NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan grew up in a military family, but that didn’t save him from an onslaught of criticism on Sunday when he failed to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem.
Strahan filmed Sunday’s “NFL on Fox” segments at the San Diego Naval Base in honor of Veteran’s Day. In one segment, Strahan and his colleagues stood for the national anthem.
While Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson placed their hands over the hearts, Strahan kept his hands clasped in front of him.
The gesture drew the ire of several football fans on social media.
“Not cool having Strahan disrespecting our National Anthem,” one viewer wrote on X. “This just further divides us as a country, even if it’s his right to do that.”
Others chimed in with a call to “cancel Strahan,” urging FOX Sports to discipline or fire the analyst.
“I normally don’t care about this stuff, I swore to defend the Constitution,” another outraged X user wrote. “But, Strahan, you’re in their mother f— house (literally, they live in that ship!), show some respect. No cops for miles, this isn’t about your skin. Brothers and sisters behind you in uniform.”
Strahan, a self-described “Army brat,” parlayed a 15-year NFL career with the New York Giants into several broadcasting gigs. In addition to his role as an analyst with FOX, he also regularly hosts “Good Morning America” on ABC.
The former defensive end has not publicly commented on the criticism.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.