Let’s be real: there are bigger things to worry about than Michael Strahan forgetting to put his hand on his chest during the anthem. For starters, the Strahan family has been busy supporting his daughter Isabella, who’s a cancer survivor. Celebrations anyone? But apparently, the internet disagrees. Days of online hate spiraled into chaos. This forced the Giants’ legend to set the record straight in a video: “I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made. 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.”

Moreover, it has been nothing short of a wild backlash. Especially considering Strahan grew up in a military household. So, don’t mind the Veterans rallying behind him, calling the whole situation “BS.” Honestly, it seems more like a case of being human than anything else.

We are not taking sides. Instead, we just don’t see the reasons for slewing Michael. The retired DE simply got caught up in the moment. And when you see that it’s not just him setting his record straight, but his peers have got his back as well. You know something ain’t right.

Jay Glazer, his longtime friend and FOX colleague, chimed in with some fiery defense. “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],” Glazer tweeted. He nailed it—protests are meant to be loud, not accidental.

Even FOX wasn’t having the drama. The network, where Strahan has worked since 2008, stood by him. And despite popular notions, FOX has remained firm on one thing. Which is? There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way. That makes sense, right? Strahan wasn’t trying to make a statement; he was just swept up in the anthem’s beauty.

So, is all this noise really about forgetting a hand gesture? Or is it just another internet overreaction looking for a target? Strahan’s track record speaks for itself. A decorated career, has unwavering pride in his military roots, and is now, a father who puts family first. Above all, growing up in a military household. Guess that’s why he has the veterans on his side. Yes, folks, you read that right!

The Veterans have had enough of unnecessary Michael Strahan hate!

This whole Michael Strahan anthem controversy? It has gone on way longer than it should have been. Seriously, if he had made some bold protest, then sure, the backlash might make sense. But a hand gesture gone wrong? That’s what we’re spending energy on? Cue the American Veterans stepping in, and boy, they aren’t here for the nonsense. They swarmed the comments of the EssentiallySports article, titled: “America Refuses to Forgive Michael Strahan as Call Mounts for $65M Fox Broadcaster to Be Fired After National Anthem Outrage.”

One veteran hit the comments section of the ES article head-on, saying, “Stop the madness and nonsense. I can see being caught up in the moment as I have done it myself in the past. Michael Strahan has proved time and again by selfless acts and support of veterans. As a veteran with over 10 years of service, I was not offended.” And honestly, that’s the bottom line—this wasn’t about disrespect. It was a moment. And everyone, including Strahan, knows the difference.

Even in his Instagram video, Strahan laid it out: “I am a military brat.” Why did he say it? Well, don’t go after him as his father served 23 years in the army. Then, he went off saying, “My brother, my sister, my cousins—they all served in the military.” Strahan’s patriotism isn’t just a vibe—it’s in his DNA.

So, it was fresh for a change to see veterans being able to see the difference in gesture. One chimed in, “I served over 20 years. I don’t care. Sometimes I don’t even stand for the flag. Who can question me? People are so petty. My faith is in a higher power, not man.” Hard to argue with that logic. This whole uproar feels like a classic case of misdirected energy. Then there was a comment just wanting to lay out Michael’s gesture as well within his rights. The comment read: “This country has many more very serious issues we need to focus on. It’s absurd!” Talk about hitting the nail on the head. Veterans aren’t just defending Strahan; they’re calling out the bigger problem—our collective priorities.

And let’s not forget the retired vet who added, “I don’t think it was disrespectful. I am a retired vet and I don’t put my hand over my heart for the national anthem—only the pledge of allegiance. I do, however, stand at attention.” Exactly. Respect comes in many forms, and the ex-Giant standing there, still and engaged, said plenty.

So, the takeaway? Strahan’s actions have always backed up his words. From donating clothes to veterans transitioning into civilian life to working with organizations like Merging Vets and Players. He walked the walk. Now, for the veterans stepping in to defend him, it’s clear: this isn’t about a gesture. It’s about understanding what respect and patriotism truly look like.