Marshawn Lynch sits during national anthem before Raiders preseason game

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sat during the National Anthem ahead of the team’s preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

Lynch signed with the Raiders this offseason. He had retired following the 2015 season, but the allure of playing for his hometown team drew him back into the game. Previous to that, Lynch had been in the league since 2007, spending over three years in Buffalo and then five-plus years with Seattle. He was part of the 2013 Super Bowl-winning Seahawks team.

Not standing for the national anthem has been a hot topic in the NFL this offseason after Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem last season. Kaepernick remains unsigned despite several quarterback injuries around the league and solid numbers last year. Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Biscotti even asked for prayers when deciding whether or not to sign the quarterback.

Lynch’s decision to sit comes on the same day of white nationalist rallies in Charlottesville, VA. The rallies killed one and injured dozens of others. There have been several arrests made and a state of emergency declared by Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe.

Lynch is one of the most popular players in the league among fans, and his Raiders jersey is the most popular in the NFL per NFLshop.com.

Lynch, 31, did not play in the game.