Michael Strahan’s Fox Co-Host Defends Him After National Anthem Controversy, Says ‘He Was NOT’ Protesting

Jay Glazer is going to bat for his Fox Sports co-host Michael Strahan.

Glazer, 54, penned a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) in defense of Strahan, 52, following backlash after Fox NFL Sunday's special Veterans Day segment on Nov. 10.

Strahan faced criticism after he was seen standing with his arms to his side during the national anthem, while his co-hosts, including Rob Gronkowski, placed a hand over their chests.

"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, 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." Glazer began in his post on Nov. 11.

Glazer said he also "personally" saw Strahan "donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews."

The Fox Sports host — who told PEOPLE in 2023 that Strahan helped him through "debilitating" anxiety and depression — went on to say, "I know these days people want to be angry fast," before suggesting, "maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea. ASK him if he's protesting something."

Glazer argued that if Strahan had been protesting something, he would have made it more clear.

"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," he wrote. "Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out alllll he’s done for our veterans over the years."

Newsmax host Todd Starnes called out Strahan to his 263,000 followers on X quickly after the segment aired on Fox, claiming that the former NFL star "disrespected the military" when he kept his hands at his side. Starnes said Strahan's behavior was "not just repugnant, it's downright cowardly."

Strahan has spoken publicly about his father on multiple occasions. In a post on Nov. 11, 2022, he paid tribute to his father, who he said served 23 years in the army and was a "proud member" of the 82nd Airborne Division.

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Exactly two years later — and following the backlash — he posted a similar message, per a screenshot from the New York Post. “This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr," Strahan wrote in an Instagram Story.

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