Broncos LB Brandon Marshall takes knee during national anthem
Sep 8, 2016, 7:31 PM | Updated: 8:35 pm
In front of a national audience during the NFL’s kickoff game to open up the 2016 season, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall took a knee on the sidelines during the singing of the national anthem.
Marshall appeared to be the only player on the Broncos or the Carolina Panthers to make the gesture.
In a statement to Pro Football Talk, the Broncos said, “While we encourage members of our organization to stand during the national anthem, we understand and respect it being a personal decision.”
It’s unclear what Marshall’s motivations were, but several players have made similar gestures since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat on the bench during the anthem during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Kaepernick, who played college football with Marshall at Nevada, said he couldn’t stand for a flag that represents wrongdoings committed against people of color.
