Super Bowl Media Day Jacket Controversy

Super Bowl media day is an absurd event on the NFL calendar, with players and coaches being herded into stadiums to sit atop small elevated podiums while being peppered with questions from reporters from outlets of questionable credibility. It’s truly the worst of all possible worlds and provides fans with endless entertainment as well as NFL journalists themselves.

On Sunday morning, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin caused a stir by wearing an offensive jacket. It featured a crucifix on one side and an altered Jesus head on the other; its back also said “Eternal,” echoing Jesus’ words from John’s gospel, while Hamlin looked somewhat distressed or spooky sitting atop that cross.

People were quick to condemn Hamlin for wearing a religious-themed jacket, but he later clarified that it was actually an expensive Takashi Murakami piece designed by the Japanese artist. While some were outraged, others appreciated how Hamlin is an ardent Christian who wants to honor his faith during the Super Bowl.

Hamlin was quickly called out for his blasphemy by one of the NFL’s premier running backs: Adrian Peterson. A devout Christian himself, Peterson condemned Hamlin on Twitter for wearing the jacket.

He declared the jacket a disgrace and an unfortunate choice for Hamlin to wear while attending such an important event. Furthermore, he believed Hamlin should not have donned such attire on Sunday; rather, it was “very bad looking.”

Bills player Justin Dimes has reiterated that he did not intend to offend anyone by wearing the jacket. He was at the Super Bowl to thank medical personnel who assisted in his recovery from a heart attack at the start of this year, sitting alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Donna Kelce in the front row of the media area.

Players often don unique ensembles during or before a game, but this particular ensemble drew criticism on social media. Many took to Twitter to denounce Hamlin’s varsity jacket which featured an offensive depiction of Jesus.

Hamlin told reporters he was wearing the Takashi Murakami jacket because it “really touched him.” He acknowledged that its crucifix “triggered my faith,” but insisted there was no intention to offend anyone. At the Super Bowl, Hamlin wanted to express gratitude to medical staff who helped him recover from a heart attack and honor his faith.