Damar Hamlin made headlines when he wore a fur coat to the Super Bowl. The Buffalo Bills safety and former Pitt star responded to criticism by saying that he meant no disrespect. He argued that the coat was part of his personal style and fashion sense, which he believed should not be judged.
While some people may have written off wearing a fur coat to such an event as disrespectful, Hamlin wanted to make it clear that it had nothing to do with the spirit or message behind Super Bowl Sunday. He shared on social media that wearing an expensive item of clothing doesn’t make someone bad or mean they don’t respect their team or the league as a whole. Instead, he said it was about expressing himself in what makes him feel confident and comfortable before taking part in one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Racism is an issue that has been around for centuries, but recently it has become much more visible due to social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. These platforms have allowed people from all walks of life to come together to discuss injustices they have faced due to their skin color or ethnicity. Unfortunately, racism can manifest itself in many forms, including violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources such as education or healthcare.
The Buffalo Bills safety and former Pitt star said he meant no disrespect about the clothing, which depicted the crucifixion with an altered Jesus head. The jacket was a Kanye West Eternal Saint blue varsity jacket.
Hamlin is recovering after he was resuscitated on the field in Cincinnati after he went into cardiac arrest during a game on Jan. 2.
Hamlin was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment where he received a pacemaker and underwent several tests. He was released from the hospital after four days and is now in recovery at home. Hamlin has attributed his quick recovery to the medical staff at UCMC and his own physical fitness, saying that “I’m here today because I’m blessed by God, thankful for all those who gave me CPR on the sidelines, and thankful for UCMC’s amazing doctors”. He also credits his Steelers jacket with helping him survive as it played a role in keeping him warm during the cold temperatures on the field. As part of his road to recovery, Hamlin has made a commitment to increasing awareness about heart health issues among athletes as well as providing support for those affected by cardiac arrest. With this mission in mind, Hamlin recently launched a foundation titled “Hammy’s Heart” which will be dedicated towards raising money and supporting research into heart health. Hamlin plans on attending Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay with his Steelers’ jacket proudly displayed – a symbol of strength through adversity that reminds us all of how quickly life can change.
“After talking with my parents I understand how my coat could have offended some people,” Hamlin wrote in a tweet. “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!
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! (1/2)
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) February 15, 2023
