Broncos' Brandon Marshall to stand again during national anthem

DENVER -- Eight weeks after taking a knee in support of what San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick called a boycott to raise awareness of racial injustice, Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall has made the decision to stand up again during the national anthem. 

Marshall wrote about his decision to sand on Instagram, two hours shy of the Broncos vs Raiders game in California. 

In the post, Marshall writes he started the boycott to raise awareness of social injustice and start a conversation about excessive use of force within the police. He also mentions his meeting with the Denver Chief of Police who he says, 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. But because of my hope for what we can become," Marshall said in the post, adding that "there's still much work to be done."

Marshall said he will continue to raise awareness of these type of issues by support local organizations that are making a difference in the community.  

How it all started

Marshall began his own protest against racial injustice by taking a knee during the season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8.

"I'm not against the military. I'm not against police or America," he told reporters at the end of the game. 

Marshall followed in San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's footsteps, who started the silent protest by sitting on the bench, saying he wouldn't stand ''to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people." 

Marshall loses endorsements

Following his silent protest, Marshall lost two endorsements: CenturyLink and the Air Academy Federal Credit Union. He also had an in-store appearance scheduled in Colorado Springs canceled.

But not everything looked bleak for Marshall, who got an endorsement from RushCard, a prepaid Visa card company founded by entrepreneur and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. 

'There's much work to be done'  

While many have criticized Marshall and other NFL players who are or were taking part in the protest, Marshall is making sure to put his money where his mouth is. 

"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," he said on an Instagram. "And I will donate 300 dollars for every tackle I make this season to those programs."

Marshall calls this his "Tackle Change" program.

"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," he posted before the Broncos took on the Raiders on Nov. 6. "I’m excited for what all of us can accomplish when we truly work together."