NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Strahan has added another notch to his growing off-the-field resume — Broadway.

The gap-toothed former football player made three short appearances at Wednesday's matinee of "Elf," the musical is based on the Will Ferrell film.

Says the former athlete: "I was surprised at how nervous you get."

Strahan played both a police officer and a Salvation Army Santa in the first act and appeared as himself in a scene in the second act asking Santa for a present.

Strahan was named in September as Kelly Ripa's permanent co-host aboard the morning show "Live with Kelly and Michael." He got a huge round of applause at the curtain call and the cast gave him flowers.

Fans can see a recap on Thursday's TV show.

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Online:

http://www.elfmusical.com