Bills safety Damar Hamlin drew the ire of Adrian Peterson on Monday following his decision to wear a controversial jacket during Super Bowl LVII.
Hamlin was honored on the field during Sunday’s event as the NFL and the rest of the sports world continues to celebrate his inspiring recovery from suffering cardiac arrest against the Bengals on Jan. 2. Throughout the festivities, Hamlin was seen sporting a jacket that featured an abstract depiction of Jesus’s face, with the word “Eternal” and a similarly-designed image of a crucifix emblazoned on the back.
Peterson, who is a devout Christian, took umbrage with Hamlin’s jacket, and the legendary running back made his thoughts known in a scathing Instagram post blasting the 24-year-old for his attire.
“You should be thanking God son!” wrote Peterson in a since-altered caption. “This is Blasphemy!! We all fall short but c’mon man! I find this disrespectful. #grateful #goddid.”
A viral image of Hamlin wearing the jacket—made by artist Takashi Murakami with a reported $3,150 price tag—in a picture with LeBron James was one of several to generate discourse across social media. In the weeks since his medical emergency, Hamlin has expressed his faith on various occasions throughout his recovery, including during an emotional speech at the NFL honors on Feb. 9.
Peterson later returned to Instagram with an update on the situation and edited the caption to include a message regarding a conversation he had with Hamlin at some point in the day. After noting that the two were able to “discuss our thoughts as men,” Peterson said he only meant to share his opinion and not judge Hamlin before noting they cleared the air.
“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,” he wrote. “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! #grateful #god #forgiveness“
As of Monday night, Hamlin has not issued a statement addressing Peterson’s remarks or his jacket.
