Michael Strahan defended by co-host after failing to put his hand over his heart during national anthem

Michael Strahan has faced criticism for his stance during a recent performance of the U.S. national anthem.

On Sunday (November 10), the Fox network honored Veteran’s Day – a federal holiday commemorating military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces – during its NFL Sunday Football broadcast. During the segment, which took place at Naval Base San Diego, a marching band played the “Star-Spangled Banner” as Fox commentators were seen standing in a line with their hands over their hearts – a common gesture of respect.

However, cameras captured Strahan standing at the end of the line with his arms folded across the lower half of his body.

Many people quickly turned to X/Twitter to express their disappointment with the former New York Giants player, claiming he failed to show his “respect for the country” by placing his hand at his side instead of his heart.

“Michael Strahan just disrespected the country that made him,” one post read, while another agreed: “I’m a career Army (Abn) Infantry Veteran. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Michael Strahan. I know this because I understand he’d NEVER EVER consider deploying to a Hostile Fire Area for something greater than himself.”

Following the backlash, Fox NFL Sunday co-host Jay Glazer defended Strahan by explaining that his pose was not done out of disrespect.

“I’ve just seen the criticism of @michaelstrahan. Let me tell you this, I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael, growing up on an army base constantly talking about what he learned from his dad Major Gene Strahan and how his time there shaped him. I heard it CONSTANTLY, still do!” Glazer’s post on X/Twitter began. “But also, with no fanfare I personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews.”

Glazer also called out critics who claimed that Strahan’s act was a sign of protest, writing: “I know these days people want to be angry fast but maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea. ASK him if he’s protesting something. When you protest you want people to know, don’t ya?

“He was NOT, just got caught up in how beautiful the whole moment was during the anthem and didn’t think about it. Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out alllll he’s done for our veterans over the years.”

Meanwhile, Strahan subtly responded to the backlash on social media by showing his appreciation for Veteran’s Day. The Good Morning America anchor posted a photo of his father wearing his military uniform on his Instagram account, as he paid tribute to U.S. service members in the caption.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure,” Strahan wrote on Instagram. “This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. He served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division.”

“Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts each and every day as we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish without you. Thank You,” he concluded.

Strahan appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday (November 12) after his absence from Monday’s show, which fans speculated was due to the national anthem controversy. While Strahan didn’t mention the incident during Tuesday’s episode, he did recall how one soldier was reunited with their family during a Veteran’s Day football game on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.