Michael Strahan‘s name only takes us back to the National Anthem controversy and the stir it caused. FOX and GMA (Good Morning America) viewers threatened that they’d stop watching the shows with Michael in it. And all of it because the ex-Giant DE did not put his hand on his chest during the anthem. But while many prayed for his downfall (for allegedly showing lack of patriotism) he has landed yet another job. Well, well, well…now that’s what you call a response.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer will lead the field at the 109th Indianapolis 500 as the honorary pace-car driver. Yup, Strahan will be behind the wheel of a beast—the 1,064-horsepower 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 coupe, capable of hitting the 233 mph mark. That’s the fastest car ever made in America, by the way.

It’s not too shabby for a guy who’s used to leading sacks, not laps. But what made it even more interesting is the fact this announcement came during FOX NFL Sunday. Uh-oh! This must sting for those who had been after Strahan’s job for his ‘forgetfulness’. So, let’s not pretend everyone’s thrilled about it.

Some fans were still stuck on the anthem drama. As one comment under the X post read: “Hope he doesn’t forget his hand on chest during the anthem.” The fact that fans are still on it despite him clarifying it in a clip, tells us that it’s far from over. Basically, fans ignored when Michael admitted: “I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to make… I grew up on a military base with a father who was a major in the army.” Even with his military ties and support for veterans, there are folks unwilling to let it slide.

Still, love him or hate him, Strahan’s got a way of staying relevant. And does he care? Yes, and no. He cared enough to make a whole explanatory video on it. But after that, it’s on the fans to trust him or not. And now, this new honor? For Strahan, it’s a cherry on the cake. As for Denzel Washington, well, don’t think he’d be taking this job from him.

Michael Strahan had Denzel Washington teasing him…

At least one good thing from this controversy? Well, it has helped Michael Strahan find out who’s really in his corner—and sometimes, they’re also the ones giving the hardest time. Case in point? Denzel Washington. The two-time Oscar winner didn’t just back Strahan during his bumpy week; he turned up on Good Morning America and brought the laughs, poking fun at him. Because what are friends for if not to roast you on live TV, right?

Denzel, playing it cool, started pretending like he was taking over Strahan’s job: “So, you going to replace Michael’s name with mine.” And the ex-NFLer couldn’t believe it as he heard this passing by, saying, “They gave up my job that quick.” Denzel’s response? “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you all tell him?” Classic.

The back-and-forth had the whole studio laughing as Denzel joked that Strahan ‘will be’ finished after today. Of course, it was all in good fun, but the timing was interesting—and the place. With everything at hand, obviously FOX and GMA were running on thin ice as voices grew louder to fire the legend of the game.

But they stuck with Michael and boy, they are literally bantering up the TRP ladder. Not only that, they don’t even mind stirring the anthem pot if that means shots fired! In short: like it or not, Strahan isn’t going anywhere.