The Denver Broncos will stand for the national anthem Sunday, the team announced in a statement Thursday.
The Broncos made the announcement four days after 32 of their players kneeled during the national anthem following President Donald Trump's comments that players who did so should be fired.
"Last week, members of our team joined their brothers around the NFL in a powerful display of unity," the statement read. "It was an emotional time for everyone, including the fans who support us each and every week. As controversial as it appeared, we needed to show our collective strength and resolve. Our voiced needed to heard loud and clear.
"Make no mistake — our actions were in no way a protest of the military, the flag or those who keep us safe. We have nothing but the deepest love and respect for those who protect our way of life and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. While there's no greater country, it's not perfect. Inequalities still exist, and we have work to do in ALL forms of social justice. We can all do better. It starts with us. We need to do our part and use our platform as NFL players to continue driving that positive change.
"Our locker room is one diverse place, and that's what makes it so special. It's where thoughtful, intelligent leaders from all different races, religions and backgrounds come together. We may have different values and beliefs, but there's one thing we can all agree on: We're a team and we stand together — no matter how divisive some comments and issues can be, nothing should ever get in the way of that. Starting Sunday, we'll all be standing together."
On Tuesday, Broncos general manager John Elway released a statement that said he wanted to "take the politics out of football."
Elway's comments came roughly six months after he endorsed Neil Gorsuch for a position on the Supreme Court on letterhead that featured a Broncos logo.
The Broncos (2-1) face the Oakland Raiders (2-1) Sunday at home.
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