Jayson Tatum’s playing style is among the most visually striking in the NBA. With his smooth ball-handling, quick agility, and explosive athleticism, the Celtics star consistently leaves defenders in the dust. At just 26 years old, Tatum has already secured three All-NBA First Team honors, and it seems he’s just beginning to tap into his potential. With Boston positioned as a top contender for the NBA Finals, Tatum’s path to greatness appears almost assured.
As the Celtics’ standout player, Tatum draws attention not only for his game but also for his tattoos. Much like his idols LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, Tatum’s ink carries profound personal significance.
From family tributes to symbols of his journey, Tatum’s tattoos tell stories that extend beyond basketball. Let’s delve into some of his most notable tattoos and their meanings.
As of 2024, Jayson Tatum has around ten known tattoos, adorning various parts of his body, from shoulders to legs. Each piece reflects his personal journey, values, and influences, telling a unique story—from tributes to his hometown of St. Louis to religious symbols like “Proverbs 3:5-6.”
His back serves as a canvas for his love of art, hometown pride, and personal beliefs. To realize his vision, Tatum collaborated with Canadian tattoo artist Steve Wiebe, known for his work with stars like Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard. Together, they’ve crafted tattoos that narrate Tatum’s story.
One striking piece on the upper-left of Tatum’s back honors St. Louis, featuring an “Archer Ave.” street sign, his childhood home, and a young boy looking at a basketball hoop above a garage. These elements capture Tatum’s local roots and childhood aspirations. The tattoo also includes “U. City,” referencing the youth football team he played for.
Tatum and Wiebe also created one of his most recognizable tattoos: the bold “God’s Will” inked in all caps across the center of his back, accompanied by the phrase “Proverbs 3:5-6” in cursive beneath it. A powerful depiction of Jesus Christ on the cross further deepens the tattoo’s religious significance.
Over the years, Tatum has continued to expand his back tattoo collection, recently adding a silhouette of his signature shoe, the Jordan Tatums, on his lower back. His initials, “JT,” also feature alongside some yet-to-be-revealed designs on the lower-left side.
Most recently, following the Celtics’ 18th NBA title, Tatum added a tattoo celebrating the championship. Positioned beneath his right shoulder blade, it depicts him wearing a championship hat and holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Above this image, the words “Proverbs 3:5-6” are inscribed, adding a personal touch that commemorates Boston’s five-game victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
Jayson Tatum has transformed his legs into a canvas for his passions and personal stories. His left leg, in particular, is adorned with intricate designs that hold deep meaning. Notably, it features characters from four of his favorite films: Denzel Washington as John Q., Will Smith as Hitch, Wesley Snipes as Sidney Deane, and Spencer Fox as Dash Parr.
His love for basketball is also reflected in his leg art. He has tattoos of his old No. 0 Duke jersey and No. 22 Chaminade (MO) jersey, alongside two black mamba snakes shaped like the number 24 in honor of Kobe Bryant. Other elements include crossing checkered flags, the number 98 for his birth year, and the powerful phrase “I Just Didn’t Quit.” A touching image of Tatum with his mother, Brandy Cole, during his childhood adds a personal touch.
Tatum’s thighs carry significant designs as well. One features a dramatic mushroom cloud with the caption, “St. Louis Until the World Blows,” showcasing his hometown pride. The other thigh has a heartwarming tattoo of Tatum and his son, Deuce, titled “Like Father, Like Son.” These images are arranged in a collage under the word “Life,” a nod to the 1999 film starring Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy.
Additionally, Tatum now has a permanent tribute to his record-breaking performance in the 2023 All-Star Game, where he earned the Kobe Bryant MVP award. Sharing his new tattoo of the trophy on Snapchat, Tatum celebrated his 55-point game, surpassing Anthony Davis’ previous record. Tatum, who idolized Bryant, called winning the MVP award “extremely special,” fulfilling a goal he set in 2020 when the honor was renamed in Kobe’s memory.
Currently, Tatum has just one tattoo on his hand, which carries significant meaning. It reads “Big Deuce,” a heartfelt tribute to his young son, who plays a major role in Tatum’s life.
Although Tatum has several other tattoos across his body, some—particularly those on the inside of his wrists—are difficult to see in photos. Nonetheless, his hand tattoo stands out, symbolizing his deep connection to fatherhood.
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