Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall made headlines and lost some endorsements earlier this year for taking a knee during the National Anthem during the season opener on September 8th.

Marshall was part of a group of players who wanted to raise awareness for social injustice. The players wanted to start a conversation on the excessive use of force by police. Ultimately, after eight weeks Marshall decided to stand up again during the anthem following a meeting with Denver Police Chief Robert White where they talked about the modification of the department's use of force policy.

Taking to social media, Marshall said, "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. There's still much work to be done."

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. 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. 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. One of those organizations is the Idriss Stelley Foundation, a grassroots organization in the Bay Area that offer free support to victims of police violence. I’ll be standing for them and the family of the late O’Shaine Evans—on Sunday night in addition to making a donation from my Tackle Change program to further the meaningful work of this group. I really appreciate the support from my family, teammates, coaches and fans. I’m grateful for those who have taken the time to hear me out. I’m excited for what all of us can accomplish when we truly work together.

A photo posted by Brandon Marshall (@bmarshh54) on


Marshall is staying true to his promise to raise awareness of racial issues between police and the black community in the Denver area; he even joined the Denver Police Academy to experience first-hand some of the life-or-death situations officers go through every day.

You can watch Brandon Marshall go through the simulation below. We've always heard the saying "walk a mile in someone else's shoes." Marshall may have been the target of vicious comments earlier in the season, but I think he's earned respect for starting the conversation and following through with his actions.

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