Jay Glazer will challenge for his Fox Sports co-host Michael Strahan.
Glazer, 54, wrote a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) in defense of Strahan, 52, following backlash after Fox NFL Sunday special segment of Veterans Day on November 10.
Strahan faced criticism after he was seen standing with his hands at his sides during the national anthem while his co-hosts, including Rob Gronkowski, placed their hands on their chests.
“Just saw @michaelstrahan’s reviews. I’ll tell you this, I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael, who grew up on an Army base constantly talking about what he learned from his father, Major Gene Strahan, and how he time there shaped.” Glazer began his duties on November 11.
Glazer said he also “personally” saw Strahan “donate thousands of dollars in clothing to veterans, including many homeless veterans, as well as clothing for veterans to go to job interviews with.”
The Fox Sports host — who told PEOPLE in 2023 that Strahan helped him overcome “debilitating” anxiety and depression — continued, “I know these days people want to get angry quickly,” before suggesting, “maybe first, how’s THIS for a new idea. ASK him if he protests something.”
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Glazer claimed that if Strahan had protested something, he would have said it more clearly.
“When you’re protesting, you want people to know, don’t you? He DIDN’T, he was just taken aback by how beautiful the whole moment was during the national anthem and didn’t think about it,” he wrote. “Ask the guy before the angry mob forms, but also maybe find out what he’s done for our veterans over the years.”
Michael Strahan attends the Town & Country Philanthropy Summit at Hearst Tower on October 29, 2024.
Craig Barritt/Getty
Newsmax anchor Todd Starnes called out Strahan in front of his 263,000 followers on X shortly after the segment aired on Fox, claiming the former NFL star was “disrespecting the military” when he held his hands by his side. Starnes said Strahan’s behavior was “not only repulsive, it’s downright cowardly.”
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Strahan has repeatedly spoken publicly about his father. In a post dated Nov. 11, 2022, he paid tribute to his father, who he said served 23 years in the military and was a “proud member” of the 82nd Airborne Division.
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Exactly two years later – and after the backlash – he posted a similar message, according to a screenshot from New York Post. “This is my hero, this is also my father, Major Gene W. Strahan, Sr.,” Strahan wrote in an Instagram Story.
“Thank you to all veterans and active members who bravely risk their lives every day protecting us. Your selfless service is immeasurable,” he continued. “Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts every day because without you we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish. Thank you.”
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Source: HIS Education