Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield announced Saturday he will stand for both anthems before games this season after stating in June he would kneel in protest against racial injustice.

"After watching Thursday's game and also watching the (Miami) Dolphins players' video ... it shows that it is not about who is kneeling for the anthem. But instead, coming together and taking action to create real change," Mayfield wrote in a statement Saturday.

"Also after reading many letters and messages over the past few weeks ... I have been (shown) that a gesture such as kneeling will only create more division or discussion about the gesture, rather than be a solution towards our country's problems at hand. With that being said, I am choosing to stand for both anthems to show respect, love, and unity to everybody involved."

Fans at Arrowhead Stadium booed as players from the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans linked arms prior to Thursday's season opener. The Dolphins announced that same day in a powerful video that the entire team will remain in the locker room for the anthems this season. They became the first NFL team to publicly announce a gesture in support of social justice.

"I will respect all of my teammates no matter their decision," Mayfield continued. "We have had meaningful discussions on what true change looks like, and that change takes all of us being together. My heart is even more passionate than it was months ago, due to the fact we are not close to being where our country needs to be."

The 25-year-old added that he issued his statement Saturday so it wouldn't be a topic of discussion when the Browns begin their season Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Mayfield is entering his third pro season after the Browns drafted him first overall out of Oklahoma in 2018.