Vic Fangio apologizes for comments about racism in NFL

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio apologized Wednesday for his comments about racism and discrimination in the NFL.

"After reflecting on my comments yesterday and listening to the players this morning, I realize what I said regarding racism and discrimination in the NFL was wrong," Fangio said in a statement. "While I have never personally experienced those terrible things first-hand during my 33 years in the NFL, I understand that many players, coaches, and staff have different perspectives.

"I should have been more clear and I am sorry.

"I wanted to make the point yesterday that there is no color within the locker rooms I have been in or on the playing fields I have coached on. Unfortunately, we don't live or work only within those confines. Outside of those lines - both in the NFL and society - there is a lot of work to be done in the areas of diversity and providing opportunities across the board for minorities.

"As the head coach, I look forward to listening to the players - both individually and collectively - to support them and work hand-in-hand to create meaningful change."

Fangio said Tuesday he doesn't "see racism at all in the NFL" while discussing racism in the United States and comparing it to what he's experienced during his NFL career.

"I think our problems in the NFL along those lines are minimal," he said. "We're a league of meritocracy, you earn what you get, you get what you earn. I don't see racism at all in the NFL, I don't see discrimination in the NFL."

Fangio, 61, has been coaching in the NFL since 1986, excluding a one-year stint as Stanford's defensive coordinator in 2010. He's considered one of the best defensive coordinators in football and landed his first career head coaching job with the Broncos last season.