Von Miller backs teammate Marshall, but won't kneel for anthem

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller endorsed teammate Brandon Marshall's action, but said he won't join in kneeling during the national anthem.

Marshall became the latest NFL player to protest police brutality and race relations during the national anthem, kneeling during the song prior to Thursday's victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Miller told NFL Network's Judy Battista that while he won't kneel during the anthem, widespread social change needs to happen.

Related: Broncos' Marshall knees during national anthem

The Broncos also issued a statement during the game:

"While we encourage members of our organization to stand during the National Anthem, we understand and respect it being a personal decision."

The Broncos linebacker helped seal the victory with a key sack of Cam Newton, but while he praised the reigning MVP, Miller said the quarterback wasn't his main focus.

"I wasn't paying too much attention to him," Miller said on NFL Network, post-game.

Although the Broncos shut down last year's highest-scoring offense, Miller said there's room for improvement.

"It wasn't our best game, but we'll get back in the lab and figure it out."