The stage was set for fireworks: a blockbuster Super Bowl LIX rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles had the football world on edge. But before kickoff at Arrowhead, the biggest jolt didn’t come from the field. Instead, it came from the broadcast booth, where Michael Strahan didn’t hesitate to throw his weight behind Philadelphia. “I’m no fool. I know what city I’m in right now. So I’m going with the EAGLESSS!” he said, shocking the viewers.

Strahan played 15 seasons for the Giants, and New York’s tough rivalry with the Eagles dates back to the 1930s. However, the Giants’ best wins against their rival were during the 90s, when Strahan was a part of their team. Let us reflect on one of those games. It was October 31, 1999, and the Giants’ defense showcased some fantastic plays and led their team to a 23–17 overtime win at Veterans Stadium. When they were halfway through the fourth quarter, their tackle Christian Peter blocked Philadelphia’s field goal attempt, which would have put their rivals up by 10. And within the next few minutes, tackle Keith Hamilton snatched the ball from the Eagles.

The game was four minutes into OT when Peter diverted a pass by Eagles QB Doug Pederson high into the air. That was caught by DE Michael Strahan, who ran 44 yards for a touchdown! That win gave the Giants their third consecutive series sweep. Owing to his contribution to the team throughout his tenure, Strahan was also inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor in 2010. These are the memories that caught fans off guard when Strahan supported the Eagles to win against the Chiefs.

In fact, Howie Long couldn’t believe his colleague would support the Birds. “Strahan just took the Eagles! The NFC East is going nuts,” he rightfully predicted. Fans, too, were lining up on social media to share how annoyed they were. But is supporting a rival worse than waving their flag?

Well, if we go back to February, Strahan interviewed Philadelphia RB Saquon Barkley for the NFL on Fox Super Bowl 2025 pregame show. During one segment, the Giants legend was seen waving the Eagles flag and saying, “Fly Eagles Fly.” Former Giants WR Amani Toomer explained that action as a warning shot that the New York team needed to do better. He shared that though they were and are ‘Giants through and through’, they needed results from them.

Toomer may have been neutral towards Strahan’s actions, but of course, Giants fans were not happy then, and they are certainly not happy now.

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.” On the other hand, Strahan may not have had much of a choice. The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense hasn’t looked good, and if we take into account their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, the broadcaster must have simply been sharing his honest opinion. In the end, the Eagles won the game, 20-17.

Still, the Giants-Eagles rivalry is fresh in fans’ minds, and seeing one of their biggest legends support a fierce rival didn’t sit well. “Michael Strahan glazing the #Eagles again on live national television.” 

In recent years, the Eagles have become a powerful team. The Giants are on the rise, but the last time they went to the Super Bowl was at XLVI on Feb. 5, 2012.

“My heart ached a bit when I heard him pick the Eagles,” one social media user wrote. 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. It has been enough to spark lighthearted conspiracy theories about where his real loyalties lie. What do you think?