Damar Hamlin comes clean on controversial Super Bowl LVII coat that saw backlash from NFL community
Damar Hamlin's 2022 season could resume in a single word: survival. The Buffalo Bills safety was having the best year of his NFL career when tragedy struck in a routine tackle attempt and he suffered a cardiac arrest while on the field.
An excellent job performed by on-site doctors and later by the University of Cincinnati Medical Center doctors not only saved his life but also allowed him to return to a normal life. Although it's unclear whether he's going to return to a NFL field.
During the NFL Honors ceremony, where the individual awards for the 2022 season were announced prior to the Super Bowl, Hamlin made a surprise appearance alongside the doctors that saved his life. An emotional speech followed, but controversy arose due to the jacket he wore at the Super Bowl, as NFL fans intended he was mocking Jesus.
The safety went on Twitter to clarify his intentions and end the controversy:
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)
My beliefs and Relationship with God is not tied to symbolic images. I will learn from this and continue to walk in Love as I ALWAYS have. Matthew 7:1-5 π«ΆπΎπ
Clearly, there wasn't any bad intent in his actions, but it still generated controversy and he was forced to explain himself on Twitter to avoid a bigger discussion about a single jacket.
What happened to Damar Hamlin? Has he fully recovered?
Hamlin collapsed during the first quarter of Monday Night Football after a routine tackle on Tee Higgins. He instantly went into cardiac arrest and had his heartbeat restored while on the field. Many of his teammates were crying on the field while he was receiving treatment.
CPR was administered to him for several minutes. He spent the night at the intensive care unit of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The game was suspended - and later canceled - after discussions involving Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, Bills head coach Sean McDermott, and game officials.
Bills safety made a quick recovery as his breathing went back to normal. He suffered no neurological damage. The 24-year-old made appearances at the NFL Honors, the AFC Divisional Round between the Bengals and Bills, and the Super Bowl.
He has fully recovered, but it's not clear whether he'll be able to play football again. Just the fact that he's alive and well is perfect.