You’ve seen the photos by now. Or maybe you just heard the whispers on Twitter—now X—about the sheer audacity of it. When Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson revealed his full-back tattoo in May 2024, the internet didn't just react; it imploded. It’s a lot. Honestly, it’s a chaotic, beautiful, and deeply personal collage that covers every square inch of his 6-foot-2 frame from his shoulders to his waist.
People love to clown on it. They point at the Popeye image or the fact that he got his girlfriend’s face permanently etched onto his skin. But if you look past the initial "what the heck?" factor, there’s a narrative there. It’s a roadmap of a guy trying to reconcile his past, his ego, and a very uncertain future in the NFL.
The Artist Behind the 9-Hour Marathon
This wasn't a "walk-in at 2 AM" kind of job. Watson flew out to Arizona to link up with Andres Ortega of Onder Ink. Ortega is basically the go-to guy for athletes who want to turn their bodies into high-definition murals. We’re talking about a session that lasted roughly nine hours.
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Think about that for a second. Nine hours under the needle for a full back piece.
There was even some buzz—mostly coming from social media clips and a YouTube short—that Watson might have been "put to sleep" or sedated for the process. While "painless tattooing" using anesthesia is becoming a trend for the ultra-wealthy, it’s a point of contention among tattoo purists. They say the pain is the point. Regardless of how he handled the needle, the result is a technical marvel of black-and-grey realism. To say thanks, Watson reportedly handed Ortega a signed Browns jersey.
Breaking Down the Imagery: From MLK to Popeye
The tattoo is a wild mix of "who’s who" and personal milestones. It’s not just one thing; it’s everything.
The Women in His Life
On his left shoulder blade sits a massive, detailed portrait of his longtime girlfriend, Jilly Anais. Getting a partner’s face is the ultimate "risk/reward" play in the tattoo world. If things go south, that’s an expensive and painful cover-up. But Watson’s been with Anais since 2019, through the legal battles and the trades, so clearly, he’s all in. Elsewhere, the ink pays tribute to his mother, Deann Watson, the woman who famously raised him in a Habitat for Humanity home.
The Civil Rights Icon in a Snapback
This is the part that launched a thousand memes. There is an image of Martin Luther King Jr., but he isn't in a suit at a podium. He’s wearing a "fitted" or flat-brimmed cap. Some fans felt it was a bit much, but those close to the "Dream Chasers" aesthetic see it as a blend of legendary inspiration and modern culture. It’s MLK through a 2024 lens.
The Random Assortment
- Popeye the Sailor Man: A nod to strength, perhaps?
- KAWS Artwork: The "Companion" figures with the X-eyes, which are basically the ultimate status symbol for modern art collectors.
- An Astronaut: Tapping into that "out of this world" or "reach for the stars" vibe.
- The NFL Logo: A reminder of the league that pays the bills.
- His Hometown: Gainesville, Georgia, gets its flowers.
The Most Controversial Part: The "Blank" Ring
If you zoom in on the lower section of the piece, you’ll see depictions of championship rings. Watson won a national title at Clemson, and that’s represented. But there is one ring that is noticeably unfinished.
It’s a blank Super Bowl ring.
Basically, he left a spot open for the one trophy he hasn't touched yet. It’s a bold—some would say cocky—move for a quarterback who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since arriving in Cleveland. He’s essentially betting his own skin that he’ll bring a Lombardi Trophy to a city that’s been waiting for one since forever.
Why This Tattoo Matters in 2026
Fast forward to where we are now. It’s January 2026. The Browns are staring down a massive $131 million dead cap hit if they cut him. They are essentially locked into the Deshaun Watson experience for at least one more season.
The tattoo has become a metaphor for his career in Cleveland: it’s permanent, it’s expensive, and the most important part—that blank ring—is still empty.
Critics look at the ink as a distraction, a sign of a player more focused on his "brand" than his blind side. Supporters see it as a man who is loyal to a fault and hasn't given up on the dream. Whether you love the "MLK in a hat" look or think the whole thing is a cluttered mess, you can't deny that it’s authentic to who Watson is. He’s never been one to do things halfway, for better or worse.
Actionable Insights: What This Means for You
If you're looking at Watson's ink and thinking about your own massive project, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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- Plan the "Future" Spaces Carefully: Leaving a "blank" spot for a future achievement is a huge psychological motivator, but make sure the design allows for it. Watson’s artist left specific geometric gaps that can be filled without ruining the flow.
- Portrait Risks: If you’re getting a face, go to a specialist. The realism in Watson’s tattoo is top-tier because Ortega specializes in that specific style.
- The Sedation Debate: If you’re considering being "put under" for a tattoo, check the legalities and safety protocols in your state. It’s becoming more common in places like Arizona and California, but it adds thousands to the cost.
The Deshaun Watson back tattoo isn't just art; it's a statement of intent. Now, he just has to go out and earn the ink to fill in that last ring.
Next Step for You: If you’re tracking Watson’s recovery or the Browns' roster moves heading into the 2026 draft, keep an eye on his training camp photos to see if any new "fill-in" work has been done on those championship rings.