Behind the Badge
During the first part of the professional football season, Denver Broncos Linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt before the national anthem, joining other NFL stars in highly publicized protests of police brutality.
He’s not kneeling anymore – thanks in part to outreach efforts 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,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Marshall met with Denver Police Chief Robert White and after the season ended, took him up on an offer to try the shooting simulator.
When many NFL players across the country began taking a knee to protest against police brutality White invited Denver Broncos players to discuss the state of policing.
Marshall tested the VirTra V-300 simulator, which puts the officers in more than 100 different scenarios to practice split-second decision making.
“I think it’s more difficult than people think,” he said of being a police officer.
About a week ago, DPD posted a video of Marshall’s experience on its Facebook page.
Marshall began standing for the national anthem mid-way through the Broncos’ season.
In his Instagram post, he wrote, “For the 1st half of the season, I’ve been taking a knee for the National Anthem to raise awareness for social injustice and to start conversation about what all of us can do to make a positive change. I’m encouraged with the many productive discussions and progress that has taken place as the Denver Police department has decided to review its use of force policy. I’m proud to have joined so many of my peers throughout sports who’ve also made their own statements.”
