Brandon Marshall Discusses National Anthem Protest

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall took a knee during the national anthem before last Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers, a move he doesn't regret.

"I needed to step up and become part of the movement against social injustices," Marshall wrote in an essay for the Denver Post.

Marshall was following the lead of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick—who first sat down during the national anthem in the preseason to protest injustice against minorities across the United States.

In his writing, the linebacker broke down the purpose of his individual actions:

"

But even before I took a knee, I knew it would just be the beginning. The knee was just to bring awareness. It’s a symbol. What’s the point of protesting without any action? We’ve started a conversation now, and as much as anyone wants to believe there’s equality and that there is no discrimination in this country, there is. We may not be able to stop it entirely, but we can bring awareness and begin to correct the injustices, be it sexism, ageism, racism — all of it.

"

He also described a personal story from the summer, when he said Miami police officers abused him after he was wrongfully accused of a crime.

Beyond kneeling during the national anthem for the foreseeable future, Marshall also announced his plan to donate $300 to charity for every tackle he makes this season. After the linebacker recorded 102 tackles last year and six against the Panthers in Week 1, the total could add up quickly.

While he hasn't decided where to donate the money, his meeting with Denver Police Chief Robert White provided a starting point Tuesday.

As expected, Marshall's decisions have come with consequences. He lost an endorsement deal with the Air Academy Credit Union one day after Thursday's protest, and CenturyLink soon followed by dropping him Monday. 

Fans have also shown their displeasure with the linebacker, who is in his fourth year with the Broncos, as Eric Goodman of Mile High Sports Radio shared:

Despite the backlash, the 27-year-old has no regrets over his decision.

"One person can make a change," Marshall said. "Colin Kaepernick started the fire, and I believe it takes other people’s participation to keep it burning."