Andra Day sang the anthem at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, and the television broadcast showed Marshall on one knee as other Broncos teammates were standing.
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Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall became the third player to join Colin Kaepernick in boycotting the National Anthem, kneeling on the sideline during the rendition before Denver began its Super Bowl defense vs. Carolina Thursday night.
“The message is I’m against social injustice”, Marshall said, via NFL.com.
“I’m not against the military, I’m not against America”, he said.
Marshall, who will turn 27 on Saturday, attended the University of Nevada with Kaepernick.
The opening games of the new National Football League season are expected to be marked by peaceful demonstrations during the USA national anthem on Sunday by players trying to draw attention to racial disparities in the country’s justice system. Kaepernick has pledged $1 million to groups combating social inequality.
Following the game, his coach and teammates gave mixed responses. “I believe in my players”.
The Broncos issued a statement that read, “While we encourage members of our organization to stand during the National Anthem, we understand and respect it being a personal decision”. Seahawks defensive back Jeremy Lane and 49ers safety Eric Reid both kneeled during national anthem before they played in their final preseason game.
Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin, in a video he posted online announcing his team’s decision to link arms, said, “Progress can and will be made only if we stand together”.
Kaepernick’s 49ers play their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams tonight.
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“I feel like this is the right platform”, Marshall said.
