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.

Long before becoming an NFL star, Michael Strahan was already a family man — a father, then a husband. Per the New York Post, Strahan married his first wife Wanda Hutchins in January 1992 in Denmark, ten weeks after welcoming their first child, Tanita Strahan, in Germany. Two years after tying the knot, Wanda and Strahan expanded their family when their second child, Michael Jr. was born in September 1994. 

Sadly, Michael's marriage to Hutchins was not meant to be. The pair soon fell apart, and only a few months after their son was born, the marriage came to an end.   However, regardless of their short-lived love story, Michael and Hutchins have seemingly hacked the code to co-parenting as they now have a very cordial relationship. In fact, the NFL star wrote in his 2015 autobiography "Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide," that he and Hutchins decided they "would always be family," even though they were no longer married. 

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.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Tanita Strahan works as a visual artist and shares her pieces online to sell to art lovers. Per her (currently offline) website, Tanita lives in Los Angeles and works with different mediums of art including acrylic, watercolor, and photography.

In true proud dad spirit, Michael is extremely supportive of his daughter's art and does not hold back from coming through for her as best he can — even if this means sharing her work with over one million followers on his Instagram. Taking to the social platform in July 2021, the NFL player posted one of Tanita's art pieces, prompting fans to purchase it off her website. "Calling all art lovers!" the caption started. "My talented daughter, @tanitaa.st, art is on sale TODAY!! Hit the link in my bio or go to Tanitagallery.com to get yours!" 

However, outside of her strides in visual arts, Michael is also very proud of Tanita for who she is. "She's kind of like me in the sense that she has a very strong personality, but a silent strong personality," he told New York Family. "She's not going to be one to walk into a room and make it all about her. She definitely has an opinion and she's very smart and she knows what she wants, which I love about her."

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."

Given the drama surrounding Michael Strahan and Jean Muggli's divorce, it really came as no surprise when, in 2020, they were back to attacking each other. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the NFL star accused his ex-wife of physically and emotionally abusing their twin daughters — Sophia Strahan and Isabella Strahan — noting that she had been engaging in a "pattern of abusive conduct towards the children for years." Strahan also accused his ex-wife of refusing to take the girls for their court-ordered therapy sessions, adding that she was responsible for them missing their volleyball and equestrian training. 

According to Page Six, The NFL star further accused Muggli of denying Sophia and Isabella a European vacation with their father because she refused to let go of their passports. For all of these claims, Strahan asked the court to strip his ex-wife of primary custody of the kids and grant it to him instead. For her part, Muggli accused Michael of having private investigators watch her.  The drama between Michael and Muggli eventually came to a stop in November 2020, when the pair reached an out-of-court settlement agreeing to joint custody of the kids, per Page Six.

If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.

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.

Given his good looks and success, Michael Strahan doesn't have any trouble with the ladies. Still, the former NFL star would rather hang out with his twin daughters Isabella and Sophia Strahan. Even better, he would rather have them by his side at events.

In 2018, the NFL star attended the Kids' Choice Sports Awards with Isabella and Sophia as his dates. A year later, the trio was back on the orange carpet where they looked nothing less than adorable. But perhaps the reason the former NFL player does not mind being around his youngest daughters a lot is because of how fun they are. Speaking to Build in 2016, Michael described his youngest daughters as "phenomenal," adding that they make him proud. "They're kids and they enjoy life. I've learned that you've got to play and skip down the street when you get a chance,' he said. "To see them do things and have fun ... makes me the proudest and makes me work hard."

Interestingly, despite all of the drama that ensued between Michael and his ex-wife, Sophia and Isabella have maintained a close bond with her mom and never shy away from paying tribute to her on special celebrations.

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.

Between his former career as an NFL player and his current work in media, Michael Strahan has been a busy man for years. Yet, his role as a father remains most important to him. In fact, for Strahan, not even a messy divorce or distance can get in his way. He noted to People in 2016 that he often flew down to "see [his] kids" during the school year. "Whenever they get a break, they come to New York," he continued. "The hardest part is when they leave — the energy in the house is not the same. It's really sad."

Strahan also told the outlet that he makes conscious efforts to be in his kids' lives, especially because he is divorced from their moms. "I think a lot of times when you split, people assume that the mother is supposed to take responsibility for the kids. But from day one, it was very important for me to be active, to be a part of their life ... But one thing I learned is, you make time for what you want to make time for." Now, Strahan shares an unbreakable bond with all of his kids — something we can take as a testament to how amazing he is as a dad.

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 2023, Michael Strahan's youngest kids, Isabella and Sophie Strahan, graduated high school, with their famous father beaming with pride. "[Peace] out high school and on to USC!!! So proud of you, @isabellastrahan!!! Intelligent, beautiful, and hard-working!! I can't wait to continue to watch you shine!! Love you," he wrote in an Instagram tribute celebrating Isabella's high school graduation in June 2023. Similarly, in May of that year, the "Good Morning America" host shared an Instagram post featuring photos from Sophie's graduation, accompanied by a caption reading, "My baby girl graduated!! I am so proud of you!! You are intelligent, beautiful, and I can't wait to see all of the amazing things you are going to accomplish at Duke. Congrats Sophia!! Love you."

Despite their twin status, however, the young Strahans enrolled in different colleges, with Isabella opting for the University of Southern California and Sophia becoming a student at Duke University. Unsurprisingly, Michael was there every step of the way, celebrating his daughters' milestones. "Dropped off the youngest of the tribe @sophialstrahan at college! Can't believe how time has flown by and I'm so proud of her. I know she's going to crush college life!!" he wrote in an August 2023 Instagram post.

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.

During a January 11, 2024 episode of "Good Morning America," Isabella Strahan revealed she was undergoing treatment after receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2023. "I didn't notice anything was off 'til probably ... like, October 1," she said. "That's when I definitely noticed headaches, nausea, couldn't walk straight," she explained during the conversation. Upon visiting the hospital, Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a common type of brain cancer. "I'm very excited for this whole process to wrap, but you just have to keep living every day, I think, through the whole thing," Isabella told Robin Roberts of her treatment process. 

Since receiving the news of her diagnosis, Isabella has enjoyed her family's utmost support, including her famous father and twin sister Sophia Strahan. "The last few months have been so much harder than we could have ever imagined, but it's made me realize just how strong you are. You inspire me and I'm so proud of you. Us forever," Sophia wrote in an Instagram tribute dedicated to Isabella.