Bills safety Damar Hamlin responded to recent comments made by Adrian Peterson regarding a controversial jacket he wore during Super Bowl LVII on Sunday.
The veteran running back was offended by Hamlin’s more than $3,100-plus jacket, one that included an abstract illustration of Jesus’s face, with the word “Eternal” and a crucifix embellished on the back. Peterson, a devout Christian, said Hamlin’s jacket was “blasphemy” and “disrespectful” in an Instagram post.
While Peterson has since edited his caption regarding Hamlin’s jacket—along with the two “discussing their thoughts as men” in a conversation—Hamlin tweeted Wednesday that his relationship with God is one that is strong. The 24-year-old also said he did not mean to hurt anyone’s feelings with his attire for Sunday’s game.
“After talking with my parents I understand how my coat could have offended some people,” Hamlin tweeted. “It was never my intentions to hurt or disrespect anyone, the coat is abstract art to me. It says Eternal which I am Eternally thankful to my Savior! My beliefs and Relationship with God is not tied to symbolic images. I will learn from this and continue to walk in Love as I ALWAYS have. Matthew 7:1-5.”
After Peterson and Hamlin had their discussion, the seven-time Pro Bowler noted that he was merely trying to share his opinion of Hamlin’s jacket and not judge him.
“Damar, I have respect and love for you and I wish you nothing but the best, but I just can’t rock with that jacket,” Peterson wrote. “I feel like there are a lot people, young and old, looking up to you and with power and influence comes great responsibility. I apologize for offending you, I just felt offended in that moment as a man who loves and respects our Lord and Savior, Yeshua.”
The NFL honored Hamlin on the field during Sunday’s game as the league and the sports world continue to praise and lift him up after he went into cardiac arrest in the Bills-Bengals game Jan. 2. Hamlin has expressed his faith on numerous occasions throughout his recovery, including during an emotional speech at the NFL honors on Feb. 9.
