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Michael Strahan Pays Tribute To Jon Runyan In Hall Of Fame Speech

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- For the last eight seasons of his Hall Of Fame NFL career, New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan did battle with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan, at least twice per season. On Saturday night during his Hall Of Fame inductee speech, Strahan honored his toughest opponent.

"Why don't you stand up so they can see you," Strahan said to Runyan. "Six-nine, 350 pounds, of twisted steel and non-sex appeal. [Runyan laughs]. Jon, you made me a student of the game. I'm going to talk directly to you. You made me a student of the game, man. When you went to the Eagles from Tennessee, it made me mad because I felt like they brought you to stop me. It really bothered me. You made me a student to study my opponent, to learn my opponent better than they knew themselves. And even though everybody thinks that I had so many battles against you and I was winning and everything---well, I was---but you, you won quite a bit of battles, man."

"You were the toughest guy I ever had to face on a consistent basis," Strahan continued. "You made me a much better football player. And after watching these films and you don't play any more, your right foot gave away everything you were going to do. But I love you, Jon Runyan."

You can watch Strahan's full Hall Of Fame speech here.

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