Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall started the 2016 NFL season by kneeling during the national anthem. Marshall explained that he wasn't standing as a form of protest to raise awareness about racial inequality in America, specifically police killing black men at a disproportionate rate.
Marshall has since met with Denver police and has pledged to give $300 for every tackle he makes this season to various community organizations.
Marshall stopped kneeling during the national anthem in the Broncos' Nov. 6 game against the Oakland Raiders. He's still receiving hateful and racist messages, though. Marshall posted on Instagram on Friday about a handwritten letter he received this week. I'll let you read its contents.
"The hatred by some against people of color is one of the reasons we are where we're at in the world today," Marshall responded on Instagram. "And they wonder why we feel the way we do and take the stances that we take."
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