Michael Strahan Snaps At Reporter After Being Asked About National Anthem Stance

Michael Strahan, the former New York Giants star and current co-host of "Good Morning America," made headlines on Tuesday for his heated reaction to a reporter’s question regarding the recent national anthem controversy surrounding him.

The incident unfolded outside Strahan’s home when a reporter approached him for a comment about the backlash over his decision not to place his hand over his heart during Fox NFL Sunday’s Veterans Day coverage.

Michael Strahan, who spent his childhood on an army base and is the son of a retired Army Major, was notably absent from "Good Morning America" on Monday, following the uproar over his national anthem stance.

Michael Strahan Loses His Cool After Reporters Show Up At His House

On Tuesday, after returning from his duties on "Good Morning America," Michael Strahan was approached outside his home by a reporter seeking his response to the ongoing uproar.

In an uncharacteristic burst of frustration, Strahan reportedly yelled, “Don’t come to my house, man!” before grabbing the Daily Mail reporter’s phone in an effort to make it clear that he did not appreciate being approached for comments in his personal space.

He ended up throwing the phone into a nearby bush before heading into his $20 million townhouse with his girlfriend, Kayla Quick. The TV icon seemed visibly tense as he faced questions about the ongoing controversy.

Michael Strahan Faces Backlash Over National Anthem Stance On Veterans Day

Michael Strahan facing backlash for not putting his hand on his heart during the National Anthem on Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/mbLtmwCRBv

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) November 11, 2024

The incident began during the Fox NFL Sunday broadcast from Naval Base San Diego, where Strahan was the only panelist who didn’t place his hand over his heart as the national anthem played. The moment quickly went viral, with some viewers criticizing the former football star’s choice, labeling it as “cowardly” and “disrespectful.”

"He knows better!" one X user expressed. "If he cannot respect our country on National TV then he shouldn’t be on TV!"

"Very disrespectful," another said. "He needs to explain why he chose to disrespect our veterans."

"He should be fired. This is not the time," someone else wrote in a social media post.

Jay Glazer Shows Support For Michael Strahan Amid Backlash

While most people turned to social media to voice their frustrations and disappointment, Michael Strahan's co-star, Jay Glazer, took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to publicly support Strahan following the incident.

"I’ve just seen the criticism of @michaelstrahan. Let me tell you this, I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael," he began. "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!"

Glazer continued:

"But also, with no fanfare, I personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans, as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews.

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

The Fox Sports co-host concluded, "Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out all he’s done for our veterans over the years."

Michael Strahan Is An 'Army Brat'

Michael Strahan has consistently shown his unwavering support for the military throughout his life.

Growing up in a military family, Michael's childhood was shaped by his father’s career in the United States Army, which led the family to Germany when he was just nine. He attended Mannheim American High School, a school for U.S. military dependents, per the NFL.

Following his successful college and NFL career, Strahan continued to honor the military by visiting wounded service members at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His commitment to supporting veterans also led him to work with the USO and donate clothing from his fashion line to veterans in need.

Michael Strahan Has Partnered With Merging Vets And Players

Today, the former NFL star remains deeply involved in the military community through his partnership with Merging Vets and Players, a nonprofit that connects retired athletes with veterans to aid in their transition to civilian life.

As a proud “Army Brat,” Michael has leveraged his platform and personal experiences to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served or are currently serving our country.