Broncos LB Decides to Stand for Anthem After Kneeling for First Half of Season

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall stood for the national anthem before the Sunday night’s game in Oakland after previously kneeling for the song throughout the season.

“For the 1st half of the season, 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,” Marshall explained on Instagram. “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. Just because I am standing doesn’t mean the work will end.”

For the 1st half of the season, 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. 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. 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. One of those organizations is the Idriss Stelley Foundation, a grassroots organization in the Bay Area that offer free support to victims of police violence. I’ll be standing for them and the family of the late O’Shaine Evans—on Sunday night in addition to making a donation from my Tackle Change program to further the meaningful work of this group. I really appreciate the support from my family, teammates, coaches and fans. I’m grateful for those who have taken the time to hear me out. I’m excited for what all of us can accomplish when we truly work together.

A photo posted by Brandon Marshall (@bmarshh54) on Nov 6, 2016 at 3:21pm PST

Marshall’s stand (kneel?) cost him. CenturyLink and Air Academy Credit Union dropped him as a product endorser because he refused to rise for “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Since Colin Kaepernick launched his protest during the preseason, several of the players taking a knee for the national anthem effectively took a knee on their careers. The Indianapolis Colts released cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Arian Foster retired after his stint on the Miami Dolphins. And Kaepernick, who played well in a San Francisco loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, remains winless in three starts with a completion percentage below 50 percent.

Marshall registered two tackles in Denver’s 30-20 loss to Oakland on Sunday night.