Former NFL star Adrian Peterson said Monday that he spoke to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin after he ridiculed the player for wearing a Jesus jacket to Super Bowl LVII.
Peterson initially wrote on Instagram that it was blasphemy for Hamlin to wear the outfit, which featured what appeared to be an image of Jesus Christ on her left chest and a message on her right side, reading: «No beginning or end.» there is no day and there is no night.” On the back of the jacket, it read “Eternal” with Jesus on the cross.
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Adrian Peterson is seen on the field before the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The former Minnesota Vikings running back updated his criticism later.
“Then I spoke with Damar and we were able to discuss our thoughts as men. I want to be clear, I am the last person to judge someone, and that was never my intention,» Peterson wrote. «However, I feel like the jacket was disrespectful and was something I needed to share. I realize everyone makes mistakes and falls short sometimes, so again, my intention was never to judge, just share my opinion.
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Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the Tennessee Titans on September 28, 2008 at LP Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images)
«Damar, I respect and love you and only wish you the best, but I can’t rock out in that jacket. I feel like there are so many people, young and old, admiring and empowering you.» And with influence comes great responsibility. I apologize for offending you, I was only offended at the time as a man who loves and respects our Lord and Savior, Yeshua. After talking with Damar, I understand that he did not come from a place of bad intentions!»
Hamlin appeared at Super Bowl LVII on Sunday night and helped honor the medical professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who saved his life.
Damar Hamlin attends Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
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Hamlin was celebrated in Arizona on NFL Honors and Super Bowl weekend as he continues to make progress in his recovery. He went into cardiac arrest on January 2 during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He needed to get his heartbeat back on the field and was rushed to the hospital.