Michael Strahan Under Fire For 'Disrespectful' National Anthem Stance

Michael Strahan is facing backlash from viewers who found his stance during the national anthem at Sunday’s “NFL on Fox” broadcast to be “disrespectful.”

The incident occurred during a special Veterans Day program, which aired live from Naval Base San Diego.

In a tribute to service members, Michael Strahan and his colleagues—Howie Long, Jay Glazer, Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmie Johnson, and Rob Gronkowski—lined up to honor the military while a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner played.

While each of Strahan’s co-hosts placed their right hand over their heart, Strahan stood with his hands crossed at his waist. This subtle difference sparked an immediate response on social media, with many taking to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express disappointment and even demand that Fox reconsider Strahan’s role on the show.

"If you can't respect our military," one commenter wrote. "You need to be removed from the NFL ON FOX!! GOOD BYE STRAHAN!!"

"Pathetic. Everything you have is nothing without those veterans. Just couldn’t give them 2 minutes of respect," another wrote.

"Dude, you f-cked up. I hope you feel whatever backlash comes your way in your career," a third expressed after seeing the video. "I wish you no physical harm but feel whatever backlash comes the veterans feel when they stepped up when you couldn’t because you suck the lefts and legacy media's a--."

The posts continued to pour in, as one X user said, "Fidgeting is a sign that he's uncomfortable with what he's doing, which suggests he's aware of how much of a tool he's being."

"Why so ungrateful, Michael?" another expressed. "These Veterans made it possible for you to be free to spew your lies and propaganda on a daily basis with 'GMA' to the American public."

Others, however, came to Strahan's defense. "Michael Strahan is doing nothing wrong. One option for civilians when the national anthem is played is to stand at attention (stand tall and straight) which IMO he is doing," one X user said.

"Michael Strahan's dad served in the Army for 23 years," another said. "He grew up on a US Army base in Germany and has given a ton of money to veteran charities. He's standing quietly at attention. We need to stop getting so upset at every little thing."

While it is unclear if he meant anything by his stance, Strahan took to Instagram on Monday to emphasize his respect for the military.

Sharing a heartfelt tribute to veterans and active service members, Strahan, whose father served in the Army, wrote, “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.”

He continued, “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.”

Strahan has been a steadfast supporter of the military, a passion rooted in his own upbringing within a military family, per the NFL.

When he was nine, the Strahan family moved to Germany to support his father’s career in the United States Army, and he attended Mannheim American High School, a school for military dependents operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.

After achieving success in college and professional football, Strahan continued his military advocacy by visiting wounded service members at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

As a proud "Army Brat," Strahan uses his personal experience and public platform to make a meaningful impact within the military community, demonstrating a lasting commitment to those who have served and continue to serve the country.