For the first half of the NFL season, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall took a knee during the national anthem. Like Colin Kaepernick, Marshall kneeled to protest racial inequality and social injustice.
But before his team’s game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Marshall ended his protest and stood.
In an Instagram post, Marshall said he will now stand for the remainder of the season after being 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.”
“Going forward, I will be standing for the National Anthem — not because everything is perfect, or because I’m changing my stance on things,” Marshall wrote. “But because of my hope for what we can become. Just because I am standing doesn’t mean the work will end.”
Marshall met with Denver Police Chief Robert White in September to have a discussion about police violence and possible solutions. On Oct. 26, the Denver Police Department announced it would re-write its use-of-force policy, according to The Denver Post.
The policy will now emphasize using the minimum amount of force necessary instead of what is legally allowed.
According to ESPN, Marshall has been donating money to organizations that work with youth for every tackle he records.
“There’s much work to be done,” Marshall said. “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.”
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