'They’re home': Why Michael Strahan wants fans to support the Memphis Showboats

Michael Strahan walked into Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on a warm Friday afternoon with his navy-blue suit on, brown dress shoes, sunglasses and his trademark smile.

Friday was the eve of the Memphis Showboats season debut and return to the USFL. They play the Philadelphia Stars on Saturday (3:30 p.m., Fox).

Strahan, a Fox football analyst and Good Morning America co-host, was happy to be in Memphis celebrating the team’s return after spending 38 years away from the league.

"This is a league about talent, this is a league about great football,” Strahan said. “I grew up watching Reggie White here in Memphis. Next thing you know, I’m playing with him in the Pro Bowl; one of my favorite players of all time.”

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Having not been in the city long, as Strahan gazed around the stadium with all the USFL insignia around it, he couldn’t help but plead with fans to support the Showboats’ this season.

"They’re home,” Strahan said. “You got to come out and support the hometown team. … There’s no better way to showcase what Memphis is all about then to show the support for this team.”

He’s also a big fan of the USFL itself, watching it growing up and remembering when the Showboats played in the 1984 and 1985 seasons.

Even with his success in the NFL, which brought him a Super Bowl in 2007 with the New York Giants and a Hall of Fame induction in 2014, Strahan sees the importance of the USFL for players aspiring to reach the highest level of professional football.

"You look at the other sports, guys have the opportunity to showcase their skills,” Strahan said. “Football did not have that until now. I think there’s so many guys out there who are incredible athletes and incredible football players who need a little bit more development … and need an opportunity to show what they can do.

"That’s what the USFL provides.”

He hopes the fan base is as excited as he is to have a USFL football team again. City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland gave Strahan the proclamation for Memphis Showboats Day as well while Strahan was in town.

It’s one more reason why Strahan wants the city to back the return of the Showboats in Memphis.

"This city has a lot to be proud of and I know that they're a great city to host it," Strahan said.

Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Michael Strahan wants fans to support the Memphis Showboats. Here's why