Broncos LB, ex-Cimarron-Memorial standout Brandon Marshall takes a knee during national anthem

DENVER — Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who played at Cimarron-Memorial High School and then was a teammate of Colin Kaepernick at UNR, took to a knee during the playing of the national anthem before Denver’s 21-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday in the NFL season opener.

Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem during San Francisco’s preseason games, explaining it was to protest racial oppression and police brutality in the United States.

Marshall sounded a similar theme.

“I’m not against the military; I’m not against America,” he said. “I’m against social injustice.”

Kaepernick’s gesture opened a wide debate and put the microscope on a pregame tradition that has, for decades, been routine.

Marshall was standing with his hand over his heart during the anthem before a preseason game Aug. 20.

He made no mention of his plans for Thursday’s opener, but shortly after the large American flag was unfurled, the fifth-year linebacker went to the end of a long row of Broncos and took a knee.

Broncos Super Bowl MVP Von Miller said he supported Kaepernick, too.

“I’m not going to kneel for the national anthem, but I feel it should be a change,” Miller said. “His actions really brought the topic, brought it into the conversation. I’m with Colin all the way.”