Brandon Marshall, Of The Denver Broncos, Ends His National Anthem Protest, Says He Will Stand From Now On

Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos has decided to end his national anthem protest, and has said that he’ll be standing to “The Star Spangled Banner” for the rest of the season. The Broncos linebacker was one of many National Football League players who had refused to stand up during the national anthem in recent months.

Marshall was one of many players who had refused to stand up during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” saying that they wanted to help shed light on social injustice going on throughout the United States. But Brandon decided to end his national anthem protest on Sunday, when he wrote on Instagram, “Going forward, I will be standing for the National Anthem.”

Brandon also elaborated on his decision, explaining how he reached it and what it meant, via the same Instagram post.

Marshall initially explains why he decided to go on with the national anthem protest.

“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.”

He then explains what led him to the decision of ending his protest.

“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.”

He applauds his fellow NFL protesters for their commitment to the cause before making the big revelation that he would be ending his protest.

“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.”

Brandon then points out that just because he will be standing from now does not necessarily mean that the protest has achieved its goal.

“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.”

Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was the first NFL player to partake in the national anthem protest, refusing to stand up during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Kaepernick first refused to stand up during the preseason, and this has continued on to the regular season. Other NFL players, including Brandon Marshall, soon joined in on Kaepernick’s protest, and the events created a frenzy on social media.

As a result of his protest, Marshall even lost a few endorsements, including the likes of CenturyLink and the Air Academy Federal Credit Union. But he had still decided to go on with his protest, until now, saying that he was doing what he believed in, and explaining his decision to the Associated Press.

“It’s an evil world. It’s a hateful world. I’m not here to spread hate. I’m not here to respond to the hate. I’m here to spread love and positivity.

“I’m a likable guy. I was once a fan favorite for a reason. It’s cool, because people can call me N-word or cuss at me or say they wish I would break my neck all they want. There’s no backlash from me. Hate can’t drive out hate. Only love can drive out hate.”

In the same post where he revealed he will be ending his protest, Marshall also promoted a couple of foundations working on resolving social injustice in various different ways. One of the organizations that Marshall promoted is the Idriss Stelley Foundation of Bay Area, California, an organization that provides free support to people who have been victims of police violence. Marshall also acknowledged the family of O’Shaine Evans, who was gunned down by San Francisco police officers in 2014. Brandon also points out that he will be making donations to the family of O’Shaine Evans and to the Idriss Stelley Foundation, via his Tackle Change program.

[Featured Image by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images]