NFL Players Association President DeMaurice Smith quickly issued a statement condemning Elway’s policy. “To threaten players with a ban for exercising their constitutional rights is not only illegal, but it’s also un-American,” Smith said. “We will not stand by and let any player be punished for peacefully protesting.”
Elway, however, is not one to back down easily. In a follow-up interview with a local Denver news station, he doubled down on his stance. “I respect the right of every American to speak their mind,” Elway said. “But when you put on that Broncos uniform, you’re representing something bigger than yourself. You’re representing this team, this city, and this country. There’s a time and a place for everything, and the football field during the national anthem is not the place for political protests.”