NFL star Michael Strahan took to Instagram Wednesday to explain why he didn’t put his hand on his chest during the national anthem at a Veterans Day event.

Strahan faced harsh backlash from critics who called him disrespectful and unpatriotic for standing with his hands folded in front of him rather than over his chest on a U.S. Navy ship. He previously responded to criticism by posting on social media about his respect for all veterans, including his father.

The criticism continued, with Strahan submitting a selfie video explaining what happened in the moments leading up to the national anthem. Those who judged him should listen to his words because it might change their perspective on the situation.

The requirement to honor veterans is not the issue. Strahan’s explanation of his stance at the time was genuine. Strahan described human reactions to situations that could happen to any of us.

“I want to talk about something that happened last weekend, but it has spilled over to such an extent that when I got out of my car today I was ambushed by the media at home, so I feel like I need to address it,” Strachan said in a video. He spoke at

He reminded his fans how much he loved the military and how much time he devoted to showing his heartfelt appreciation for all that it has done and continues to do for our country. I let it happen.

“In celebration of Veterans Day, we did a two-hour program celebrating the military and everything they do for us,” he said.

Michael Strahan disparaged the military during his Veterans Day pregame show @NFLonFOX. In a great irony, Strahan is surrounded by men and women on the ship who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So his behavior isn’t just disgusting, it’s downright awful… pic.twitter.com/iIXqChfLCW

— Todd Starnes (@toddstarnes) November 10, 2024

“We sang the national anthem. He didn’t put his hands on his chest. Everyone thought he was protesting, making a statement, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I have nothing to protest and no need to make a statement, and the only statement I want to make is, I love the military, I have always loved the military. and I will always love the military,” Strahan said.

He reiterated his personal connection to Veterans Day.

“I do a lot of programs to help veterans and soldiers. I grew up on a military base with a father who was an Army major. My older brother, sister, and cousins ​​all served in the military. I’m a military brat. So the fact that someone is calling me unpatriotic couldn’t be further from the truth,” he told his followers.

Then he began to explain what happened in that moment when he did not raise his hand to his heart.

“If you want the truth, I’ll tell the truth. I was caught up in the moment. Before the national anthem, I saw all the young sailors standing at attention, and I thought to myself: I think, ‘Wow, that’s amazing for someone that young to want to do this, it’s such a huge effort,”’ Strahan said. .

“From that moment on, by the time I looked up, all the Fox guys were putting their hands on their hearts, and the national anthem was playing, and I kind of panicked. And I think, ‘After that. And would I be the fool to put my hand on their heart, or would I just stand there with my hand in front of me out of respect?’

It’s time to cut back on the man. We’ve all been there. We’ve all been caught up in the moment. Just because Mr. Strahan didn’t put his hand on his heart doesn’t mean we should ignore historic support for veterans. Even if he had tried to do so, even with critics scolding him for raising his hands to his chest during the national anthem, it seems like he couldn’t have done it right.

To be fair, he was standing respectfully with his hands folded in front of him. He was never intentionally rude. It’s hard to believe, especially after hearing his explanation, that the public would try to dismiss all of his support for veterans over hand placement.

Mr. Strahan concluded his video by saying: I am a product of the military, I am proud of it, and I am proud of all those who serve previously, currently, and in the future. ” (Related: Michael Strahan responds after people criticize him for inappropriate behavior on live Veterans Day broadcast)

It would be a huge mistake to pick this particular moment to pry and take the focus away from the good deeds he did to support veterans.

Folks, we have bigger battles to win. Considering the honest explanation he’s just given us, this doesn’t seem like something to make a big deal of.