Carolina Panthers

Broncos LB Brandon Marshall kneels during national anthem ahead of season opener vs. Panthers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall took a knee during the national anthem ahead of the 2016 NFL season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

“While we encourage members of our organization to stand during the National Anthem, we understand and respect it being a personal decision,” the Broncos said in a statement after Marshall decided to kneel.

Marshall joins the list of athletes who have expressed support for San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick, who protested racial inequalities and injustices in the United States during the NFL preseason by choosing not stand during the national anthem.

USWNT player Megan Rapinoe also kneeled during the playing of the national anthem before a NWSL game on Friday night.

Other NFL players have also said they will join Kaepernick's protest.

Broncos LB Brandon Marshall on one knee during anthem. pic.twitter.com/Hd9xzhUBfd
— Melissa Jacobs (@thefootballgirl) September 9, 2016

Kaepernick currently has the best-selling jersey in the NFL and plans to donate his proceeds to local communities. He has said he will continue to kneel during the national anthem going forward.

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