Jay Glazer quickly came to the defense of fellow Fox NFL Sunday host Michael Strahan, who did scrutinized from all corners of the internet for standing with his hands folded in front of him – instead of over his heart – during the national anthem on Sunday.
“I just saw the criticism from (Michael Strahan),” Glazer wrote in a statement posted on and how his time there shaped him. I heard it CONSTANTLY, still!”
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 SportsNFL
Glazer continued, “But also, without fanfare, I personally saw (Strahan) donate thousands of dollars worth of clothing to veterans, including many homeless veterans, as well as clothing for veterans to go on job interviews.”
Strahan, whose father served in the Army for 23 years and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, has often spoken about his appreciation for veterans.
“This is my hero, it’s also my father, Major Gene W. Strahan, Sr,” Hall of Fame defensive end wrote on instagram in a message with his father’s photo on Monday.
Michael Strahan honors his father, Major Gene W. Strahan, Sr. on Veterans Day on November 11, 2024. Instagram/Michael Strahan
“Thank you to all the veterans and active military members who courageously risk their lives every day to protect us,” Strahan continued. “Your selfless service is immeasurable.”
Glazer rebuked the idea that his co-host’s mannerism during the national anthem had any sort of political overtones.
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 people are quick to anger these days, but maybe first, how is THIS for a new idea,” Glazer wrote. “Ask him if he’s protesting anything. When you protest, you want people to know, right? He was NOT, he just got caught up in how beautiful the whole moment was during the national anthem and didn’t think about it.
“Ask the guy before you form an angry mob, but maybe find out what he’s done for our veterans over the years.”
The inciting incident occurred Sunday during a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast of “Fox NFL Sunday” from Naval Base San Diego. Strahan was seen for three seconds with his hands crossed in front of his body.
Strahan has not publicly responded to the criticism.
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