Honoring Veterans Day, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and his Fox NFL Sunday teammates took part in a special broadcast from Naval Base San Diego on November 10, 2024 Celebrated annually by Fox Sports, the event honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their commitment and selflessness. The event was supposed to honor military service with the seven-man team standing alongside troops. But the day took an unanticipated turn when viewers objected to Strahan’s position during the national anthem.
Strahan stood with his team as The Star-Spangled Banner was performed over the loudspeakers, hands over their hearts in the traditional sign of respect.
But Strahan stood with his arms sloppily folded in front of him, setting up an internet firestorm. Critics expressed their indignation right once, charging the former NFL player of disrespecting the soldiers during a day meant for honors.
“Why couldn’t Michaelstrahan put his hand over his heart during the US Navy Band playing the National Anthem?”
The controversial star added: “The great irony is Strahan on a ship surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.”
However, Strahan addressed the backlash in his own way, taking to Instagram to share a tribute to his father, including a photo of his dad in his military uniform.
He 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. This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr.”
The Good Morning America host added: “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.”
Despite the chaos, Strahan will not face consequences, as an insider told Daily Mail there “isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way”.
While Strahan didn’t directly address the backlash, a source shared the dad-of-four wasn’t looking to ruffle any feathers with not placing his hand over his heart.
They shared: “Michael was in the moment and in no way shape or form objecting to the moment at hand. This was an internet controversy that was never in his thoughts to start.”
Strahan has had a difficult year as in January he revealed his daughter Isabella, 20, was diagnosed with brain cancer .
Isabella had to undergo three surgeries , six weeks of radiation, and four rounds of chemotherapy before announcing that she is cancer -free.
Strahan opened up about his daughter’s journey in an interview.
He said: “It was definitely tough and painful to watch that. It was like, ‘How soon is it going to come back?’ It was painful for her to get out of bed and move and do those things that are completely necessary for her to do.
“As a parent, to see that was unsettling at times. But throughout this entire journey, Isabella has inspired and helped us all by how she has approached what she was facing. She has worked so hard, and with such amazing spirit. And she is still on a journey with her vision, balance, and getting her weight back.”