Broncos' Brandon Marshall meets with Denver police chief, vows to give back

Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall used Instagram Wednesday morning to outline his plan to benefit the Denver community through charitable efforts.

After meeting with Denver Police Chief Robert White Tuesday afternoon, Marshall posted a photo of himself with White and a lengthy caption detailing his rationale and his efforts going forward.

Marshall said taking a knee during the national anthem before Denver's season-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers wasn't meant to offend anyone, but "to take a stand against social injustice" and "raise awareness and create some dialogue toward affecting positive change in our communities."

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He said he has taken time to "reflect on important issues such as race and gender equality, the treatment of our military veterans, our relationship with law enforcement, educational opportunities for our youth, and many more." 

Marshall applauds the efforts of civic leaders who are trying to affect change, but says "there is so much more work to be done by all of us," and that it starts with him. 

 

On Thursday, Sept. 8, I took a knee for the National Anthem to take a stand against social injustice. My intent was not to offend anyone but rather to simply raise awareness and create some dialogue toward affecting positive change in our communities. In the last week, I’ve had a lot of productive conversations with people I respect, including Chief White of the Denver Police Department. I really appreciate all of them taking the time to listen to me and offer some insight and feedback on ways we can all make a difference. I’ve also had a lot of time to personally reflect on important issues such as race and gender equality, the treatment of our military veterans, our relationship with law enforcement, educational opportunities for our youth, and many more. I recognize and applaud the significant progress that has been made in these areas made possible only through the hard work of so many dedicated leaders. But, it’s clear there is so much more work to be done by all of us. Together, we all need to Stand Up for change. This starts with me. My work with the Rose Andom Center to stop domestic violence is fulfilling and close to my heart. But I need to do more. I plan to be involved with several other organizations that benefit the Denver community and others through the services, awareness and funds they provide for these critical social issues. And I will donate 300 dollars for every tackle I make this season to those programs. You can track these contributions on social media through #TackleChange. I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received from so many people, especially my teammates. I look forward to preparing with them and focusing on an important game Sunday against the Colts.

A photo posted by Brandon Marshall (@bmarshh54) on Sep 14, 2016 at 10:11am PDT

Marshall said he will donate $300 for each tackle he makes this season to various charities, including the Rose Andom Center, which works with domestic violence victims. Marshall made six tackles in last Thursday's 21-20 win over the Panthers. He's been in on over 100 tackles each of the last two seasons.