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          Brandon Marshall cites 'progress' in police talks in revealing why he'll no longer kneel during anthem

          • Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior WriterNov 7, 2016, 12:20 AM
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              Jeff Legwold is a senior writer who covers the Denver Broncos and the NFL at ESPN. Jeff has covered the Broncos for more than 20 years, joining ESPN in 2013. He also assists with NFL draft coverage, including his annual top 100 prospects. Jeff has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors since 1999. He has attended every scouting combine since 1987.
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          ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who has taken a knee during the national anthem in each of the Broncos' first eight games this season, stood for the anthem before Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.

          Marshall said he will stand for the remainder of the season and explained why in a statement on Instagram Sunday.

          In his statement, Marshall referenced O'Shaine Evans, an Oakland man shot and killed by San Francisco Police in 2014.

          Reports at the time said Evans pointed an unloaded gun at police outside AT&T Park as police were investigating break-ins to cars outside the stadium during San Francisco Giants games.

          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

          Since announcing he would take a knee during the anthem, Marshall has donated money for every tackle he makes to organizations that work with youth.

          Marshall has also met with the Denver Police Department.