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Broncos' Von on Kaepernick, Marshall: 'It creates discussions to make this country even better'

Posted at 5:19 PM, Sep 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-22 19:19:19-04

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Von Miller offered support Thursday to San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick and Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall, who have kneeled during the national anthem to promote social change. 

"I am 100 percent with Colin Kaepernick and the cause. I am with Brandon Marshall and those guys 100 percent. I think it's great because it creates [a] discussion that needs to be had," Miller said. "You see the current situation we are dealing with this week. That's what Colin is doing it for. That's what Brandon is doing it for. It should continue to happen so we can continue to have these great discussions to make this great country even better."

Kaepernick began sitting during the anthem in the preseason to protest the country's oppression of "black people and people of color." After talking with former Green Beret and NFL long snapper Nate Boyer, Kaepernick started taking a knee as a less offensive protest designed to "not take away from the military."

Several players followed Kaepernick's lead, including Marshall, and members of the Miami Dolphins. Wednesday, the entire Indiana Fever team in the WNBA took a knee as did multiple high school football teams across the country. Miller has not taken a knee during the anthem but believes in what Kaepernick and Marshall are trying to accomplish.

"It's already a great country, but there are things we have to face and fix. I feel like over time we will get that done," Miller said. "I am with Colin Kaepernick, and Brandon Marshall, all those guys, 100 percent."

Kaepernick has pledged $1 million of his salary and all the proceeds from his top-ranked jersey sales to help communities. Marshall will donate $300 for every tackle he makes this season and has met with the Denver Chief of Police Robert White in an effort to address "critical social issues."

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