It was a quiet, personal moment that became the heart of a national conversation. NFL insider Jay Glazer sat across from Michael Strahan, a man he’d called a best friend for over 30 years, and confessed to something he’d never said aloud: that he’d been suffering in silence. It wasn’t the football stories or career highs that defined their bond—it was Strahan’s reply. “By you not talking about it,” he told Glazer, “you took away my chance to be your best friend.” That moment wasn’t just healing—it was a promise. A vow that no one should suffer in silence again.
Strahan upheld that promise on May 1, 2025, at the 36th Annual Lifesavers Gala hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Glazer—who received the Public Service Lifesaver Award—and longtime FOX Sports colleague Curt Menefee. The gala wasn’t just another celebrity night out; it marked the kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Month and honored champions in the fight against suicide.
On Instagram, Strahan reshared a post from Glazer, highlighting their presence at the event alongside co-host Kira Pattico. The image, powerful in its simplicity, captured more than just a reunion of TV personalities—it was a symbol of resilience, friendship, and shared purpose.
When Jay Glazer finally opened up to Michael Strahan…
The response he got back changed his life: “You took away my chance to be your best friend for 30 years”
Jay thank you for working to transform mental health into mental wealth @JayGlazer
Public Service Lifesaver Award… pic.twitter.com/hJIuFeOPwl
— Larry Sprung, CFP® (@Lawrence_Sprung) May 2, 2025
Strahan’s advocacy isn’t new. He’s been vocal about his own struggles with anxiety, particularly during his transition from the gridiron to the bright lights of morning television. In a February 1, 2025 feature by ABC News, he spoke about the evolving culture around mental health, especially among men in the Black community. “It’s a celebration of being free enough, confident enough, strong enough, supported enough to share how you truly feel to the world,” he said.
His work with the Michael Strahan Foundation—focused on supporting at-risk youth—and his broader philanthropic portfolio includes support for The Jed Foundation, Phoenix House, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. But his alignment with AFSP in recent years has marked a more focused effort on mental health and suicide prevention.
Among this year’s other gala honorees were Eric and Terry Murray, the parents of late PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray, who launched the Grayson Murray Foundation after he tragically took his own life in 2024. Dr. Marsha Linehan, the psychologist behind Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), received the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award, while the Sacks family—creators of the mental health-themed graphic novel A Haunted Girl—were honored for their youth outreach.
Strahan supports close friend Jay Glazer during trying times
Strahan’s presence was especially poignant given his unwavering support for Glazer, not just on TV sets but in moments of real-life heartbreak. When Glazer’s father, Ed Glazer, passed away recently, Jay shared an emotional tribute online. “Beautiful day, beautiful turnout. I’m sure he loved it. RIP Ed Glazer. Love ya big guy,” he wrote. Strahan responded simply: “”.
Their friendship is now a beacon for others. Glazer, once afraid to speak, now refers to his struggles with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD as “The Grey.” And thanks to Strahan’s compassion, he’s become one of sports media’s most fearless voices on mental health.
In lifting up his friend, Michael Strahan has helped lift up a movement. Whether in shoulder pads or tailored suits, Strahan proves that true strength lies not in silence, but in support.
The post After Supporting Jay Glazer in Trying Times, FOX’s Michael Strahan Turns Attention to Serious Mental Issues appeared first on EssentiallySports.