Michael Strahan Receives Support From Co-Host Over National Anthem Stance Backlash

Fox Sports host Jay Glazer has come to the defense of his colleague Michael Strahan, who recently faced criticism from viewers over his stance during the national anthem at Sunday’s NFL on Fox Veterans Day broadcast.

As The Blast reported, the special program, which aired live from Naval Base San Diego, was intended to honor the military and featured the Fox NFL Sunday team paying tribute to service members as a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner played.

In a lineup that included hosts Howie Long, Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmie Johnson, Rob Gronkowski, and Glazer himself, Strahan stood with his arms at his side during the anthem, while most of his co-hosts placed their hands over their hearts.

This stance from Michael Strahan drew backlash from viewers who interpreted it as disrespectful, particularly during a Veterans Day tribute from a military base.

While Strahan’s co-hosts placed their right hands over their hearts during the national anthem, Strahan stood with his hands crossed at his waist—a subtle difference that quickly ignited a response on social media. Many viewers took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to express their disappointment, with some even calling for Fox to reconsider Strahan’s role on the show.

"Pathetic. Everything you have is nothing without those veterans. Just couldn’t give them 2 minutes of respect," one social media user wrote in response to the now-viral video.

"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."

"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," a third wrote.

"Dude, you f-cked up. I hope you feel whatever backlash comes your way in your career," someone else expressed. "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--."

In response to the criticism, Jay Glazer took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express his support for Strahan following the incident.

"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," he began in his lengthy X post. "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 continued, "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 argued that Strahan would have made his stance unmistakably clear if he had intended to protest something.

"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," Glazer added later in his post. "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."

As an “Army brat” whose father served 23 years in the U.S. Army, Strahan has often used his platform to support military causes, including visits to wounded soldiers at facilities such as Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Strahan has frequently spoken about his father’s military service. In a November 11, 2022, post, he paid tribute to his father, who served 23 years in the Army and was a “proud member” of the 82nd Airborne Division.

This year, he echoed his previous sentiments in his Instagram Stories, per The New York Post.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day," he wrote alongside a photo of his dad. "Your selfless service is beyond measure. 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."

Glazer isn't the only one to defend Strahan amidst the backlash.

"Michael Strahan's dad served in the Army for 23 years," one social media user 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."

"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," another X user said.

Michael Strahan has yet to comment on the backlash.