Michael Strahan (pictured) extended his offseason more than five weeks. It cost him more than $500,000 in fines—a pricey vacation no matter who you are. But the New York Giants Hall-of-Fame defensive end finally ended his holdout yesterday and reported to training camp, just six days before the G-Men’s season opener.

Strahan, of course, didn’t practice, because who needs practice? He arrived at Giant Stadium at 4 p.m., handled paperwork, had a brief meeting with head coach Tom Coughlin, took a physical and left after 45 minutes. Now that’s dedication.

The Giants did not announce if Strahan will be ready for the team’s season opener against Dallas on Sunday night, but longtime teammate and Giant wide receiver Amani Toomer thinks the seven-time Pro Bowler will play. “Considering he’s put in seven or eight years more than anyone here, and he’s been to more training camps than anyone here, he’s fine,” Toomer said.

New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is many things, but according to him, he’s no Rod Tidwell or Jerry Maguire (“Show me the Money!”). After nearly two weeks of silence since informing the Giants he was considering retirement, Strahan spoke out this weekend to refute reports that claimed he’d been holding out for monetary reasons.

“What’s been most disappointing has been all of this nonsense that I’m holding out for more money,” Strahan said in a released statement. “The truth is that football has been very good to me and I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by advisors who have ensured my family and I will live comfortably for the rest of my life. You deserve to know what’s really going on. My agent met with the Giants earlier in the year and discussed many things, including my contract. Money is not the reason that I have not reported to training camp and it will not be a factor for my return. This has already been communicated to the Giants, and while the reports may indicate a ‘hard line’ taken by the team regarding money, it is not necessary as this issue has been decided well before July.”

“I have to face my mortality like anyone else. When an athlete like myself who does what I do for a living starts having doubts, then it’s time to take a step back and seriously consider my future. Anyone who played in the NFL with doubts or second guessing is not only putting themselves at risk, but their teammates also. I will never do that.”

Strahan is scheduled to make $4 million this season and has not asked for an adjustment in his contract. If he’s as financially well off as he claims, however, he should be able to afford braces to fix that gap between his front teeth. Yet after 14 years in the NFL, that chasm between his pearly whites still remains. Intriguing…