NFL Legend John Elway Leads the Way Among Republican Celebrity Donations - Report
Most people would agree that sports and politics shouldn’t mix.
That obviously doesn’t mean they don’t end up mixing.
Given that inevitability, there is a clear-cut “right way” and “wrong way” to engage in politics should you be affiliated with professional sports.
Many Americans would feel that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick very much went about things the “wrong way” when he began kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Many, including the presumptive No. 1 pick of the 2019 NFL Draft and a UFC champion, feel that not standing for the anthem is the ultimate form of disrespect to the flag, the country, the military and the police.
No sane person is denying Kaepernick’s right to peaceful protest, or even that his message isn’t worth discussing. He’s more than entitled to his personal beliefs.
The issues lie within the method of delivery.
Which begs the question, what is the “right way” to mix politics and sports?
This is obviously an inexact science, but Denver Broncos legend John Elway, who is also the team’s president of football operations, seems to have found the “right way.”
According to a TMZ Sports report, after combing through 2018 Federal Election Commission filings, they discovered that Elway was “leading the pack” in terms of celebrity donations to the GOP.
Per the report, Elway has donated over $27,000 to the GOP. Specifically, he donated $14,825 to Walker Stapleton, the Republican running for Colorado governor.
On top of that gaudy figure, Elway also donated another $10,000 to the Colorado Republican committee.
Elway also donated $2,700 to Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman and a peculiar $250 donation to Georgia Rep. Karen Handel.
Elway’s Republican leanings should hardly be a surprise considering some of the things he has said regarding anthem protests. Elway’s comments fall in line with many, if not most, GOP supporters feel about anthem protests.
President of Football Ops/GM John Elway to @BroncosTV on players’ National Anthem statements: pic.twitter.com/Q6F9rszh4x
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2017
“I’m one that believes in standing for the National Anthem, and I’ve always believed that,” Elway said in a September 2017 statement via Twitter. “I believe this is the greatest country in the world.”
Elway’s Broncos were also the first team to adopt a “must-stand” policy for the national anthem.
Interestingly enough, many prominent celebrities who have voiced support for the GOP have not contributed, at least according to the FEC report. Some of those inconspicuous by their absences are Kanye West, Kid Rock, Clint Eastwood and Roseanne Barr.
On the other side of the political spectrum, actress Eva Longoria led the way for celebrity donations to the Democrats with just over $40,000 in donations.
So do we believe Elway is doing things the “right way”? Simply put, much like Kaepernick, Elway is more than entitled to his political beliefs. But unlike Kaepernick, Elway has gone about supporting his causes without bringing attention to himself or even opening himself up to accusations of disrespect.
In fact, had TMZ Sports not dug up this donation information, it’s doubtful Elway ever would’ve made mention of this.
If Kaepernick had chosen to fight against social injustices by quietly donating to causes that support that goal instead of making a divisive spectacle about it, he’d likely still have a job right now.
And before anyone accuses Elway of being some sort of partisan hack, it can’t be forgotten that the Hall of Fame quarterback offered Kaepernick a contract, according to ESPN.
No matter which way you slice it, it’s pretty clear Elway has a pretty good handle on the “right way” to mix sports and politics.
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