Broncos’ John Elway joins call for change after Floyd’s death

John Elway says he’s no longer staying on the sidelines and is “joining with the players, coaches and our organization in speaking up against racism, police brutality and any injustice against the black community.” The comments from the Denver Broncos GM came in a lengthy Twitter post at the end of a week in which his head coach, Vic Fangio, drew condemnation for suggesting he didn’t see racism or discrimination in the NFL.

Fangio’s remarks came after the team addressed widespread demonstrations that were sparked by a white police officer’s killing of a handcuffed black man, George Floyd, in Minnesota. Fangio apologized a day later, saying he only meant to suggest the league was a meritocracy on the field and in the locker room and should have recognized the lack of minority head coaches, general managers, team presidents and owners in the country’s most popular sport.

Broncos safety Kareem Jackson spearheaded an effort to get several players and coaches to gather Saturday for a march and speeches in Denver. On Friday night, Elway tweeted he spent much of the week listening to players and coaches and realized views he’s held for decades were wrong.

“I always thought that since I grew up in a locker room, I knew everything there was to know about understanding teammates from different backgrounds,” Elway wrote.“What I’ve realized is that I could not have been more wrong. Listening to players and reading their social media, the strength they have shown and the experiences they have shared has been powerful . ... I realize I have a long way to go, but I will keep listening and learning.”