Sept 8 (Reuters) - Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall became the latest athlete to kneel during the U.S. national anthem in a protest against social injustice before his teams game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

Marshall, following in the path of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, knelt on the sideline before the anthem began, and remained in that position while his team mates stood to his left.

The message is Im against social injustice, Marshall said after the game, according to NFL.com. Im not against the military or police or America at all. Im against social injustice and I feel like this was the right thing to do.

Marshall, who is black, is the third NFL player to not stand during the national anthem since Kaepernick began his sideline protest against racial injustice and police brutality .

Kaepernicks teammate Eric Reid joined in the protest during the 49ers pre-season finale last week while Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane sat on the bench last week against the Oakland Raiders.