Michael Strahan has said that he is "excited" to have been included in this year's Hall of Fame class.

The NFL's single-season sacks record holder is one of seven players who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year.

The former New York Giants defensive end, who retired after the 2007 season, told the team's official website: "I'm excited to have made it and to join the other members of the Hall of Fame. And to be inducted with the class I'm inducted in, guys that I admired when I played against them, guys I admired when I watched them, even though they're from a different era. They're guys of high character.

"I heard a little bit before the formal announcement, which is great. It gives you a chance to kind of take it in and I had a chance to call my parents and let them hear it from me. It was nice to get it a little bit ahead of time.

"Football changed my life, period. And now I'm sure this will definitely change my life as well. I just think about being recognised as one of the best that's ever played in the greatest sport in our country, and being respected for the way that you played it. That in itself changes my life. Maybe not for anybody else, but it does for me, and that's very important to me."

Strahan's final game was Super Bowl XLII, which saw the Giants beat the New England Patriots.