Floyd Little believes Brandon Marshall has a right to kneel during the national anthem.

But Little, the retired Broncos running back who ran his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, never would kneel beside Marshall.

“This is a free country,” Little said from his home in Las Vegas. “People fought in wars and died for his right to protest. This is one that I would not join, because of my military background and knowing what the flag and the national anthem stands for.

“He’s expressing himself, but being a military guy, it would be hard for me to recognize and understand it. Sacrifices have been made for our country.  The anthem stands for freedom, justice for everybody in this country. It’s like the Constitution. It’s very special, and you honor it.

“Many people haven’t been educated well enough. I always put my hand over my heart during the anthem. It’s very special to me.”

After playing high school football in Connecticut, Little attended Bordentown Military Institute in New Jersey. He played football at BMI in 1962 and 1963, wearing No. 77 while averaging three touchdowns per game.

General Douglas MacArthur joined the crusade to recruit Little to play for Army, MacArthur’s alma mater. For a time, it looked as if Little would play for the Black Knights.

But Syracuse University countered with 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, who persuaded Little to wear No. 44 and play for the Orange. Little was a three-time All American at Syracuse.

The Broncos selected him with the sixth pick of the 1967 draft. Little, wearing No. 44, led the AFC in rushing in 1970 and 1971. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Little’s brother, Charles, served two tours in the Vietnam War. Charles died in 2011 of complications from being exposed to Agent Orange, a defoliant used by U.S. forces to eliminate forest cover for North Vietnamese troops.

“He served his country well and gave up his life for doing that,” Little said. “I salute him at every opportunity.”

Marshall, a linebacker, kneeled during the national anthem before the Broncos opening game against the Panthers. Marshall said he plans to again kneel before Sunday’s game at Mile High against the Colts.