Controversies are common in the NFL. Something seems to happen every other day. Former NFL star Michael Strahan recently found himself in hot waters over a National Anthem controversy. To give you a context, Fox was doing special football coverage from Naval Base San Diego for Veterans Day 2024. When the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was played, Strahan was spotted standing with his hands interlocked near his waist. According to protocol, you’re supposed to stand with your right hand over your heart, and this difference didn’t go unnoticed.

While the rest of his teammates on-air, including Rob Gronkowski, had their hands over their hearts during the anthem. Strahan’s gesture didn’t sit well with many viewers, sparking criticism nationwide. The backlash got so intense that the Giants’ legend had to take to social media to share his story. You know how cancel culture is everywhere these days. Well, looks like America might be canceling the NFL legend now.

Shortly after the controversy and the backlash from Americans, Michael Strahan spoke out in his defense. First, he took to Instagram to share a tribute to his late father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., who spent 23 years serving in the Army. “This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. He served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division,” Strahan captioned. But even after that, fans remained unconvinced and continued to express their anger.

Strahan then posted another video on Instagram. The video came after the media showed up outside his house, trying to get answers about the situation. People assumed he was protesting or making a statement when he didn’t place his hand over his heart during the national anthem. The Giants legend clarified that he wasn’t trying to make any kind of statement or protest.

Further clarifying his stance on why he didn’t have his hand over his heart, he explained, “I was caught up in the moment I’m looking at all these young sailors standing there at attention before the national anthem played and I’m thinking to myself how incredible how incredible to be that young.” He added, “that moment all my five guys had their hands over their heart the national anthem playing. I somewhat panic, and I’m like, do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after or do I just stand here with my hand in front of me?”

Well, no matter what the Giants’ legend is claiming, netizens are not happy with him.

Fans are fuming over Michael Strahan

Even though Michael Strahan cleared things up, fans still aren’t buying it. They aren’t backing down, urging the network to fire him. They’ve taken to X to voice their anger. A user wrote, ” This guy is a Democrat propagandist on TV who masquerades as an unbiased news host.” That’s a pretty serious accusation!

Some are questioning his patriotism, claiming that he hates his country. “Michael Strahan hates America.” People are relentlessly dragging the legend, calling him all sorts of names. 

While there’s a lot of backlash, some people are stepping up to defend the legendary player. “Michael Strahan‘s dad served in the Army for 23 years. He grew up on a US Army base in Germany and has given a ton of money to veteran charities. He’s standing quietly at attention. We need to stop getting so upset at every little thing”, a user wrote in Strahan’s defense.

Some people have accepted his apology and are urging others to just move on from the whole situation. What many are seeing as disrespect could have simply been a genuine mistake on Michael Strahan’s part.

As for the calls to fire him, Fox Sports has made it clear that they won’t be letting the NFL legend go.