Michael Strahan, NFL Hall of Famer and analyst on NFL on Fox, has found himself at the center of controversy following a special Veterans Day broadcast from Naval Base San Diego.

Michael Strahan won a Super Bowl, played in seven Pro Bowls, won a defensive player of the year award (2012) and holds the record for the most sacks in one season (22.5).
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The issue arose during the playing of the national anthem, when the camera showed Strahan standing with his hands clasped in front of him rather than over his heart, as his colleagues stood with their right hands over their hearts.

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Strahan, positioned next to Rob Gronkowski, was on screen only briefly, but the moment caught viewers’ attention.

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Social media quickly lit up with reactions, with some fans expressing frustration and calling Strahan’s gesture disrespectful during an event meant to honor the military.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “What’s wrong with Strahan? @NFLonFOX? Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.”

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Another wrote, “Strahan couldn’t put his hand over his heart? HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO EVERYONE EXCEPT MICHAEL STRAHAN!! NO CLASS!!”

Others, however, defended Strahan, pointing to his military family background.

Strahan’s father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan Sr., served 23 years in the United States Army and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. Strahan, who has often shared his pride in his military upbringing, has described himself as a “military brat.”

In a previous appearance on The Rachael Ray Show, Strahan reflected on the respect he holds for veterans, crediting his father’s service for shaping his outlook.

An X user wrote in his defense, “Strahan is the son of a Retired MAJ! I’m sure he has more respect for this country than you ever will!”

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The United States Flag Code does recommend that civilians place their right hand over the heart during the national anthem.

This topic has surfaced in sports previously, including during the 2016 Summer Olympics, when gymnast Gabby Douglas faced criticism for not placing her hand over her heart.

She later apologized, explaining she did not mean any disrespect.

The NFL has had heightened attention around national anthem protocols since 2016, when former quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the anthem sparked a nationwide debate over racial injustice and police brutality, a protest that drew both support and backlash across the country.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and teammate 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) kneel during the playing of the national anthem before a NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fox’s Veterans Day broadcast from military bases has become a long-standing tradition, with previous broadcasts hosted from notable locations such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, Al Udeid Air Base, and Bagram Airfield.

As part of this year’s tribute, NFL legend Tom Brady delivered a message honoring military service members. “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,” Brady stated.

He continued, “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.”

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The broadcast, taking place the day before Veterans Day, aimed to show gratitude to the men and women in uniform.

However, the incident with Strahan has highlighted the public’s sensitivity to expressions of patriotism during such high-profile events.