Michael Strahan with NFL on FOX crewNFL on FOX crew (Photo via FOX)
Michael Strahan has taken to social media with a strong message following the rife criticism he received for his actions during the national anthem on Sunday.

The former NFL star was with the ‘NFL on FOX’ pregame crew at the U.S. Navy Base in San Diego on the day and got aboard a Naval ship, where they hosted most of the show.

Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, Rob Gronkowski, and Jay Glazer all put a hand on their heart while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played near the end, but Michael was seen with his hands together below his waist.

The 52-year-old, who is now being slammed by fans and military veterans on social media, seemingly took to Instagram to respond to the criticism on Monday morning.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” he wrote as the caption to a photo of his father, Gene W. Strahan Sr.

 

“Your selfless service is beyond measure. 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.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.”


 

Social Media Users Continue To Lash Out At Michael Strahan

While some users appreciated the post, most of them weren’t having it.

“How about putting your hand over your heart,” someone said.

“I have always been a fan and have cheered you and your daughter on during her treatment but last night you lost my respect and it really bothered me that you could be on a military base surrounded by people who have sacrificed their lives and families! For you to respond by dropping your hands down in blatant disrespect, by a Majors son no less!” another wrote.

“Proud of your dad but NOT proud of you,” someone added.

“Trying to save you reputation ? Too late,” a user suggested.

There have been calls for the former Pro Bowler to be fired from FOX, but that’s unlikely to happen.

VIDEO: Everyone Noticed Something Suspicious About Former NFL Defensive Lineman Fletcher Cox On TV With Michael Strahan

Fletcher Cox doing an interviewFletcher Cox (Photo via @ReturnOfKappy X)
While still in the NFL, Fletcher Cox was one of the most feared defensive linemen teams had to gameplan for.

His consistency over his more than decade-long career made him so amazing and hard to play against.

However, everyone is talking about an old video of Cox before the Philadelphia Eagles took on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57.

He was seen beside former NFL player and now FOX analyst Michael Strahan while asked how much another ring would mean to him.

Cox’s answer was pretty straightforward. Considering he is one of the best players on that defense, it made total sense for him to get some extra screen time.

Most fans, though, could only focus on what he was wearing. His outfit consisted of a purple suit jacket and what looked like a silk blouse underneath.

 

Many social media users have commented on it and even developed serious conspiracy theories about Cox’s outfit.

Of course, NFL players have become increasingly creative with their pre-game outfits in recent years. If you compare this to what some NBA players wear walking through the tunnels, you might not even give Cox a second look.

Fletcher Cox Has A Case For The Hall Of Fame

It may sound absurd, but Cox has a real shot at the NFL Hall of Fame, though it likely won’t be for a while.

Pro Football Reference says the average HoF defensive tackle has four First-Team All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowls, 92 sacks, 190 games played, and a 103 weighted career approximate value.

Cox has one First-Team All-Pro, six Pro Bowls, 70 sacks, 188 games played, and a 95-weighted career approximate value. These numbers are all a little below average, but not by much.