Associated Press

Houston Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown raised his fist in protest during the national anthem ahead of Thursday's game against the New England Patriots.

Brown joins other athletes who have followed the lead of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and opted to demonstrate during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Fox 26's Mark Berman shared a photo of the 31-year-old, who wasn't active for the game:

"It was a symbol of my support," Brown said after the game, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

In an interview with NFL Media's Steve Wyche, Kaepernick explained he wanted to highlight racial injustices in the United States.

Asked about the issue earlier in the month, Brown said he agreed with Kaepernick's aims, per the Houston Chronicle's John McClain:

I back them in their stance, what they're aiming to do. The conversations they've made happen were much-needed. I have similar issues, but I've gone about it a different way. I understand what they're doing. I think it's been good. The great thing about this country is you have the right to do what you want to do (to protest). You may have people who agree with it or disagree with it, the thing it was sought out to do, which is bring about discussions, and I think it's done that.

Brown's protest also comes days after the death of Terence Crutcher, who was shot by a police officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last Friday. The incident touched a nerve for the three-time Pro Bowler:

According to CNN's Max Blau, Jason Morris and Catherine E. Shoichet, officer Betty Shelby shot Crutcher after initially stopping to determine why his SUV was disabled in the middle of the road. Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler confirmed Thursday that Shelby has been charged with felony manslaughter, per CNN's Susanna Capelouto.

A second shooting occurred less than a week later in Charlotte, North Carolina. On Tuesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers shot Keith Lamont Scott while in the process of serving him a warrant, per CNN's Steve Almasy.

"It's frustrating," Brown added after the game, per Wilson. "This keeps happening. It's very frustrating."

Scott's death resulted in protests Tuesday and Wednesday night in Charlotte. USA Today's Tonya Maxwell and Melanie Eversley reported one civilian was shot and placed on life support and four officers were wounded Wednesday.