Damar Hamlin took to Twitter on Wednesday to share his side of the story after receiving criticism for wearing a controversial jacket to the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl 57. He spoke about the rationale behind his choice of clothing, which featured religious imagery.
He expressed, “I am forever grateful to my Redeemer, which conveys the concept of everlasting to me. The jacket is a form of abstract expression to me, without any intention to harm or disrespect anyone. I comprehend that some individuals might have found my coat offensive, and I acknowledge this after conversing with my parents.”
Adrian Peterson, a seven-time Pro Bowl running back, criticized the jacket, stating that it was sacrilegious and “disrespectful.”
HERO: Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills has been honored as the recipient of the Alan Page Community Award for 2023.
He received a surprise honor at the NFL Honors when he gave a speech to honor the healthcare workers who saved his life. Hamlin, after making a miraculous recovery from a cardiac arrest in Week 17, was saluted at the Super Bowl 57.
Hamlin elaborated on his clarification of donning the contentious jacket.
“As I PERPETUALLY have,” he expressed in a subsequent Twitter message, “I will acquire knowledge from this occurrence and persistently practice benevolence. My convictions and Connection with the Divine are not bound to emblematic representations.”
He also mentioned Matthew 7:1-5, which is a sermon from Jesus Christ regarding refraining from passing judgment on others.
The scripture states, “The way you measure others will be used to measure you, and you will be judged in the same way.” This part of the scripture emphasizes the importance of not judging others, as you will also be judged.
What was the jacket that Damar Hamlin wore to Super Bowl 57?
Hamlin wore a varsity jacket from the collaboration between the Saint Michael brand by Murakami Takashi and rapper Scott Travis. On the front side, there is a message that says, “There is no beginning or end without night and day.”
Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 driver, collaborated with Kanye West, a rapper, in October to design clothing. He is also known for his abstract figures and bright colors in his artwork. Murakami, who designed the cover art for Scott, created the same design for the chain. The face on one side of the chain is a Christ-like figure wearing a crown of thorns, while the other side features an abstract figure.
The rear side of Hamlin’s jacket displayed the word “Eternal” and depicted a paper doll figure being crucified.
An eBay listing is offering one of the coats for $6,500.
What did Adrian Peterson say about Damar Hamlin’s jacket?
Individuals were disturbed by Hamlin’s coat due to its depiction of religious symbols. Peterson, in particular, expressed strong opinions about the artwork.
The former running back of the Minnesota Vikings expressed in an Instagram post, “You should express gratitude to God, my son!” He added, “We all have our shortcomings, but come on, man! I consider this to be disrespectful!” This can be considered as an act of blasphemy!
FUTURE: The medical director of NFLPA ‘assures’ that Damar Hamlin will resume playing football.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars star Fred Taylor suggested that instead of publicly criticizing him on social media, Peterson should have a direct conversation with Hamlin, commenting on the post.
Peterson seems to have followed the advice given. Subsequently, he revised his caption, eliminating the initial message and indicating that he had a conversation with Hamlin, leading to a better comprehension of the situation.
He said, “I never intended to judge, just share my opinion. I realize that everyone makes mistakes and falls short at times. I feel like the jacket was disrespectful, as if it was something that I needed to share. I want it to be clear that I am not the type of person to judge anyone. We were able to discuss our thoughts as men.”
“… I didn’t come from a place of ill intent, it is my understanding that, after speaking with Damar. In that moment, I just felt offended as a man who respects and loves Yeshua, our Savior and Lord. I apologize for offending you. I feel a great responsibility comes with the influence and power that you possess, and I see that there are a lot of people, both old and young, who feel the same way.”