Cleveland -- Jim Brown has spent much of his post-NFL career fighting for social justice and change.
However, the Hall of Fame running back would never kneel during the national anthem.
The 82-year-old Brown, who championed civil rights during his playing career and became an activist in retirement, said Tuesday night that he respects players' rights to do what they want but his preference is they would stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner."
"I'll never kneel and I will always respect the flag," said Brown, who spoke before an HBO premiere of "Hard Knocks," which is chronicling the Cleveland Browns in training camp.