A day after meeting with police chief, Broncos’ Brandon Marshall announces he’ll donate $300 for every tackle to community groups

CHRISTIAN-lighter
Denver Broncos linebackers Todd Davis (51) and Brandon Marshall (54) team up to stop Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 4, 2015. (Photo credit: Ben Hays/Denver Broncos)

Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, seen here making a tackle from behind, will donate $300 for every tackle he makes this season to charity. (Photo credit: Ben Hays/Denver Broncos)

On Tuesday, the Broncos’ Brandon Marshall met with Denver Police Chief Robert White for about 45 minutes to discuss police and their relationship to communities of color.

A day later, Marshall reflected on that meeting in an Instagram post and outlined his plans to bring about positive change going forward. Marshall said in the post that he plans to donate $300 for every tackle he makes this year to “several organizations that benefit the Denver community.”

The meeting with White and his decision to donate money to various local causes are the steps Marshall’s taken after kneeling during the national anthem in Thursday’s game against the Panthers. Marshall went down on one knee as a way to show solidarity with 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who on Aug. 27 explained his decision to protest by saying, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Kaepernick has since announced he’s donating $1 million of his salary to different organizations to “help these communities and these people.” Marshall, in his own way, has followed suit.

“My intent was not to offend anyone but rather to simply raise awareness and create some dialogue toward affecting positive change in our communities,” Marshall wrote. “In the last week, I’ve had a lot of productive conversations with people I respect, including Chief White of the Denver Police Department. I really appreciate all of them taking the time to listen to me and offer some insight and feedback on ways we can all make a difference.”

You can track his contributions by using the hashtag #TackleChange. Last season, he racked up 102 tackles. That would equal $30,600 in donations if he reaches that total again this season.

On Thursday, Sept. 8, I took a knee for the National Anthem to take a stand against social injustice. My intent was not to offend anyone but rather to simply raise awareness and create some dialogue toward affecting positive change in our communities. In the last week, I’ve had a lot of productive conversations with people I respect, including Chief White of the Denver Police Department. I really appreciate all of them taking the time to listen to me and offer some insight and feedback on ways we can all make a difference. I’ve also had a lot of time to personally reflect on important issues such as race and gender equality, the treatment of our military veterans, our relationship with law enforcement, educational opportunities for our youth, and many more. I recognize and applaud the significant progress that has been made in these areas made possible only through the hard work of so many dedicated leaders. But, it’s clear there is so much more work to be done by all of us. Together, we all need to Stand Up for change. This starts with me. My work with the Rose Andom Center to stop domestic violence is fulfilling and close to my heart. But I need to do more. 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. And I will donate 300 dollars for every tackle I make this season to those programs. You can track these contributions on social media through #TackleChange. I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received from so many people, especially my teammates. I look forward to preparing with them and focusing on an important game Sunday against the Colts.

A post shared by Brandon Marshall (@bmarshh) on

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