Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin apologizes for wearing a ‘blasphemous’ jacket at the Super Bowl

Damar Hamlin apologizes for wearing a ‘blasphemous’ jacket at the Super Bowl, six weeks after his cardiac arrest – and says he spoke to his parents to understand how it could have offended people

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin posted an apology after he received backlash for the jacket he was seen wearing at the Super Bowl.

Hamlin wore a blue and white letterman jacket with yellow wording and designs around the jacket.

The part of the design that some people found offensive – like former NFL multi-time all-pro running back Adrian Peterson who labeled it ‘blasphemy,’ – was the altered Jesus face featured on the front left breast of the jacket as well as on the back of the jacket along with the word ‘Eternal.’ 

‘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!’ Hamlin said in a tweet.

The safety was also spotted in the attire with the altered face of Jesus on the field pregame 

The blue letterman-style jacket that featured the image of an altered face of Jesus on the front, with the word 'Eternal,' and a similarly-designed image of a crucifix on the back

The blue letterman-style jacket that featured the image of an altered face of Jesus on the front, with the word ‘Eternal,’ and a similarly-designed image of a crucifix on the back

Hamlin posted his apology to people he offended along with an explanation of his perspective

Hamlin posted his apology to people he offended along with an explanation of his perspective 

‘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.’

Hamlin has become one of the most well known players in the NFL over the last several months after he was miraculously resituated on the field after a cardiac arrest.

When Peterson, who is a devout Christian, took to social media to blast Hamlin he said, ‘You should be thanking God son! This is Blasphemy!! We all fall short but c’mon man! I find this disrespectful. #grateful #goddid.’

The 37-year-old later edited his post to reveal that he and Hamlin had cleared the air as they were able to ‘discuss our thoughts as men’ and apologized for offending him. 

However, Peterson did also maintain his opposition to the attire as he insisted it was still disrespectful.  

‘So I spoke with Damar, and we were able to discuss our thoughts as men,’ Peterson wrote in his amended caption. ‘I want to be clear, I’m the last person to judge anyone, and that was never my intention. 

Hamlin (left) suffered from  cardiac arrest after a tackle playing against the Bengals in January

Hamlin (left) suffered from  cardiac arrest after a tackle playing against the Bengals in January 

The legendary running back blasted the jacket as 'blasphemy' before editing the caption

The legendary running back blasted the jacket as ‘blasphemy’ before editing the caption 

‘However, I do feel as if the jacket was disrespectful and it was something that I needed to share. I do realize everyone makes mistakes and falls short at times, so again, my intention was never to judge, just to share my opinion. 

‘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 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. After speaking with Damar, I have an understanding that it didn’t come from a place of ill intent!’ 

The jacket was made by artist Takashi Murakami with a reported $3,150 price tag, according to TMZ, and Hamlin was also spotted wearing it as he sat in the stands alongside Donna Kelce, the mother of Jason and Travis Kelce, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. 

Hamlin was joined on stage at the the NFL Honors Thursday night and they all received a warm welcome from the crowd at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona Sunday night.

The 24-year-old was seen sporting the jacket alongside Donna Kelce (C) and Roger Goodell (L)

The 24-year-old was seen sporting the jacket alongside Donna Kelce (C) and Roger Goodell (L)

He made an appearance at NFL Honors, which also honored training and medical staff

He made an appearance at NFL Honors, which also honored training and medical staff

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk