Jon Runyan Smiles Today

Michael Strahan officially retired today and will almost assuredly transition into the broadcast booth. As an Eagle fan, this day couldn't have come soon enough, because while right tackle Jon Runyan has been one of the best and most durable linemen in the NFL for well over a decade, Strahan gave him fits.

While Runyan would never admit it - and let's be honest I'd never want him to admit it - this has to be a good day. Jon's getting up there in years it will be nice to know that the twilight of his career will be free of gap-toothed defensive lineman wearing blue.

For his part, Runyan was classy in talking about Mike, putting him up there with Reggie White among the all-time greats. Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News has another good article on the rivalry which you can read here. As a player you have to respect Strahan's accomplishments, as a fan, I'm just glad he's gone because the Eagles are experimenting with Winston Justice on the right side of the line - and Winston v. Strahan would have been the equivalent of hot knife v. butter.