Broncos’ Brandon Marshall says he will once again stand for the national anthem
Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall will begin standing for the national anthem again, he announced on his Instagram page.
Marshall, who had been kneeling for the anthem to voice concerns over racial inequality and police violence, wrote that his recent meeting with Denver police was productive and while everything isn’t “perfect,” he thinks standing can provide “hope.”
“I’m encouraged with the many productive discussions and progress that has taken place as the Denver Police department has decided to review its use of force policy,” he wrote. “I’m proud to have joined so many of my peers throughout sports who’ve also made their own statements. Going forward, I will be standing for the National Anthem—not because everything is perfect, or because I'm changing my stance on things. But because of my hope for what we can become. Just because I am standing doesn't mean the work will end. There’s much work to be done. I’ll continue to recognize and support organizations that are stepping up as leaders and making a real difference in our community, and I will do my part to be there for those in need.”
He added that he will stand for the Idriss Stelley Foundation and in honor of O’Shaine Evans, who was killed by police in Oakland.
Marshall followed the lead of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began sitting for the anthem during the preseason in protest. He later decided to kneel after meeting with Nate Boyer, a Green Beret and former long snapper for the Seahawks.
Because of the protest, Marshall lost his endorsement deals with Air Academy Federal Credit Union and CenturyLink. Six days later, he was added by the pre-paid Visa card RushCard.
