New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux had a breakout campaign in 2023, and he is looking to do even bigger things next season.

Thibodeaux already has his sights set on Giants legend Michael Strahan, who set the single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks back in 2001 (it was also tied by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt in 2021).

“We’re just going to start this off, if you were wondering, I’m going for the record — so don’t ask,” Thibodeaux said, via Darryl Slater of NJ.com. “Every year I’m here, I’m going for Michael Strahan’s record.”

Thibodeaux played in every game last season, racking up 50 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and four passes defended.

The 23-year-old thinks due to the landscape of the NFL changing since Strahan’s days that he will have more opportunities to get to opposing quarterbacks.

“Now being here, it’s like he (Strahan) didn’t have as many rush opportunities as I’m going to have,” Thibodeaux said, via Christian Gonzales of NFL.com. “The game wasn’t as much passes as it was before. I have an opportunity that people would wish they could be in. It’s only right if I give the people what they want. I honor myself by putting everything on the line, trying to be the best.”

Thibodeaux has a point.

The NFL has certainly become a more pass-heavy league than it was when Strahan set the record more than two decades ago, so Thibodeaux should have more chances to register sacks.

Thibodeaux, who played his collegiate football at the University of Oregon, was selected by New York with the fifth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

He appeared in 14 contests during his rookie year, finishing with 49 tackles, four sacks, a couple of forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries, five passes defended and a defensive touchdown.

The Giants also went out and got Thibodeaux some help this offseason, landing defensive end Brian Burns in a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal with the Carolina Panthers.

We’ll see if Kayvon Thibodeaux is able to make a serious push for Michael Strahan’s record in 2024. Or, at the very least, if he can build on what was a terrific sophomore campaign.

New York went 6-11 in 2023 and has made just two playoff appearances since 2012.

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