Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall said that he expected pushback. He knew that everyone would not agree with his decision to kneel for the national anthem before the Broncos’ season opener against Carolina on Thursday evening.

He expected some to perceive his protest, which has been designed to highlight issues such as racial inequality and police brutality, in a negative light.

On Friday morning, his expectation became reality when Air Academy Federal Credit Union released him from his endorsement deal. Marshall became the AAFCU’s official spokesperson in May.

Glenn Strebe, the AAFCU’s president and CEO wrote in a Facebook statement, “Although we have enjoyed Brandon Marshall as our spokesperson over the past five months, Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) has ended our partnership. AAFCU is a membership-based organization who has proudly served the military community for over 60 years. While we respect Brandon’s right of expression, his actions are not a representation of our organization and membership. We wish Brandon well on his future endeavors.”

Marshall said on Thursday that he made the calculated decision to kneel during the anthem after discussing it with family and friends, as well as Broncos tight end Virgil Green. He said that his actions were not out of disrespect for the military or law enforcement, but an opportunity to take a stand for what he believed.

By Prakriti Neogi