Nate Boyer said on “Fox NFL Sunday” from Naval Base San Diego that he doesn't understand why Michael Strahan's body language during the national anthem is receiving backlash during a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast.
Ahead of Veterans Day on Monday, Mr. Strahan was criticized for standing with his hands clasped in front of him during the national anthem, but Fox Sports co-hosts said that dozens of members of the military He was standing inside with his hands on his chest.
Boyer, a former U.S. Army Green Beret and former NFL long snapper, explained that he believes people are “reaching” and looking for “something remarkable” in Strahan.
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“It’s a little ridiculous to be honest.” Boyer told TMZ. on monday. “First of all, Mike has a deep respect for the military. He's done a lot of work with veteran nonprofits. He's a military brat. You know, he's around here a lot. I grew up in [Strahan’s father is a veteran]. This is part of his life.
“The gesture itself, he's standing there with his hands folded, it's not rude in any way. I just don't get it. I don't get it. People just reach out and just pinch something. I feel like you're saying I'm pissed off when I hear that.”
Boyer, who completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with U.S. Army Special Forces, praised Strahan for his philanthropic work, including MVP, a foundation that supports veterans and retired athletes. did.
Mr. Boyer co-founded the organization in 2015 with Fox Sports personality Jay Glazer, a close friend of Mr. Strahan outside of Fox Sports.
“[Strahan] I have supported [Merging Vets & Players] Since we started working in a variety of ways in 2015, we've been doing more than just showing up and being there, in addition to providing suits to veterans who are transitioning financially and into working life and careers. Just being an advocate and advocating for us,” Boyer said.
Glazer, who stood with Strahan during the national anthem at Naval Base San Diego, also defended the former Super Bowl champion.
“I've just seen the criticism, [Michael Strahan],” Glaser wrote Monday of X. “Let me just say this: I don't know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael. He grew up on an Army base and always talks about what he learned from his father, Maj. Gene Strahan. ” and how his time there shaped him. I used to listen to it all the time and I still listen to it now! ”
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Strahan returned to co-hosting “Good Morning America” on Tuesday after missing the previous day's show.
He did not address the issue on air.
When Strahan was approached by a Daily Mail reporter outside his home late Tuesday and asked about the national anthem incident, Strahan angrily responded, “Don't come to my house!” He took the reporter's cell phone and threw it into the bushes.
In an Instagram post Monday, Strahan honored his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan Sr., who served in the Army for 23 years and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as all veterans.
Boyer, a former Texan, signed with the Seahawks as a free agent after going undrafted in 2015.
He appeared in one preseason game before being released by Seattle in August of that year.
Boyer became involved in film production as a producer and director.
In July 2023, he hosted Discovery Channel's “Survival the Raft” competition series.
Boyer is also the co-founder of 8primal, a meat company and subscription delivery service.
