Dolphins' Kenny Stills explains his national anthem protest

Kenny Stills explains why he protested during the national anthem before the Dolphins' season opener.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills took a knee as the national anthem played before the team's game as he wanted to raise awareness to “social injustice.”

Stills explained his actions in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

“I chose to take a knee on Sunday to join Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe and others in bringing awareness to social injustice. 

In no way was my action intended to be a sign of disrespect to anyone.I love my country. And I have the utmost respect for the servicemen and women who have – for hundreds of years – sacrificed on our behalf. It is because of them that we have the freedom to help give a voice to the voiceless.

But it is time for us to come together in solidarity. To acknowledge as a national community, that we have to treat each other with more love and respect. That the overwhelming number of innocent people being killed right in front of our eyes i wholly unacceptable. And to demand justice for the victims of these often senseless acts, together. 

I know there are honest, hard working police officers out there who care deeply about protecting and serving their communities, and I sincerely thank them for their bravery and sacrifice. I also know that we can do better as Americans at protecting out most vulnerable citizens.

It is that spirit that I will continue to take a knee before games in order to continue drawing attention to the important issues we face as a society.

• Jerry Jones praises team for not protesting during anthem

Though I'll be on a knee. I'll continue to put my hand over my heart because I want to honor the people who make our country so special. Those who want us all to have the opportunity to enjoy our freedoms equally. Those who see the light in all of us.

Moving forward, my plan is to use organizations like RISE to continue educating myself and others on how we can collectively take the actions necessary to create positive change in our communities. As we travel this path together, I'll pay special attention to becoming a part of the solution in improving the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”

Still is among the many players across the NFL that have joined in San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision not to stand for the national anthem as they protest of racial inequalities and injustices taking place in America, including police-related violence.

The Dolphins will play the Patriots on Sunday.