NFL fans call out Michael Strahan for 'disrespecting' national anthem, demand he be fired

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Fox Sports NFL analyst and former player Michael Strahan is facing widespread backlash from NFL fans who are calling for his dismissal after he was seen making disrespectful gestures during the national anthem before a recent game. In photos and videos circulating online, Strahan is visibly not placing his hand on his heart while others around him do. 

The incident occurred during a special broadcast from the San Diego Naval Base, which aired ahead of Veterans Day, as the national anthem played before the busy Sunday slate of NFL games. Fans have voiced their outrage, accusing Strahan of showing disrespect during this solemn moment.

Michael Strahan's 'disrespectful' behavior during Veterans Day pre-game show goes viral

In keeping with tradition, the Fox Sports panel members—including Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Terry Bradshaw, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Johnson, and Jay Glazer—each placed their right hands over their hearts during the national anthem. 

However, Michael Strahan, the regular host of 'Good Morning America', chose to keep his hands interlocked in front of him. This gesture by Strahan, 52, a former New York Giants player who spent 15 seasons in the NFL, left many fans heartbroken and sparked widespread criticism.

Newsmax host Todd Starnes weighed in on the controversy, tweeting, “Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show on @NFLonFOX." 

He 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.”

Strahan, who was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 NFL Draft, is still tied with TJ Watt for the record of most single-season quarterback sacks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Earlier in the Fox broadcast, Tom Brady shared an exclusive message honoring the armed forces. He said, “We really honor you today in the NFL. You men and women who are serving us around the world, you're our heroes.” 

Brady continued, “You have our respect. You have the best team in the world - and I've seen some great teams.” He concluded by saying, “But there's no greater team in the world than our military and our armed forces. We admire your commitment. We admire your dedication. We admired your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We as the NFL, we honor you. We love you. And thank you so much.”

Michael Strahan faces backlash for how he stood during national anthem

After watching Michael Strahan fail to place his hand on his heart during the national anthem before the game, the internet erupted, with many calling for the Fox analyst to be fired.

One user called Strahan's gesture an embarrassment, saying, "This is embarrassing to our country." 

Another user fired questions at Strahan, asking,"@michaelstrahan do you have a serious reason for not placing your hand over your heart, ESPECIALLY in Front of AMERICA and the TROOPS who allow you the FREEDOM you have today???" 

One condemned, "@michaelstrahan you should be fined @NFLonFOX FINE him. you milk the word "veterans day" for gain but you let these people disrespect us. Shame on you." 

A user shouted, "@michaelstrahan , you are a POS. If you can’t respect our veterans, military, flag, and the National Anthem, get out!" 

One heartbroken fan wrote, "@michaelstrahan Can’t believe you did this. Do you know how many people have served and died for this country under that flag so that you could have that $65 Million dollar net worth?  I was a fan.  🖕" 

An individual deemed it as, "Absolutely no class! This is so disrespectful to the Vets!" 

Someone else wrote, "Signed, all Americans!! He should be FIRED." 

Another added, "He should be escorted out, this disrespectful behavior must not be tolerated!" 

An X user called it, "SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!" 

The last user said, "That was downright shameful."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.