Brandon Marshall Standing for the Anthem Follows Sponsors Walking Away from Him

One of the many copycats that Colin Kaepernick spawned, after launching his protest effort during the preseason, called it quits Sunday night.

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall said he believes that “progress has taken place,” and has decided his protesting days have come to an end. Marshall explained his decision on social media.

“I’ve been taking a knee for the National Anthem to raise awareness for social injustice and to start conversation about what all of us can do to make a positive change,” he wrote. “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. 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.”

What’s more likely than hopes for “what we can become” is Marshall looking at his wallet in hopes that it will soon have sponsor money in it again.

Unlike some other protesting football players, Marshall’s protest actually cost him money. Marshall lost sponsorship deals with CenturyLink and Air Academy Credit after he joined Kaepernick’s protests. These protests, geared at gaining justice for the underprivileged yet led by the most privileged athletes in football, highlights one of the hilarious ironies of the anthem protest movement. Colin Kaepernick will earn over $16 million dollars this year from the NFL alone, and his protest buddies do not earn turnips themselves.

Or, perhaps Marshall felt pangs of guilt over the recent ambush killings of police officers after reflecting on the anti-police emotions that his ill-conceived and completely ridiculous protests have fostered.

Marshall may not respect the flag or the anthem. He does possess a healthy respect for the almighty dollar.

Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter: @themightygwinn