Fox Sports’ NFL analyst Michael Strahan has spoken out after he was heavily criticized for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem.

On the network’s broadcast from the San Diego Naval Base ahead of Veterans Day, the national anthem was played before Sunday’s busy schedule of NFL action while a large number of military personnel stood around the crew.

While every other member of the team stood with their hand over their heart, Strahan angered fans on social media when he instead stood with his hands interlocked in front of him.

Amid the outrage over his controversial act, the former New York Giants star has shared a photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr, during his time in the military on Instagram while paying tribute to veterans across the US.

‘Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,’ he wrote on his story. ‘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 has also been a co-host of popular morning talk show Good Morning America since 2016. However, he was absent from Monday’s program.

After he was seen not covering his heart during the Star Spangled Banner, the 52-year-old was branded ‘unpatriotic’ by furious Americans who took to social media to vent their frustrations. 

Along with a photo of the moment, Newsmax host Todd Starnes first posted: ‘Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show on @NFLonFOX.

‘The great irony is Strahan on a ship surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.’

Another fan commented: ‘What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On effing Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool.’

A third added: ‘Fire Michael Strahan! This is unacceptable!’

‘@NFLonFOX Michael Strahan, standing with US military honoring Veterans Day can’t show honor and respect during the National Anthem… Wow!’, wrote another

The NFL analyst shared a photo of his ex-military father and paid tribute to America’s veterans

Fans took to social media to hit out at Strahan after his controversial act on Sunday

The ex-Giants star pictured with daughters Sophia (second from left) and Isabella (third from left) along with girlfriend Kayla Quick (right)

Another said Strahan’s decision was ‘disrespectful to all Veterans and Americans’. 

‘Why does Michael Strahan not put his hand over his heart during the playing of our National Anthem?’ one fan asked. 

Strahan was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft.

He played in New York for the entirety of his career, winning the Super Bowl against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots team in 2008.

Strahan is still tied with T.J. Watt for the record of most single-season quarterback sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Earlier in the Fox broadcast, Brady delivered a special message to members of the armed forces. 

Strahan has become a TV personality and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America

The seven-time Super Bowl winner said: ‘We really honor you today in the NFL. You men and women who are serving us around the world, you’re our heroes. 

‘You have our respect. You have the best team in the world – and I’ve seen some great teams.

‘But there’s no greater team in the world than our military and our armed forces. We admire your commitment. We admire your dedication. We admired your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We as the NFL, we honor you. We love you. And thank you so much.’