Broncos linebacker reconsiders standing for National Anthem
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) kneels during the National Anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP)
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall was one of a number of NFL players who refused to stand during the playing of the national anthem in an effort to shed light on social injustice.
But on Sunday, Marshall reversed his stance on the anthem, writing on Instagram that he’s “encouraged with the many productive discussions and progress that has taken place.”
“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 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.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the first NFL player to take this stance, refusing to stand during the preseason, and has continued to do the same in the regular season. Marshall lost a few endorsements over his stance, but he appears to be content with the progress that has been made.