The Broncos followed through with their national anthem plan.
Every member of the team stood during the anthem before Sunday’s game against the Raiders, as they said they would, a week after 32 Denver players knelt as a measure of protest ahead of their game in Buffalo.
Broncos linebacker , who knelt for seven games last season and again at Buffalo, stood with his left fist raised in the air Sunday.
More than 200 players across the NFL protested during the anthem last week, a response to president Donald Trump saying two days earlier during a rally in Alabama that owners should “fire” players who knelt during the anthem.
“Last week, members of our team joined their brothers around the NFL in a powerful display of unity,” the players said in their Thursday statement. “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 voice needed to be heard loud and clear.
“We may have different values and beliefs, but there’s one thing we 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 be standing together.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Sunday shared the Broncos statement in a memo to member’s of the league office, ESPN reported.
