“Kneeling During the Anthem Means You’re Out,” Says John Elway: A Bold Statement on Protests and the NFL’s Future

In a provocative statement that is bound to stir up debate across the sports world, NFL legend John Elway has declared that any player who kneels during the national anthem will not be allowed to play for his team. Elway, the former quarterback for the Denver Broncos and now the team’s executive vice president of football operations, has long been a staunch figure in the NFL, but this latest remark has taken his position on national protests to a new, more controversial level.

Speaking to reporters this week, Elway made it clear that he would not tolerate protests that involve kneeling during the anthem—a gesture that became a symbol of social activism, particularly against racial injustice, when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first took a knee in 2016. “Kneeling during the anthem means you’re out,” Elway asserted, while discussing the team’s approach to social issues and team values.

A Divisive Stance

Elway’s comments are not entirely unexpected, as the debate over athletes’ right to protest has been a hot-button issue in the NFL for years. However, his blunt rejection of peaceful protest during the anthem is likely to add fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding the intersection of sports and politics.

While some see kneeling as a powerful form of protest against systemic racism and police brutality, others believe that it disrespects the flag, the military, and the country as a whole. Elway’s position seems firmly entrenched in the latter camp. “I believe in freedom of speech,” he explained. “But there are ways to express that freedom off the field, not during the anthem when we are honoring our country.”

For many fans, Elway’s comments resonate strongly with their own views about patriotism and respect for the national anthem. “It’s about tradition and honor,” said James Walker, a Broncos season ticket holder. “Elway is right. The anthem is a time to reflect on what this country stands for, not to make a statement on social issues.”

However, others feel that Elway’s stance undermines the very freedoms the country is supposed to represent. “Kneeling isn’t about disrespecting the flag; it’s about drawing attention to issues that need to be addressed,” said Carla Simmons, an advocate for racial equality. “For Elway to take such a hardline stance shows a lack of understanding of what these protests were really about.”

A Larger Debate on Athlete Activism

Elway’s remarks come at a time when the role of athletes as activists is being fiercely debated. In recent years, sports stars across various leagues have used their platforms to speak out against social injustices, from kneeling during the anthem to raising awareness about police violence. The NFL itself has grappled with how to address protests, with league executives walking a fine line between respecting players’ rights to protest and appealing to fans who feel uncomfortable with politicized sports.

In 2020, the NFL took a more supportive stance on player protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, with commissioner Roger Goodell publicly apologizing for not supporting players earlier. However, Elway’s comments suggest that individual teams may still hold their own views on the matter, reflecting the ongoing division between those who support player activism and those who feel it has no place in the game.

The Future of Protests in the NFL

As for the future of protests in the NFL, Elway’s position could set a precedent for other teams. Will other team executives follow suit, or will the NFL as a whole evolve further in support of player activism? The debate is likely to continue to play out both on and off the field, with many wondering whether player protests will become a part of the sport’s legacy or be relegated to history.

One thing is clear: John Elway’s bold stance has made a powerful statement about his vision for the NFL—a league where political activism and patriotism don’t mix. But as the country continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality and social justice, the question remains: Is this the right approach, or is there room for both respect for the flag and the right to protest?

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the league—and the Denver Broncos—to see how this ongoing debate continues to shape the future of professional football.