Jayson Tatum’s playstyle is one of the most visually captivating in the NBA. With his smooth handles, lightning-quick agility, and explosive athleticism, the Celtics star has made a career out of leaving defenders helpless. At just 26 years old, Tatum has already earned three All-NBA First Team honors, and it feels like he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. With Boston poised as one of the top contenders for the NBA Finals, Tatum’s path to greatness seems almost inevitable.
As the Celtics’ star player, Tatum naturally attracts attention, and it’s not just for his game—it’s also for his tattoos. Much like his idols, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, Tatum’s ink carries deep personal meaning.
From tributes to his family to symbols of his journey, Tatum’s body art tells stories that go beyond basketball. Let’s take a closer look at some of his most prominent tattoos and the significance behind each one.
How Many Tattoos Does Jayson Tatum Have?
As of 2024, Jayson Tatum has approximately ten known tattoos, with ink covering various body parts, from his shoulders to his legs. His tattoos show his personal journey, values, and influences, each piece holding a deeper meaning. From tributes to his hometown of St. Louis to religious symbols like “Proverbs 3:5-6,” Tatum’s body art tells a story.
Also Read: What Tattoos Does Kevin Durant Have? Taking A Look At Phoenix Suns Star’s Unique Inks
Back Tattoos
Jayson Tatum’s back is a canvas for his love of art, hometown pride, and personal beliefs. To bring his vision to life, he teamed up with Canadian tattoo artist Steve Wiebe, known for working with stars like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Nipsey Hussle. Together, they’ve created a series of tattoos that tell Tatum’s story.
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One of Tatum’s most striking back pieces sits on the upper-left part of his back. It’s a tribute to St. Louis, his beloved hometown, featuring an “Archer Ave.” street sign, his childhood home, and a young boy gazing at a basketball hoop above a garage. These details capture Tatum’s local influences and childhood dreams. The tattoo also includes the words “U. City,” a nod to the youth football team Tatum played for growing up.
Tatum and Wiebe also collaborated on one of his most recognizable tattoos: the bold “God’s Will” inked in all caps across the center of his back. Beneath it, in smaller cursive, is the phrase “Proverbs 3:5-6.” In the middle of his back is a striking depiction of Jesus Christ on the cross, adding another layer of meaning to his religious beliefs.
Over the years, Tatum has continued adding to his back tattoo collection. He recently included a silhouette of his signature shoe, the Jordan Tatums, on his lower back. His initials, “JT,” also appear, along with a few yet-to-be-revealed designs on the lower-left side.
Jayson Tatum’s Latest Back Tattoo
Most recently, after winning the Celtics’ 18th NBA title, Tatum got a new tattoo celebrating the championship. The tattoo beneath his right shoulder blade shows him wearing a championship hat and holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Above the image, the words “Proverbs 3:5-6” are written, adding a personal touch to the design. This tattoo commemorates Boston’s five-game series win over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
Leg Tattoos
Jayson Tatum has transformed his legs into a canvas for his passion and personal stories. His left leg, in particular, is filled with intricate designs that hold deep meaning. Among the most notable are 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.
Tatum’s love for basketball is also evident in his leg art. His old No. 0 Duke jersey and No. 22 Chaminade (MO) jersey are proudly inked, alongside two black mamba snakes shaped as the number 24, honoring Kobe Bryant. He’s even added crossing checkered flags, the number 98 representing his birth year, and the powerful words “I Just Didn’t Quit.” A touching image of Tatum with his mother, Brandy Cole, during his childhood, adds a personal touch.
His thighs don’t lack in significance either. One thigh features a dramatic mushroom cloud with the caption, “St. Louis Until the World Blows,” showing his pride. The other thigh showcases a heartwarming tattoo of Tatum and his son, Deuce, titled “Like Father, Like Son.” Additionally, Tatum arranged these images in a collage under the word “Life,” nodding to the 1999 film starring Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy.
Also, Jayson Tatum now has a permanent tribute to his record-breaking 2023 All-Star Game performance, during which he earned the Kobe Bryant MVP award. Sharing his new tattoo featuring the trophy on Snapchat, Tatum celebrated his 55-point game, breaking Anthony Davis’ previous record. Tatum, who idolized Bryant, called the MVP win “extremely special,” fulfilling a goal he set in 2020 when the award was renamed in Kobe’s honor.
Hand Tattoos
Jayson Tatum currently has just one tattoo on his hand, which carries significant meaning. The ink boldly reads “Big Deuce,” serving as a heartfelt tribute to his young son, Deuce, who is a major part of Tatum’s life.
Although Tatum has several other tattoos scattered across his body, some—particularly those on the inside of his wrists—are difficult to discern in photos. Nevertheless, Tatum’s hand tattoo remains prominent, symbolizing his deep connection to fatherhood.
Also Read: What Tattoos Does LeBron James Have? A Look At Los Angeles Lakers Star’s Unique Inks
