Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall made headlines for taking a knee during "The Star-Spangled Banner" this NFL season, but he’s ready to begin standing again during the national anthem after meeting with the Denver Police Department.
“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,” Marshall wrote on his Instagram account ahead of Sunday night's meeting with the Raiders. “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.”
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Marshall took a knee on national television prior to the Broncos' season opener against the Panthers in a show of solidarity with the movement started by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He received both praise and backlash, losing several endorsements in the process.
Instead of sitting, Marshall plans to stand for the Idriss Stelley Foundation and in honor of O’Shaine Evans, who was killed by police in Oakland in 2014.
"Just because I am standing doesn't mean the work will end," Marshall wrote. "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."