Broncos' Brandon Marshall Kneels During National Anthem

Brandon Marshall, a linebacker for the Denver Broncos, knelt during the National Anthem ahead of the NFL season opener with the Carolina Panthers Thursday night.

Marshall became the latest sports figure to make the gesture, following San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick's move drew fire from some quarters but also expressions of solidarity from others.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick has said.

"To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Even President Obama has weighed in on the matter, saying that he is "exercising his constitutional right."

During a FanDuel event in New York, the Jets' Brandon Marshall spoke out about the controversy.

"This is a civil rights movement," he said. "When it comes to human rights that's something we can't turn a blind eye to."