25

Damar Hamlin’s Super Bowl appearance was widely celebrated as a symbol of his resilience after a near-death experience on the football field. However, the jacket he wore at the event stirred controversy. Designed by Takashi Murakami, the jacket’s unique take on religious symbolism—particularly the cartoonish depiction of Jesus on the cross—caught many by surprise. Adrian Peterson, a prominent Christian athlete, criticized the piece as being disrespectful. Hamlin responded thoughtfully, explaining that the jacket was meant to signify his eternal gratitude and not to mock anyone’s beliefs. The respectful resolution between Hamlin and Peterson highlighted the importance of considering context and intention when interpreting art​
Damar Hamlin Super Bowl Jacket