Fox Sports NFL analyst Michael Strahan is speaking out after coming under fire for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem.
On the network’s broadcast from Naval Base San Diego before Veterans Day, the national anthem was played before Sunday’s busy schedule of NFL action as a large number of military personnel surrounded the team.
While everyone else on the team stood with their hands over their hearts, Strahan angered fans on social media when he instead stood with his hands clasped in front of him.
Amid outrage over his controversial act, the former New York Giants star shared a photo of his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan Sr, during his time in the military on Instagram while paying tribute to veterans across the United States. Joined.
“Thank you to all the veterans and active duty service members who bravely risk their lives to protect us every day,” he wrote in his story. ‘Your selfless service is beyond measure.
Michael Strahan sparked outrage by not placing his hand on his heart during the national anthem
‘Just as I honor my father, I keep you all in my thoughts every day, as without you we would not have the security and freedoms we cherish. Thank you.’
Strahan has also been a co-host of the popular morning talk show Good Morning America since 2016. However, he was absent from Monday’s show.
After he was seen not covering his heart during the Star Spangled Banner, the 52-year-old was branded “unpatriotic” by furious Americans who took to social media to vent their frustrations.
Along with a photo of the moment, Newsmax host Todd Starnes first posted: ‘Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pregame show on @NFLonFOX.
‘The great irony is that Strahan is on a ship surrounded by men and women who would be willing to sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. Therefore, his behavior is not only disgusting, but downright cowardly.”
Another fan commented: ‘What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On fucking Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. It’s not right.’
A third added: ‘Fire Michael Strahan! This is unacceptable!’
‘@NFLonFOX Michael Strahan, standing with the US military in honor of Veterans Day, can’t show honor and respect during the National Anthem… Wow!’ wrote another
The NFL analyst shared a photo of his ex-military father and paid tribute to America’s veterans
Fans took to social media to attack Strahan after his controversial act on Sunday.
Another said Strahan’s decision was “disrespectful to all veterans and Americans.”
‘Why doesn’t Michael Strahan put his hand over his heart during the performance of our National Anthem?’ asked a fan.
Strahan was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft.
He played in New York throughout his career, winning the Super Bowl against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots team in 2008.
Strahan is still tied with TJ Watt for the record for most quarterback sacks in a single season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Earlier in the Fox broadcast, Brady delivered a special message to members of the military.
Strahan has become a television personality and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner said, “We truly honor you today in the NFL.” You, men and women who serve us around the world, are our heroes.
You have our respect. You have the best team in the world and I have seen great teams.
‘But there is no better team in the world than our army and our armed forces. We admire your commitment. We admire your dedication. We admire your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We, as the NFL, honor you. We love you. And thank you very much.’