Elway backs players using influence to create change
Broncos general manager John Elway, in a statement released on his Twitter feed Friday night, said he will “fully support,” his players “using their platform and influence in a positive way to create change.”
Elway also vowed he will not “stay on the sidelines,” and “understands his voice needs to be a part of this conversation, too.”
Elway’s comments were his first since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 and came two hours after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, in a video statement, said the league was “wrong for not listening” to its players earlier and encouraged them to continue to peacefully protest.
The full text of Elway’s statement:
“I’ve spent the last week listening and learning from the players and coaches on our team.
“What I’ve heard from the players in particular — and watching the way they lead during this time of need — has been moving. 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 and walks of life. What I’ve realized is that I could not have been more wrong.
“Listening to the players and reading their social media (outlets), the strength they have shown and the experiences they have shared have been powerful. It has impacted me. I realize I have a long way to go, but I will keep listening and learning. That is the only way to grow. I truly believe a lot of good will come from the many difficult conversations that are taking place around our team, league and country.
“The way the players amplify the voices that need to be heard is more important than ever. I fully support them using their platform and influence in a positive way to create change. Recently, we’ve heard all people say that sports can be a distraction during such a challenging time. I know that the players, our team and league can be so much more than that. We can all be part of the solution. I also understand that my voice needs to be part of this conversation, too. I am not going to stay on the sidelines.
“Everyone has a responsibility to help those who are hurting. I am joining the players, coaches and our organization in speaking up against racism, police brutality and any injustice against the black community.”
The Broncos, led by their players and coaches, will convene at the Colorado State Capitol in downtown Denver Saturday at 12:30 p.m. for a march against racism and police brutality. On Tuesday, safety Kareem Jackson, who is expected to travel from his offseason home in Houston for the event, suggested a march would provide a good starting point for the players.
Earlier this week, Elway participated in two Broncos team meetings. On Tuesday, president/CEO Joe Ellis led a conversation about Floyd’s death and subsequent protests. On Wednesday, coach Vic Fangio led the discussion, after which he apologized and clarified his Tuesday comment to the media that he “didn’t see” racism and discrimination in the NFL.