Jay Glazer defends Michael Strahan amid national anthem controversy

Jay Glazer quickly came to the defense of fellow “Fox NFL Sunday” host Michael Strahan, who has drawn scrutiny from all corners of the internet for standing with his hands folded in front of him — as opposed to over his heart — during the national anthem on Sunday.

“I’ve just seen the criticism of [Michael Strahan],” Glazer wrote in a statement posted to X. “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!”

3 Michael Strahan faced backlash for standing with his arms down during the national anthem on “NFL on Fox” at the Naval Base in San Diego on Nov. 10, 2024. X/Fox Sports NFL

Glazer continued: “But also, with no fanfare I personally saw [Strahan] donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well [as] clothes for veterans to go on job interviews.”

Strahan, whose father served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, has spoken frequently about his appreciation for veterans.

“This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr,” the Hall of Fame defensive end wrote on instagram in a post that included his father’s photo on Monday.

3 Michael Strahan honors his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. on Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2024. Instagram/Michael Strahan

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

Glazer rebuked notions that his co-host’s mannerism during the anthem had any sort of political undertones.

3 Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (left) with his bust and his friend Jay Glazer (right) during the NFL Class of 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium. Getty Images

“I know these days people want to be angry fast but maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea,” Glazer wrote. “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.”

The inciting incident occurred during a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast of “Fox NFL Sunday” from Naval Base San Diego on Sunday. Strahan could be seen for all of three seconds with his hands crossed in front of his body.

Strahan has not commented publicly on the criticisms.

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