Fox Sports’ NFL analyst Michael Strahan has been criticized by viewers on social media for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Sunday.
The Fox team, which also includes the likes of Terry Bradshaw and Rob Gronkowski, presented their show from the San Diego Naval Base ahead of Veterans Day on Monday.
The national anthem was played on the show before Sunday’s busy schedule of NFL action started with a large number of military personnel stood around the crew.
As per tradition, most members of the Fox panel lined up and placed their right hands over their hearts. That included Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Bradshaw, Gronkowski, Jimmy Johnson and Jay Glazer.
However Strahan, who played 15 seasons with the New York Giants and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America, decided to keep his hands interlocked in front of him.
Michael Strahan (right) has been criticized for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Sunday
That decision did not go down well with viewers, who took to social media in large numbers to criticize the 52-year-old.
Newsmax host Todd Starnes posted: ‘Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show on @NFLonFOX.
‘The great irony is Strahan on a ship surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.’
Another fan commented: ‘What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On effing Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool.’
A third added: ‘Fire Michael Strahan! This is unacceptable!’
‘@NFLonFOX Michael Strahan, standing with US military honoring Veterans Day can’t show honor and respect during the National Anthem… Wow!’, wrote another
Another said Strahan’s decision was ‘disrespectful to all Veterans and Americans’.
‘Why does Michael Strahan not put his hand over his heart during the playing of our National Anthem?’ one fan asked.
Strahan helped the Giants win the Super Bowl against Tom Brady and the Patriots in 2008
Strahan has become a TV personality and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America
Strahan, 52, was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft.
He played in New York for the entirety of his career, winning the Super Bowl against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots team in 2008.
Strahan is still tied with T.J. Watt for the record of most single-season quarterback sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Earlier in the Fox broadcast, Brady delivered a special message to members of the armed forces.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner said: ‘We really honor you today in the NFL. You men and women who are serving us around the world, you’re our heroes.
‘You have our respect. You have the best team in the world – and I’ve seen some great teams.
‘But there’s no greater team in the world than our military and our armed forces. We admire your commitment. We admire your dedication. We admired your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We as the NFL, we honor you. We love you. And thank you so much.’
