Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is in the spotlight after he criticized Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin for wearing a jacket to the Super Bowl that featured a crucifix with a modified head of Jesus on the back.
Peterson posted his “blasphemy” comment on Instagram on Monday. After getting criticized for ripping the 24-year-old who was revived on the field after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a game between the Bills and Bengals on Jan. 2, Peterson apparently took the advice from another all-time great running back.
“You should DM him bro…I’m sure he’s listen to your opinion,” ex-Jaguars star Fred Taylor told Peterson. “Posting it doesn’t help anyone. He’s young, young ppl don’t always think before they wear things just like people who wear skulls and other things that doesn’t align with Christian beliefs.”
It’s unclear when they talked, but Peterson says he did talk man-to-man with Hamlin.
“So I spoke with Damar, and we were able to discuss our thoughts as men. I want to be clear, I’m the last person to judge anyone, and that was never my intention. However, I do feel as if the jacket was disrespectful and it was something that I needed to share. I do realize everyone makes mistakes and falls short at times, so again, my intention was never to judge, just to share my opinion,” Peterson said Tuesday.
“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. 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!”
