When you know you have made a mistake, you either apologize for it or do something that Hall of Famer defensive end Michael Strahan did. After getting bashed online for his mannerisms on a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast on Fox, Strahan may have come up with his reply to it. Taking to his Instagram, Strahan posted a heartfelt message to win back the people who criticised him for his antics.

Putting the #VeteransDay, Strahan paid a touching tribute to his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., who served 23 years in the army. Well, not only that, he was also a highly reputed member of the 82nd Airborne Division, “Thank You to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure.” After expressing his gratitude to all the Veterans out there and holding their sacrifices in the highest regard.

Strahan decided to introduce his father, who was in uniform. And coincidently, he had the same stance Strahan pulled out on Sunday that put him under immense heat from the fans: “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.” The Giants legend didn’t stop there as he continued to honor all the veterans for their service.

“Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts each and every day as we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish without you. Thank You.” Well, seeing him pay tribute to his father, some fans appreciated the time Strahan Sr. did in the army, “Wow, how fantastic. He truly was a hero. 23 years with 82nd airborne..Fort Bragg. And reached Major.. he truly served others.”

And leaving out the negative comments he got from fans on Monday. Strahan’s father got the acknowledgement he deserved for his service to the country, “Thanks 🙏🏾 to your dad for his service 🫡” Now that Strahan tried to shift the attention of critics away from his possible blunder. Fans didn’t show any mercy as they continued to bash him for his disrespect towards the veterans.

Michael Strahan faces fans’ outrage for Veterans Day controversy

NFL on Fox decided to do a special Veterans’ Day broadcast from Naval Base San Diego as the Fox crew was captured lined up one by one. Although everyone had their hands over their hearts when the National Anthem played in the background. Strahan didn’t follow the same as he was briefly caught standing beside Rob Gronkowski. The fans found him standing with his hands in an interlock position, which turned out to be a huge issue for them.

As soon as that clip went viral, fans flocked to X to express their disappointment with the Giants legend, “What’s wrong with Strahan? Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.” And that wasn’t the only reaction Strahan got as one of them called him out for having no class, “Strahan couldn’t put his hand over his heart? HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO EVERYONE EXCEPT MICHAEL STRAHAN!! NO CLASS!!”

Well, there were a few who even stood by his side and fought against those negative comments, “Strahan is the son of a Retired MAJ! I’m sure he has more respect for this country than you ever will.” Another fan even decided to defend Strahan against the heat he received online, “I’m going to defend @michaelstrahan here. He stood very respectfully as he was no doubt taught to do by his father. Strahan has shared many timed over his respect for veterans.”

Although we don’t know the reason behind Strahan choosing the way he stood on Veterans Day, the United States Flag Code states something else. It conveys a clear message that every civilian should “face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart.” So, the criticism that Strahan received today doesn’t look far-fetched. But him trying to avoid those critics by posting his father on Instagram does send a mixed signal.

As for now, Strahan hasn’t addressed the criticism himself, and neither Fox has commented on the situation. However, we hope they do to curb the fans’ frustrations.