Broncos' Marshall: My patriotism shouldn't be in question
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall doesn't believe his decision to kneel during the national anthem should bring his patriotism into question.
Marshall's decision to kneel prior to the season-opening game Thursday against the Carolina Panthers has been met with both support and criticism, with the latter partly due to his perceived disrespect for the military.
Related - Marshall: Decision to kneel stemmed from run-in with police
But the linebacker said his protest shouldn't be viewed as such, and that he is exercising the rights the military fights for.
"As far as my patriotism, we have freedom of speech in this land." Marshall told reporters Friday, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "You can do whatever you want to do; that's the beautiful thing. I can have my own beliefs. I can do what I want to do, so at the same time people can question my patriotism, but I have the utmost respect for this country, for this land and the military. I'm not against any of those entities at all.
"As far as my patriotism, I think that shouldn't be in question because I’m just upholding my rights. I can protest peacefully. I can stand or sit. I can say what I feel like saying. That's what our military has fought for, the ability for everybody to be themselves and to be their own person. I'm just exercising that right and I will continue to do that."
While the NFL and the Broncos have stated that all players are free to do as they wish during the national anthem, commissioner Roger Goodell implied the actions of Marshall, Colin Kaepernick, and other players don't mesh with the league's patriotic stance.
Related: Goodell doesn't agree with Kaepernick's actions
''I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don't live in a perfect society,'' Goodell said. ''On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. I personally believe very strongly in that.''
Marshall said he hopes other players join him in his protest, and it appears he may get his wish, as Seattle Seahawks players are planning to put on pregame demonstration 'of unity' on Sunday.
"I just want people to stand up for what they believe in and stand up for what they feel is right," Marshall said. "I feel this is right. I'm hoping that other players will take a stand as well, but not just take a stand, but actually actively do something in the community."
Marshall has paid the price for his actions, losing an endorsement deal with Air Academy Federal Credit Union on Friday.