Hamlin says he meant no religious disrespect

BUFFALO, N.Y. » Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin said Wednesday he never intended to offend anyone for attending the Super Bowl wearing a jacket that critics deemed to feature an offensive depiction of Jesus.

“After talking with my parents I understand how my coat could have offended some people,” Hamlin wrote in a note posted on his Twitter account. “It was never my intentions to hurt or disrespect anyone, the coat is abstract art to me.”

The second-year player continues recovering after having to be resuscitated on the field after going into cardiac arrest during a game in Cincinnati six weeks ago created a stir for being pictured wearing a Kanye West Eternal Saint blue varsity jacket during pregame ceremonies and sitting in NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s box at the Super Bowl.

The back of the jacket featured an abstract illustration of Jesus on the cross under the word “ETERNAL.” The front featured an abstract depiction of Jesus’ face and appears to reference a Bible verse that reads: “Without end or beginning there is no day and no night.”

Bears buy property for new stadium

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL. » The Chicago Bears purchased the property that they’ve been sizing up for a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights.

The Bears announced that they bought the 326-acre property for $197.2 million.

The team cautioned that the purchase doesn’t mean plans for a new domed stadium and an entertainment district will come to fruition.

Saints name 5 new assistants

METAIRIE, LA. » The New Orleans Saints hired Joe Woods as defensive coordinator and Todd Grantham as defensive line coach.

Saints coach Dennis Allen also added secondary coach Marcus Robertson, tight ends coach Clancy Barone and assistant offensive line coach Kevin Carberry.

Woods spent the past three seasons as the Browns’ defensive coordinator and has spent the past 19 years of his career coaching in the NFL, including five as a coordinator.

Grantham has spent much of his 33-year coaching career with college programs, including at Alabama, but also has spent 11 seasons in the NFL.

Steelers assistant retiring

PITTSBURGH » Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach John Mitchell retired after nearly three decades with the club.

Mitchell, 71, won two Super Bowl rings in 29 seasons with the Steelers after first joining Bill Cowher’s staff in 1994 as a defensive line coach. Mike Tomlin retained Mitchell when he replaced Cowher in 2007 then promoted Mitchell to assistant head coach in 2017.

Mitchell, a native of Mobile, Alabama, made history when he became the first Black player to play in a game at the University of Alabama in 1971.