Image via Complex Original
The NFL is known for its very colorful personalities. One of the aspects that shapes some of them is the ink that they sport under their jerseys. Unfortunately, some guys have no taste and no respect for what they put on their bodies. Shawne Merriman rocks a "Lights Out" switch on his arm, and Devin Thomas has everything from Goku from Dragon Ball Z on his back to Conan The Barbarian on his torso. From the interesting choices like God's Gift from Andrew Quarless and Jeremy Shockey's Bald Eagle to the interesting full-body artwork of players like Colin Kaepernick and Aaron Hernandez, here are the Worst Tattoos in NFL History.
Hines Ward, Micky Mouse
Sometimes we expect NFL players to have overtly-masculine and gory tattoos. Hines Ward goes a different route with a caricature of Micky Mouse in a Heisman Trophy with his name in Korean. Hines explained why he got the colorful tattoo:
"Mickey Mouse symbolizes fun. You never see him sad, and that's how I approach life. When things are bad, I smile sometimes. People tease me about it, but that's my approach—a happy guy playing football."
Jeremy Shockey, Bald Eagle
There's no better way to show your love of America than rocking a bald eagle on your shoulder. This might be the most patriotic tattoo in NFL history.
Devin Hester, Palm Trees
Devin Hester's look features palm trees on both sides of his chest. He also has his last name on both arms, you know, just in case he forgets.
Jason Babin, Biceps
When it comes to tattoos that are a waste of space, Jason Babin takes the cake. Tribal tats are the worst.
Isaiah Stanback, Chest Scribble
Stanback's tattoo makes absolutely no sense. He went to the tat shop and picked the first tribal on the wall.
Joe Jurevicius, Lithuanian National Symbol
The dedication to one's country is important. But Joe Jurevicius should hold himself to a higher standard. That tatoo artist is lazy as fuck.
Ray Rice, "Gifted One"
There's no hate when it comes to Ray Rice's ability on the football field. The reigning superbowl champion running back has been great so far in his career. He is gifted, but we don't need to see a tattoo to believe it.
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Rey Maualuga, Stingray
Maualuga pays tribute to his island roots with the slick design of a stingray. It's elaborate and an eyesore when you see it on his back. The actual process behind this tattoo is a pretty interesting watch.
Vernon Davis, Everything
Vernon's full-body compilation of ink seems to be really well thought out. We'll call it organized chaos.
Brandon Marshall, Arms
Those sleeves are so messy. Spent all that money and can't even make out the pictures.
Mitch King, "Mama's Boy"
We appreciate the outright honesty from Mitch King. What's wrong with being a Mama's Boy?
Andrew Quarless, "God's Gift"
If you're going to have "God's Gift" tatted on your arms, you better have more than one touchdown in 25 career games played. SMH
Channing Crowder, "OJGB"
Let's take a guess at what OJGB means. It means Orange Juice and Good Bread. Remember, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Orange Juice with Good Bread in the NFL.
Chad Johnson, Estranged Wife
Chad Johnson is teaching everyone a lesson. He might offer Fantasy Football advice now, but he inadvertently offered love advice when he tattooed estranged wife Evelyn Lozada's face on his leg. He was trying to get back with her after she filed for divorce. Of course, that was an instant fail.
Chris Johnson, Everything
The eyes on the chest look has got to be the creepiest tattoo idea ever.
Devin Thomas, Everything
Devin Thomas has many interesting tattoos. They include a starlight tat on his chest, Goku from Dragon Ball Z on his back, and a Conan the Barbarian tattoo on his torso. There must be some explanation for the ridiculous idea of a Conan The Barbarian tattoo. Luckily Devin Thomas has one:
"The concept is male and female being strong side-by-side. He's holding the sword, like he's going to swing it, but she's the one bracing it."
Stevie Johnson, Everything
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is decked out with ink. He has it all over his body strethcing from his torso all the eay to his arms. We're still confused by the Golden State Warriors logo from 1997-2010 though.
Shawne Merriman, Lights Out
Lights Out was a catchy nickname and we have no problem with that, but choosing that as a tattoo with an actual light switch is just taking it too far. Merriman has wanted a refund since he fell out of the league.
Aaron Hernandez, Everything
He might've made the tattoo process a little more hard for his peers. Because he has "Blood" tatted on one of his hands.
Colin Kaepernick, Everything
A guy gets a starting job and doesn't know how to act. Blame Allen Iverson.