of television viewers, Strahan is the guy on TV — the guy from two of ABC's top shows "Kelly and Michael" and "Good Morning America." To a few others, he is also a two-time Emmy winner for his outstanding work in media.

Clearly a success at all he does, Strahan's biggest achievement, however, remains fatherhood. A proud dad to four kids, the former NFL star has all the inspiration he needs in his kids — as long as he has them, nothing else matters. "My kids give me strength," he once told People. "I love being with the kids. To me, it's all about family, now more than anything." Okay, a famous father, yet very hands-on? Strahan's kids no doubt have an interesting life, so let's dig even deeper.

Michael Strahan's first attempt at marriage was definitely not what he expected, but the NFL star did not give up on romance. He found love again after meeting his second wife, Jean Muggli, in 1994 at a Manhattan skincare salon where she worked at the time (via the US Sun). The pair got married in 1999 and welcomed their twin daughters, Isabella and Sophia Strahan, in 2004. But, like his first marriage, this was also not meant to be. In March 2005, Muggli filed a domestic violence complaint against Michael and accused him of hitting her multiple times over the years. "One time, he punched me in the kidneys. I was peeing blood," she told the court, per the New York Post. 

Strahan, however, denied all of Muggli's allegations, telling the court, per the New York Post, that he "would never physically or psychologically harm any of my loved ones, especially my wife."  He, in turn, accused her of stealing money, adding that she tried to alienate him from his older kids — a claim that his mom Louise Strahan also backed up. "She didn't want Michael to acknowledge his children, and every time he did, it was a big problem," Louise claimed (via New York Post). 

After months of going back and forth, the estranged couple finalized their divorce in July 2006, with Muggli receiving a $15.3 million settlement, according to The New York Times.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

Despite growing up as the child of one of the greatest players in NFL history, Michael Strahan Jr. grew up unbothered by his father's fame. Like his big sister Tanita Strahan, Michael Jr. maintains a low profile, save for a few appearances on his dad's Instagram. Per Sportskeeda, Michael Jr. has a Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and lives in New York.

And even though Michael Jr. would rather remain out of the spotlight, Michael can't help but gush about his son from time to time.  "My son, Michael ... He's a very particular young man," the proud dad revealed to New York Family.  "He's very smart, too. He likes to say to me, "Dad, you're smart, but you cannot challenge me in the fields of math and science." Michael also told the outlet that even though his older kids understand how famous and successful he is, they are more interested in making names for themselves outside of his fame. "I have great kids, and they're not the kind who look at my life and say "Daddy's this" and "Daddy's that," he said. "My kids are interested in making their own way. They have their own personalities and do their own thing. I'm happy to see that."

According to Parade, during his first marriage, Michael Strahan split his time between Germany, where he lived with his wife, and Texas, where he played for Texas Southern University. However, following their divorce, he permanently moved to the United States while Hutchins remained in Germany with their children, Tanita Strahan and Michael Strahan Jr. Newly separated and away from his kids, the NFL star was left with no choice but to make frequent trips to see his kids. "I was constantly on planes and phones," he told People. "And it's very hard — of course it's hard with them being in Germany. But one thing I learned is, you make time for what you want to make time for."

But even though living in Germany kept Tanita and Michael Jr away from their dad, it came with its own advantage — a chance at a normal childhood. "I've never been the type of person to be starstruck," Tanita explained to People. "Growing up in Germany, no one cared about stuff like that."

Tanita and Michael Jr. later moved to the United States where they received their high school and university education. In a bid to give them as much comfort as possible, Michael, who as of this writing is worth an estimated $65 million (via Celebrity Net Worth), splurged a whooping $163,000 on a house in Texas. Despite the years that have passed since they left, the pair still hold Germany dear in their hearts.

In December 2021, when Michael Strahan shared an adorable family picture featuring his mom Louise, his kids Tanita and Michael Jr., and an unknown young man, fans suspected that the NFL star had a second son. After all, he wrote in the comments that he was chilling with his "oldest kids" and his "momma." 

In addition to his four kids with his ex-wives, Strahan is also a proud stepdad to Dorian — his stepson from his first marriage. In his 2015 book, "Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life," the former NFL star confirmed that Wanda welcomed Dorian in a previous marriage, but this does not seem to bother him much. 

But even though he is not his biological son, Michael treats Dorian as one of his own. "I treat him and take care of him as if he were my son because it's very important to me that Michael Junior and Tanita have the confidence of knowing that their mother is fine, their brother is fine, everybody is well taken care of," the doting dad wrote. However, despite making occasional appearances on his dad's social media, Dorian pretty much maintains a low profile — just like his half siblings, Tanita and Michael Jr.

Raising kids in a blended family is no easy feat but doting dad Michael Strahan sure makes it look easy. Despite the tumultuous relationship he had with his ex-wives in the past, Strahan tries his best to make sure there is no division amongst his kids. And even though they did not grow up together and were raised by different mothers, Tanita, Michael Jr., Dorian, Sophia, and Isabella all have a great bond and remain as close as ever. Speaking to People in 2016, Strahan admitted that his children are "very close" — something he is most proud of. "You worry how the kids will mix and blend, but brothers and sisters are brothers and sisters regardless of different mothers," he added. 

No doubt, Strahan has done well in his career but it goes without saying that he is equally as amazing in his role as a father. In 2017, the National Father's Council recognized Strahan's parenting skills when they honored him with the "Father of the Year" award. A great sportsman, an incredible media personality, and an even better dad — Michael Strahan is a legend in every sense of the word.

In April 2022, Isabella Strahan made her runway debut at a Sherri Hill fashion show and as expected, Michael Strahan was there to cheer his little one on. "Very proud of you, @isabellastrahan, for crushing your first runway this weekend for @sherrihill. As a parent, there is nothing like watching your child succeed at what they love with a smile on their face," the television host gushed in an Instagram post.

Since kicking off her modeling career, Isabella has gone on to record remarkable strides, even landing herself a deal with Women 360, a prominent management company in New York City, per her Instagram bio. In January 2024, Michael took to Instagram, celebrating Isabella's first major modeling deal with giant beauty company Sephora. "So proud of my beautiful and amazing daughter, @isabellastrahan on her first big campaign. Proud of you #GirlDad," the dad gushed.