By Christian Arnold | New York Post
Giants great and “NFL on Fox” analyst Michael Strahan is facing some backlash after the network’s special Veterans Day broadcast from Naval Base San Diego.
The controversy appears to stem from the moment the national anthem was playing and the cameras showed the Fox crew standing lined up with their hands over their hearts, except for Strahan who appeared to have his hands in front of him in an interlocked position.
Strahan appeared to only briefly be seen on the Fox broadcast during the National Anthem as he stood next to Rob Gronkowski, but it was enough for some viewers to take issue with it a day before the country honors those who served in the military on Veterans Day on Monday.
The instance drew a variety of responses on social media where some found the gesture particularly offensive and that it “disrespected” the anthem and the military during a broadcast that was designed to honor the men and women of the armed forces.
“What’s wrong with Strahan,” one X user wrote.”@NFLonFOX ? Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.”
Another added: Strahan couldn’t put his hand over his heart? HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO EVERYONE EXCEPT MICHAEL STRAHAN!! NO CLASS!!”
Others defended Strahan and balked at it being a big issue.
Strahan himself has a connection to the military having grown up in a military family with his father serving 23 years in the United States Army and was part of the 82nd Airborn Division.
“Strahan is the son of a Retired MAJ! I’m sure he has more respect for this country than you ever will!” one user on X wrote.
The former Giants great has often described himself as a “military brat,” including during an appearance on the Rachel Ray show in 2022 while discussing his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr., on Veterans Day.
“I’m going to defend @michaelstrahan here,” an X user wrote. “He stood very respectfully as he was no doubt taught to do by his father. Strahan has shared many times over his respect for veterans.”
Fox Sports could not be immediately reached for comment.
A rep for Strahan did not immediately reply to a request for comment from The Post.
The United States Flag Code does state that during the national anthem, civilians should “face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart.”
The issue seems to flare up from time to time in sports, with Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas having faced criticism on social media for not placing her hand over her heart at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio.
She later apologized in a statement and said she didn’t mean any disrespect.
However, there is a greater awareness when it comes to national anthem-related issues and the NFL following Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality.
The protest created a nationwide firestorm.
Fox NFL Sunday’s tribute to the military the day before Veterans Day has been a long-standing tradition for the network, with previous years’ broadcasts taking place at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Al Udeid Air Base and Bagram Airfield among other locations.
As part of the broadcast, NFL legend Tom Brady read a special tribute to the men and women of the United States armed forces.
“We really honor you today in the NFL. You men and women who are serving us around the world, you’re our heroes. You have our respect. You have the best team in the world — and I’ve seen some great teams,” he said.
“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 admire your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We as the NFL, we honor you. We love you. And thank you so much.”
