Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin received intense bouts of criticism for a jacket he donned during Super Bowl LVII.
Hamlin, a guest of the NFL after his cardiac arrest scare in early January, wore a jacket that rubbed many the wrong way. That included NFL great Adrian Peterson, who was among the most vocal in criticizing Hamlin for wearing it.
On Wednesday, Hamlin responded to the criticism on social media. He did so in a two–tweet thread, which first read:
“After talking with my parents I understand how my coact could have offended some people. 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!”
After talking with my parents I understand how my coat could have offended some people. 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! (1/2)
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) February 15, 2023
It then continued: “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.”
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 🫶🏾💕
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) February 15, 2023
Peterson revealed on Tuesday that he and Hamlin had talked things out after his vocal, loud criticism. Via The Comeback, Peterson said:
“So I spoke with [Hamlin], and we were able to discuss our thoughts as men. I want to be clear, I’m the last person to judge anyone, and that was never my intention,” Adrian wrote on social media, according to TMZ.
“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. I feel like there are a lot of people, young and old, looking up to you, and with power and influence comes great responsibility. I apologize for offending you.”
We imagine that the statement from Damar Hamlin will put this to rest now. That plus the chat with AD seem to signal the end of this controversy.
