Denver Broncos player Brandon Marshall is kneeling in protest with San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. Find out why he decided to take a knee and get the deets on Colin donating his jersey proceeds to charity inside….
Solidarity!
The 2016-17 NFL season kicked off last night with a bang! Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall decided to protest in the name of social and racial injustices by taking a knee during the National Anthem of the season opener Super Bowl rematch the Carolina Panthers.
Brandon and Colin go way back. They were college teammates at the University of Nevada and are also fraternity brothers (Kappa Alpha Psi).
After the game, Brandon spoke with the media in a post-game interview about why he decided to join Colin in the protest saying, “I believe in what he’s trying to do. I believe in his actions, so I definitely want to stand behind him.”
He said he’s taking it a step further by donating money to charities that support veterans and other organizations that fight social and racial injustices, which is similar to what Colin has already done.
Peep his interview below:
NFLers are beginning to use their platforms for the greater good as it relates to social issues. And we love it.
By the way, the Broncos defeated the Panthers in a nail biter, 21-20.
Speaking of Colin...
Since he first decided to refuse to stand during the National Anthem, his jersey sales have skyrocketed! The 49ers QB’s #7 jersey is the number one selling jersey in the NFL right now, despite what freedom of expression and protest opposers want you to think. And Colin plans to use this opportunity to help those organizations who are fighting injustices.
After announcing he will be donating the first $1 millionhe earns this year to charity, Colin will now donate 100% of the proceeds he receives from the jersey sales as well. Nice!
"I wasn't expecting my jersey sales to jump to number one because of this, but it shows the people's belief that we can achieve justice and equality for all,” said Colin. "The only way I can repay you for the support is to return the favor by donating all the proceeds I receive from my jersey sales back into the communities!"
Way to go Colin! We’re always here for celebs giving back to the community.
There's also a new hashtag on Twitter that's causing drama.
#BoycottNFL is currently trending on the social media platform with comments ranging from support of Colin to folks claiming they will no longer watch NFL games due to his silent protest (go figure), sprinkled with some racist remarks. Yes, ridiculousness.
Peep a few of the tweets below:
I can think of 99 reasons to #boycottNFL but Colin Kaepernick ain't one.
— Nubyjas Wilborn (@nwilborn19) September 9, 2016
Black people, if you're really so offended, then stop using welfare that our country provide you with #boycottNFLpic.twitter.com/D1s18GzoY6
— Jenna Abrams (@Jenn_Abrams) September 9, 2016
#boycottNFL sad to see the players didn't give a crap when all the domestic violence was going down.
— opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 9, 2016
Waymin these white folks want to #boycottNFL now? LMAO. No boycott when the NFL covered up domestic violence & rape? but NOW? #DisTewMuch
— Leslie Mac (@LeslieMac) September 9, 2016
Kaepernick has a right to be stupid. The rest of us have a right to point it out. #boycottNFL
— Jeanna Eckert (@JeannaEckert) August 30, 2016
Bye bye #Seahawks it was real but
I #BoycottNFL for UNITED states of AMERICA!Keep our traditions, keep our... https://t.co/1eWwMxtQxf
— Michelle Milne-Jones (@mmilnejones) August 30, 2016
#boycottNFL: because we can handle having rapists, abusers, and CTE rampant in the league but not people who protest systematic racism
— Amy (@mossyair) September 9, 2016
#BoycottNFL because a black man won't stand for a song. But watch the NFL when somebody's daughter is getting sexually assaulted. Got it.
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) September 9, 2016
Y'all preach about your rights but decide to throw a fit when a black person uses them? #boycottNFL
— danny (@dannysuschrist) September 9, 2016
You want to cheer on African-American players if they help your team or you got em in fantasy football but if they speak up its #BoycottNFL
— Drew (@TheDonDrew) September 9, 2016
BONUS: This also happened during last night's game:
Photos: Shaun King's FB/Getty