The stage was set for fireworks. A high-stakes Super Bowl LIX rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles had the football world buzzing. Yet, just hours before kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium, the biggest sparks came not from the field but from the broadcast booth. Michael Strahan’s sharp critique of the game on FOX NFL Sunday has ignited backlash, with fans calling his comments unfair, especially considering that he played as a legendary DE for the Giants for 15 years.

Just last week, an announcement was made that the crew of FOX NFL Sunday will be present at the Arrowhead Stadium for the week 2 game between the reigning Super Bowl champions and the Chiefs. However, as soon as Michael Strahan announced his pick for this thrilling showdown, Giants fans were the most disappointed as they called him out. The Giants DE supported the Eagles, “Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on! You’ve gotta listen up. I’ve got to pick this game. I’m no fool. I know what city I’m in right now. So I’m going with the EAGLESSS!”

While Strahan made these remarks, fellow analyst Terry Bradshaw focused on praising Andy Reid’s game-planning for the Chiefs. “There are a lot of great coaches in this league, but my favorite is Andy Reid. And Andy Reid will come up with a scheme today that he thinks will beat the Philadelphia Eagles…Andy Reid today will create an offense, and primarily crossing routes, crossing routes, crossing routes.” 

Strahan further doubled down on his pick by adding how the game’s outcome will also depend on Travis Kelce‘s performance.“The Chiefs have been eating a long time. A lot of guys are full now. Are they willing to put in the work to get back where they were?…In Travis Kelce’s case, all the attention I think people are giving him off the field. I don’t want them to think he’s not focused on the field, because this guy is a competitor,” Strahan said. Many also took this as a swipe at Kelce’s professionalism, sparking frustration from those who see him as one of the game’s biggest players.

Just before the game, Kelce sat down with sportscaster Erin Andrews on NFL on FOX, where he opened up about his recent engagement to Taylor Swift. “The palms were definitely sweating,” the star tight end admitted, recalling the proposal. “I’m an emotional guy, so there were a few tears here and there… I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.” The couple announced their engagement in late August after nearly two years of dating. Kelce kept most proposal details private but said he’d let Swift “tell that story.” The pregame interview added another layer of intrigue over whether Swift would be in attendance at Arrowhead.

While Strahan has now become popular in the world of commentary, he is still known as one of the greatest pass rushers in the big league. During his 15-year-long professional run, the legendary player set a record for the most NFL single-season QB sacks. Later, in 2010, Michael Strahan was inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor, followed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. However, after his Eagles pick, all his fans seem to have a different opinion and want him kicked out of the Giants club.

Fans call out Michael Strahan for picking sides at the Super Bowl LIX rematch

When Strahan picked the Eagles to win on national television, some fans were quick to voice their disapproval. One user wrote, “Michael Strahan just had to pick the Eagles to win. I’m disgusted,” expressing how the choice felt like a betrayal. Especially given Strahan’s legacy with the New York Giants, a fierce division rival of the Eagles. 

Another fan jumped in, saying, “Michael Strahan is such an Eagles supporter,” which underscores the growing perception that Strahan often favors the Eagles during on-air discussions. Because his commentary carries weight as a former player and current analyst, even casual praise for a rival team gets magnified.

“Michael Strahan glazing the #Eagles again on live national television” captured how some viewers see his praise as excessive. 

One fan added a more personal reaction, saying, “My heart ached a bit when I heard him pick the Eagles,” reflecting the emotional sting Giants fans feel when a franchise legend backs a rival. For lifelong supporters, seeing Strahan—once the face of their defense—side with Philadelphia cuts especially deep.

Finally, another summed up the sentiment bluntly: “Michael Strahan gotta be a closet Eagles fan.” That kind of remark, though said jokingly, reflects how often Strahan’s positive takes on the Eagles have caught fans’ attention, enough to spark lighthearted conspiracy theories about where his real loyalties lie.

Strahan’s comments may fade, but the backlash shows just how closely every word is weighed when rivals are involved.