NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown does not believe players should kneel during the presentation of the national anthem.

"Well, I can be very blunt about taking the knee. First of all, I'm an American. That flag is my flag," Brown told reporters at the White House Thursday afternoon. "The things that I've overcome in this country have made me a better person. I don't think that we should take knees in protest. ... I think we should work out our problems."

Brown was at the White House, along with rapper Kayne West, to meet with President Trump in the Oval Office to discuss potential presidential pardons, the violent crime surge in West's hometown of Chicago, and other topics.

The 82-year-old former NFL star was known for being a champion of civil rights throughout his playing career. Brown founded the Black Economic Foundation in the 1960s to help black Americans start and grow businesses. He has also started programs to mentor inner city youth.

His comments Thursday are similar to previous statements Brown has made regarding the NFL protests, which started with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

[Related: Voters split on national anthem protests in the NFL: Poll]

"Well, if you take the bottom line, what are we talking about? We’re talking about freedom to express one’s self, and if you don’t break any rules then you have that particular right," Brown said in August. "I am not going to denigrate my flag and I’m going to stand for the national anthem. I’m fighting with all of my strength to make it a better country, but I don’t think that’s the issue. Because what is the top side? Are you not going to stand up? This is our country, man."

"We work hard to make it better and that’s my attitude, so I don’t relate to this issue because it’s newsworthy because where are your superstars? And where are they at? Aren’t they making comments?" Brown said.