Michael Strahan staringMichael Strahan (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)
Former NFL star Michael Strahan drew the ire of fans on social media after his ill-advised actions during the national anthem on Sunday.

The four-time First-Team All-Pro is being slammed for keeping his hands in front of him while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played as FOX broadcast its pregame show from the San Diego Naval Base before Veteran’s Day.

Strahan’s colleagues placed their right hands on their hearts, but the former New York Giants star kept his down, prompting some serious backlash, with viewers and fans urging the network to fire him.


According to the Daily Mail, however, FOX will not punish Strahan over what they believe was “an honest mistake.”

“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,” a source told the outlet this week.

Michael Strahan May Have Already Addressed The Backlash

Strahan did seemingly address the controversy on Monday, taking to Instagram to post a photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan, in uniform as he paid tribute to U.S. veterans.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” he wrote. “Your selfless service is beyond measure. 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.”


In addition to his role at FOX, Strahan co-hosts ‘Good Morning America.’ He was not seen on Monday’s show.

Michael Strahan Makes Shocking Retirement Announcement

Michael Strahan on broadcastMichael Strahan (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Former New York Giants Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan hung up his cleats following the 2007 season, and it appears he might be ready to hang up regular shoes with his second career.

Since retiring in 2007, Strahan has probably become more known for what he has done off the field than anything he has done on it.

It’s a testament to how insanely talented he is.

In an interview with Town & Country released this week, the 52-year-old Strahan surprisingly revealed he might be ready to give it all up fairly soon.

In the interview, the host of Good Morning America and Fox NFL Sunday spoke on his efforts to treat his daughter Isabella’s brain cancer and how it helped him to reevaluate his priorities.

Michael Strahan made it clear he won’t be disappearing from television anytime soon, but he is planting the seeds for when it does happen.

“I’m not planning on retiring anytime soon. I will at some point, and I’d like to say a lot sooner than a lot of people probably think I will,” Strahan told T&C. “When I do it, it will be because I just want to have the freedom to be with (Isabella) and her sister, and her other sister and brother. Wherever they are, whatever they’re doing, I want to be there.”

His daughter Isabella was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2023, and Strahan has already taken extended absences from “GMA” to spend time with her and other family and friends.

“I love it because I never expected to be there, after all those years playing football, football commentary, then daytime television,” Strahan said. “I love it because it’s engaging, different, and fun, and keeps me interested. I have to learn so much about so many things. I love the whole team. Everything I have done in my life has been as part of being a team. I absolutely love that.”

Michael Strahan joined “Good Morning America” in 2016 after co-hosting Disney-produced syndicated daytime talker “Live with Kelly and Michael,” since 2012.

Strahan, who played 15 seasons at defensive end for the New York Giants from 1993 to 2007, ranks fifth in NFL history with 141.5 quarterback sacks.

No One Would Fault Michael Strahan For Wanting To Spend More Time With His Family

Michael Strahan has publicly discussed the possibility of retiring from television on numerous occasions in 2024.

His daughter Isabella was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2023, and it certainly took a toll on him.

Aside from his duties on Fox NFL Sunday, he also has a deal with ABC to host “GMA” and its “$100,000 Pyramid” game show, a contract that is reportedly worth around $20 million a year.

Should he decide to walk away from it all, no one would blame him one bit.