Who knew a day that would start with one NFL legend jumping off an MH-60s helicopter into the Pacific Ocean would end with another NFL legend becoming the subject of nationwide criticism? Because that’s how FOX NFL Sunday’s two-hour special on November 10 in honor of Veteran’s Day played out for Rob Gronkowski and Michael Strahan, respectively.

Currently in its 31st season, the No. 1 NFL pregame show continued its tradition of going live from a military base (this year, it was from Naval Base San Diego) to honor the men and women who served in the US Armed Forces. However, the focus shifted to Michael Strahan during the National Anthem. When The Star-Spangled Banner was played, the New York Giants legend was spotted standing with his hands interlocked near his waist.

The rest of his crew members, though – including Gronkowski, Curt Menefee, and Terry Bradshaw – placed their right hand over their hearts, and for many, Strahan not following the same protocol didn’t sit right. Determined to set the record straight, Strahan took to social media, sharing his heartfelt perspective and offering a candid defense of his side of the story.

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 US military. “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 the post. But even after that, fans remained unconvinced and continued to express their anger.

Soon, more controversy followed him. Last Tuesday, after hosting ABC’s Good Morning America show, when he returned home, a reporter asked for the 52-year-old’s comments on the situation. In response, Michael Strahan asserted, “Don’t come to my house, man!” and grabbed the reporter’s phone before tossing it into a bush and heading inside.

However, Strahan posted another Instagram video, clarifying the situation and expressing regret over his actions with the reporter. The Giants legend clarified that wasn’t the case. He explained, “I want to address what happened this past weekend, and I feel like I need to address it because it’s spilled over to the point where I get out of my car today, and I’m ambushed by a media outlet here at my house. I’m not proud of the way I handled that whole situation.

“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 [it is] to be that young. At that moment, all my five guys had their hands over their hearts, 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?'” He got so caught up in the moment that he forgot to place his hand on his heart.

Witnessing all the backlash, Jay Glazer – who was also on the show – tweeted, “Let me tell you this. I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael, growing up on an army base, constantly talking about what he learned from his dad.” Defending the former player, Glazer added, “ASK him if he’s protesting something. When you protest, you want people to know, don’t ya? He was NOT. [He] just got caught up in how beautiful the whole moment was during the anthem and didn’t think about it.”

As for FOX, whom Michael Strahan’s worked for since 2008, the broadcasting channel didn’t think he was in the wrong, either. A source told Daily Mail, “His peers have his back and understand that he wasn’t making the moment about himself. There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way.” 

All said and done, though, no matter what the Giants legend is claiming, netizens are not happy with him.

The NFL community wants Michael Strahan off the air for his “cowardly” action

Columnist and former FOX News employee Todd Starnes led the backlash, tweeting, “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.”

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, “What a very poor performance by Michael. He wouldn’t be where he is today if so many Americans didn’t like and support him. Shameful on his part. @NFLonFOX should rethink their decision to pay such an unpatriotic person.”

Some questioned his patriotism: “Michael Strahan hates America.” People are relentlessly dragging the legend, calling him all sorts of names. “Yeah, how about you have the respect and put your hand over your heart during the national anthem on Veterans Day at a military base,” another commented.

Considering how so many look up to the legend, a fan wrote, “Wow! Never expected this out of you😢. So ashamed and disappointed in you. But you’re the one who should feel shame in front of God and your country. SMH.” Some even called for FOX to fire him: “Yep, Fox should fire Strahan. What a disgrace,” with a few even creating a “#FireStrahan.” 

“He needs to be fired tomorrow,” another wrote. While there’s a lot of backlash, some people are stepping up to defend the former defensive end. “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.” Some people have accepted his apology and are urging others to just move on from the whole situation.

As for the calls to fire him, Fox Sports have made their stance on the controversy clear.

FOX Sports makes a decision on Strahan

In the midst of swirling controversy and heated discussions, Fox Sports took a thoughtful approach to addressing the unfolding situation. According to DailyMail, the network decided not to impose any sanction for what they see as an honest mistake. A source told DailyMail, “His peers have his back and understand that he wasn’t making the moment about himself. There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way.”

Fox Sports didn’t immediately react to the controversy to avoid any unnecessary conflict but has now made its position on Strahan clear.”It was never addressed in the moment. All of this came later when the trolls got on it…Michael was in the moment and in no way, shape, or form, objecting to the moment at hand. This was an internet controversy that was never in his thoughts to start.”

During his media career, Strahan hasn’t faced much criticism. Even after his sincere clarification and Fox’s support, Strahan continues to navigate the challenging currents of a national controversy that stubbornly refuses to subside. It remains to be seen if the Hall of Famer further addresses the issue in the wake of fans still calling for his removal.