The NFL has been Saluting to Service for more than a decade now, paying respect to the veterans and service members who have devoted their lives to the country. Randi Mahomes has a similar commitment when it comes to supporting the armed forces. That’s because, for the longest time, the military has been a part of her life.

Patrick Mahomes’s mother took to Instagram to share the veteran’s merch that she received from Fanatics. That reminded her of the “sacrifices” that the armed forces have made to protect the “freedom” of every individual in the country. Her recent Instagram post conveys a heartfelt message and gratitude to the people who risk their lives for the country.

“Today and every day, I’m beyond grateful for the brave men and women who have served our country!” Randi Mahomes wrote in the post. “As I proudly wear my @fanatics Salute to Service gear, I’m reminded of the sacrifices made to protect our freedom.”

Randi’s appreciation for the veterans stems from the fact that many of her family members have served the country. “Patrick [Mahomes’] aunt” and “Brittany’s brother” are among a few of them. The Kansas City Chiefs will be headed to the Bank of America Stadium to duel against the Carolina Panthers. And Randi Mahomes has her wardrobe stocked with veteran’s gear. A sweater, a KC veteran shirt, a hat, and other things, you name it. She’ll be all kitted up for the occasion.

The outfit is close to Mahomes’s mother. And it’s the least she can do to say, “Thank you to all of our veterans.” A couple of weeks ago on the eve of the presidential election, Randi Mahomes got a lot of flak for wearing a MAGA hat. She had to disable the comments on her social media because people weren’t afraid to let their emotions known to her.

Something similar happened to the FOX’s long-time broadcaster and the New York Giants legend, Michael Strahan. However, Strahan got a lot of negative attention than Randi Mahomes. The flak that Randi Mahomes got was just a speck of dust when compared to Michael Strahan’s backlash. Here’s why.

Prior to Randi Mahomes, Michael Strahan got mixed bag of emotions 

Let’s get straight to the chase. FOX continued their yearly tradition of honoring the veterans on NFL Sunday’s show. Strahan was joined by Rob Gronkowski and many other veterans at the Naval Base in San Diego. The National Anthem started playing and while everyone had their hands on their chests, Strahan didn’t. He was busy taking the grandiose of the occasion and forgot to comply with the public’s idea of what paying respect to the veterans is.

People are quick to make a mountain out of a molehill. Maybe that’s why Strahan got a lot of hate for apparently disrespecting the military, which wasn’t the case. Journos even followed him to his home to get a scoop out of him, which is kind of invasive. The majority was quick to forget that Strahan comes from a long lineage of military background.

The FOX broadcaster was quick to remind people that he’s a “military brat” and that his father has served for more than two decades, which is 20 years more than most people. “My brother, my sister, my cousins—they all served in the military,” is what Strahan said in an Instagram video where he clarified that the “only statement that I want to make is that I love the military. I’ve always loved the military. And I will always love the military.”

You know what they say, haters will hate no matter what, it’s in their DNA. But, some veterans came forward and defended Strahan. They said there was nothing wrong with his actions. There have been occasions where they didn’t place their hands on their chest while the Star-Spangled Banner played. Even FOX doesn’t see it as a transgression and won’t be imposing any fines on their broadcaster. But you can’t change the fact that some people can only perceive this situation from a one-dimensional lens.

That was the case with the former FOX employee Todd Starnes, who was quick to jump the gun and point out that “Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show on @NFLonFOX. 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.”

Maybe the veterans protecting Strahan’s image aren’t correct in front of a former FOX employee. At least, Michael has friends who have supported him through the quandary. One of them is Jay Glazer, a tenured FOX colleague and Strahan’s friend who said, “Let me tell you this. I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael… He was NOT [protesting].”

The truth of the matter is: that all is not lost. People still see the bigger picture and see things for what they are. It’s Strahan’s track record that speaks volumes. Almost everyone close to him has served in the military. He has worked with the veterans to integrate them back into a civilian lifestyle, donated clothes, and performed other acts of benevolence to the armed forces community.

As for the journalist, Starnes, who tried to put Strahan down, got a response from a veteran who called him out saying, “Todd Starnes is not a military veteran. I am. Michael Strahan did nothing wrong. There is no story here. Have a nice day.” Life isn’t black and white and there are many who see things for what they are. But people have the right to believe what they want and that’s alright.