Michael Strahan Made Telling National Anthem Decision At Super Bowl 42

11/17/2024 02:10 PM

Michael Strahan went viral last weekend for his decision to not place his hand over his heart during the national anthem at the U.S. Naval Base in San Diego.

Strahan, who starred in the NFL from 1992-2007 with the New York Giants, now works as an analyst at Fox Sports. He took serious heat for his national anthem decision on the air, with some NFL fans calling for his firing. Strahan has since made it clear that he made no intention of disrespecting the flag, troops or national anthem. He's a proud patriot with nothing to protest.

"I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made," Strahan said on Instagram. The only statement that should be made that I want to make is I love the military, I've always loved the military and I will always love the military. I do so many programs to help veterans and soldiers. I grew up on a military base with a father who was a major in the army. My brother, my sister, my cousins, they all served in the military — I'm a military brat.

"And so the fact of somebody saying that, you know, I'm unpatriotic, couldn't be any further from the truth."

Of course, Strahan, who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 2008, has stood for the national anthem several times throughout his career. At Super Bowl 42 in Phoenix, Strahan made a telling national anthem decision.

We watched the video of the national anthem, performed by Jordin Sparks, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona from February 3, 2008.

Strahan was there, standing proudly, singing along to the words of "The Star Spangled Banner."

Strahan has made it clear that he didn't intend to disrespect the national anthem and, based on his past actions, that is pretty easy to believe.

Strahan's good friend and FOX colleague, Jay Glazer, is standing by him.

"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 Major Gene Strahan and how his time there shaped him. I heard it CONSTANTLY, still do!" he wrote.

"But also, with no fanfare i personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews. I know these days people want to be angry fast but maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea. ASK him if he's protesting something.

"When you protest you want people to know, don't ya? He was NOT, just got caught up in how beautiful the whole moment was during the anthem and didn't think about it. Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out alllll he's done for our veterans over the years."

Strahan was back on the air on Sunday morning, covering Week 11 games.