The Chiefs weren’t the only ones in the news after their nail-biting 38-35 Super Bowl victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Damar Hamlin, who was released from the hospital last month after he went into cardiac arrest on the field, made a Super Bowl appearance, and part of his attire earned him the ire of several fans and even other football players. Hamlin made a surprise appearance at the game, and viewers pointed out his strange jacket, which had a caricatured image of Jesus on the cross, along with the word “eternal” written above it. On the front of the jacket was the phrase, “Without End or Beginning, There is no Day or Night.”

People were critical of the jacket, with former Minnesota Vikings running back initially responding to a picture of Hamlin in the jacket with, “You should be thanking God, son! This is Blasphemy!! We all fall short but cmon man! I find this disrespectful!!” Peterson later edited his response after speaking with Hamlin, saying, “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.” The jacket is designed by Takashi Murakami in collaboration with the brand SAINT M xxxxxx and is titled “Travis Jesus.” Takashi Murakami is a Japanese artist who has been compared to Andy Warhol. Most of his art centers on combining low and high cultures. 

Hamlin has since responded to the criticism by apologizing. Taking to Twitter, Hamlin wrote, “After talking with my parents, I understand how my coat could have offended some people. It was never my intention to hurt or disrespect anyone, the coat is abstract art to me. It says Eternal, which I am Eternally thankful to my Savior!” He then said his relationship with God went beyond symbols and cited Matthew 7:1-5, which begins, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” In a previous comment that has now been hidden, Hamlin explained his wearing of the jacket to a fan. “I’d never disrespect my lord & savior. Art is expressed in many ways. I wore the jacket because it’s a popular brand that aligns more with God then not. This is a tribute in an artistic way, not disrespect. But for those who don’t understand that & think otherwise, then I apologize.”

Hamlin’s recovery continues, as he recently told Michael Strahan in an interview that he is “still working through things.” “I’m still trying to process all the emotions, the trauma, that comes from dealing with a situation like that,” he said. When asked if he would return to football, Hamlin said, “You know, eventually, that’s always the goal, but I’m allowing that to be in God’s hands.” When asked how doctors would describe what happened to him, Hamlin stated it was something he wanted to “stay away from.” He is currently working with the American Heart Association to promote CPR education, which many credit as saving his life.