Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt during the US national anthem ahead of the NFL's season opener on Thursday in the latest player protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
Following in the path of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Marshall took a knee on the sideline inside Denver's Sports Authority Field at Mile High before the anthem began and remained in that position while his team mates stood to his left.
"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.
Marshall, who was Denver's second-leading tackler during their run to a Super Bowl title last season and a team mate of Kaepernick at the University of Nevada, said last week that he supported Kaepernick's actions.
Kaepernick has been criticized by some and cheered by others for his high-profile sideline protests during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of preseason games.
His jerseys have since become the top-selling jersey on the National Football League's official online store.
