In an effort to honor America’s veterans, FOX NFL Sunday took its show on the road to Naval Base San Diego for a special pregame broadcast ahead of Veterans Day. The segment was part of a longstanding Fox tradition, celebrating the military and patriotism by bringing NFL coverage to the men and women in uniform. However, a brief moment during the National Anthem sparked controversy involving one of the show’s hosts, Michael Strahan—an issue some believe is overblown. As the anthem played, cameras captured the broadcast team standing with their hands over their hearts. Strahan, however, stood with his hands in front of him, fingers interlocked—a posture some viewers perceived as disrespectful, even though Strahan maintained a respectful and attentive stance.
WATCH:
What are your thoughts on Fox’s NFL and ‘Good Morning America’ co-host refusing to place his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem to honor Veterans Day on Sunday? pic.twitter.com/z2iWsocA81
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) November 11, 2024
The backlash didn’t take long to surface. Newsmax host Todd Starnes posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show… So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.” Others chimed in as well.
Michael Strahan just disrespected the country that made him. GTFOH
— Jacob Cottrell (@cottrell1111) November 10, 2024
How fucking disrespect of @michaelstrahan to not have his hand on heart especially in front of all those Navy personal. You should be removed from the broadcast team. I hope there are repercussions for your actions. pic.twitter.com/tp5fg0T4Gz
— Thomas Bare (@tab72266) November 10, 2024
I’m a career Army (Abn) Infantry Veteran.
I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Michael Strahan.
I know this because I understand he’d NEVER EVER consider deploying to a Hostile Fire Area for something greater than himself. ??— PKHof (@PaulHof51133601) November 10, 2024
Bullshit. pic.twitter.com/IFTZk5YZK3
— Bill Schohr (@BSchohr) November 10, 2024
If you can’t respect our military, you need to be removed from the NFL ON FOX!! GOOD BYE STRAHAN!!
— Dean Garza (@GarzaDean) November 10, 2024
