Denver Broncos Players Donate $200,000 to Buy Protective Gear for First Responders

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller and his teammates have donated $200,000 to a local nonprofit aimed at saving first responder lives and improving the community-law enforcement relationship, according to a release from the organization.

The players made the donation to SHIELD616 , a nonprofit based in Colorado Springs. The money is for 125 "advanced protective kits" made for police and firefighters who are responding to active or mass shooting situations.

The kits includes body armor, a helmet and a wound trauma kit, all of which is meant to better the first responders' standard issue gear. The point is to protect against rifle fire.

On top of the kits, the Broncos said they will maintain "a connection with the selected first responders and their families" through various outlets, including roundtable discussions, volunteer opportunities and other ways, 9News reports.

According to the release, Miller—who has been critical of law enforcement and participated in kneeling protests during the national anthem last year—championed the cause and presented his ideas to his teammates and team staffers, many of whom decided to make donations. Others who donated include John Elway, the team's President of Football Operations and General Manager, Joe Ellis, team president and CEO and head coach Vance Joseph.