Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins continued his protest of social injustice Thursday by raising a fist over his head during the playing of the national anthem before the team's preseason home game against the Buffalo Bills.

In a show of support, defensive end Chris Long kept his hand on Jenkins' back for the entire playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," then gave Jenkins a pat on the shoulder pads and a hug when the song was over."I've heard a lot of people say you need white athletes to get involved in the anthem protests," Long said. "I've said before I'll never kneel for an anthem, because the flag means something different for everybody in this country, but I support my peers. And if you don't see why you need allies for people that are fighting for equality right now, Brian Dawkins JerseysI don't think you'll ever see it. So my thing is, Malcolm is a leader, Connor Barwin Jerseysand I'm here to show support as a white athlete."

A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, Long has been outspoken about the recent events in his hometown. Earlier in the week, he called the actions of the violent protestors "despicable."

"I was inspired by a lot of the allies that were there to stand up against hate in my hometown, and I wasn't able to be there to protest or to stand up against hate. People like Heather Heyer gave their lives for that, and I was inspired by that," he said. Carson Wentz Jerseys"So it's just telling Malcolm, I am here for you, Darren Sproles Jerseysand I think it's a good time for people who look like me to be here for people fighting for equality."