Broncos' Marshall kneels for national anthem

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem before Thursday's matchup with the Carolina Panthers.

Marshall, who was Colin Kaepernick's teammate at Nevada, likely joined the San Francisco 49ers quarterback in his protest of America's racial inequality, in particular police brutality toward the African American community.

The Broncos immediately issued a statement on Marshall's protest, according to ProFootballTalk:

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

Since Kaepernick began protesting during anthems in the preseason, fellow NFLers Eric Reid and Jeremy Lane have joined him, while women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt in solidarity.

The Seattle Seahawks are also planning a "demonstration of unity" prior to their season opener Sunday.