FOX NFL Sunday analyst Michael Strahan drew the ire of some when he failed to put his hand over his heart while the national anthem played at a San Diego naval base.

Jay Glazer was a member of the FOX team alongside Terry Bradshaw and next to Strahan with his hand on his heart. He took to X on Monday to defend his beleaguered colleague.

“I’ve just seen the criticism of Michael Strahan,” he wrote. “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!”

FOX NFL Sunday aired from the Naval Base San Diego, with the familiar crew of Strahan, Glazer, Bradshaw, Howie Long, and others presenting in front of active US military.

Strahan was the only member of the team to not place his hand over his heart. He then failed to make his customary morning appearance on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America,’ drawing more questions.

“With no fanfare I personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including may homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews,” Glazer continued.

Michael Strahan, Jay Glazer, Curt Menefee and Jimmy Johnson attend the 2017 FOX Upfront

Jay Glazer (second from L) stands with Michael Strahan (L) at a FOX event ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

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

Strahan took to Instagram on Monday to commemorate his father Major Gene W. Strahan Sr, a Vietnam War veteran.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” Strahan wrote on his story over a picture over his father. “Your selfless service is beyond measure.”

“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.”

Strahan joined FOX NFL Sunday in 2008 following a Hall of Famer NFL career with the New York Giants. The 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year set the record for most sacks in a season that year with 22.5 (since tied by T.J. Watt).