Broncos Linebacker Brandon Marshall Kneels During National Anthem [Update]

Every Panther stood during the first national anthem of the NFL regular season, and every Bronco stood except for Brandon Marshall, who took a knee. Marshall was a teammate of Colin Kaepernick’s at Nevada. He’s been a supporter of Kaepernick’s protest from the start, telling the Colorado Springs Gazette:

“I support Colin. I support ‘Kaep.’ I understand where he’s coming from,” Marshall said. “I definitely see what he’s saying. I support him on that. I’m not mad at him for that. Some people are bashing him on the Internet, but I’m not bashing him at all. I support him.

“Kaep, he’s using his platform how he wants to use it, to reach the masses. We have freedom of speech. But then we use our platform, and we get bashed for it. It’s almost like they want us to only go with the grain. And once we go against the grain, it’s an issue. I feel for Kaep. I understand where he’s coming from, and I support him.”

Update, 8:58 p.m. EDT: The Broncos have issued a short statement ( via PFT).

While we encourage members of our organization to stand during the National Anthem, we understand and respect it being a personal decision.