
Memphis Grizzlies’ shooting guard, a rising star in the NBA, has been making waves not just for his impressive skills on the court but also for his extensive collection of tattoos. As one of the most exciting young talents in the league, his public image is significantly influenced by his ink.
Each of his tattoos tells a story about his life, values, and journey. From family tributes to basketball inspirations and spiritual symbols, Morant’s tattoos have become an integral part of his personal expression. This article will delve into the meanings behind his various tattoos, exploring how they reflect his personality and drive.
Key Takeaways
- Ja Morant’s tattoos are a significant part of his public image and personal expression.
- Each tattoo has a unique meaning related to his life and values.
- The article explores the stories behind Morant’s tattoos.
- Understanding an athlete’s tattoos can provide insight into their personality and drive.
- Morant’s tattoo collection has evolved throughout his NBA journey.
The Memphis Grizzlies Star’s Ink Collection
Ja Morant’s rise to stardom with the Memphis Grizzlies has been accompanied by a notable collection of tattoos. As his basketball career has advanced, so too has his body art, reflecting his growing identity as an NBA star.
Ja Morant’s Rise to NBA Stardom
From a relatively unknown prospect to becoming one of the NBA’s brightest stars, Ja Morant’s journey is a testament to his dedication and hard work. In his senior year, Morant struggled to land a single dunk, but he has since become known for his high-flying abilities. This transformation underscores the importance of perseverance in achieving success.
Overview of His Tattoo Journey
Ja Morant’s tattoo collection began and expanded significantly during the COVID-19 quarantine period. Working with tattoo artist Martavious Williams, Morant added numerous tattoos to his body, each with its own story. These additions not only reflect his personal growth but also mark important milestones in his career as a professional basketball player.
Over the course of one year, Morant’s tattoo collection has become a visual representation of his values, personality, and the people who matter most to him. As he continues to evolve as a player and an individual, his body art continues to grow, telling a story that is both personal and reflective of his status as an NBA star.
Ja Morant’s Family-Inspired Tattoos
Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies star, showcases his love and dedication to his family through his meaningful tattoos. His tattoos are a testament to the importance of family in his life.
“K” on His Left Hand – Tribute to Daughter Kaari
On Morant’s left hand is an elegant script tattoo of his daughter’s initial, “K.” This tattoo honors his daughter, Kaari Jaidyn Morant, who was born two months premature and required intensive care. The tattoo is a permanent reminder of his daughter and his role as a father. When Kaari was discharged from the hospital, Ja Morant posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his gratitude and love.
“Beneath No One” – His Mother’s Favorite Phrase
The phrase “Beneath No One” is tattooed on Morant’s left arm, signifying his mother’s influence on his life. This inspirational quote is one of his mother’s favorites, reflecting their close bond. Morant has been described as a “mama’s boy,” highlighting the significant role his mother plays in his life.
“SC” and “GA” – Homage to His Roots
Morant’s shoulder blades feature the tattoos “SC” and “GA,” paying tribute to South Carolina and Georgia, where he grew up. These tattoos symbolize his connection to his hometown, Dalzell, a small, quiet town where everyone knows each other. This upbringing has contributed to Morant being a “family person.”
These family-inspired tattoos collectively demonstrate Morant’s strong family values and how these connections have shaped his character and approach to his career. Some key aspects of his family-inspired tattoos include:
- A tribute to his daughter Kaari through the elegant “K” on his left hand.
- A reflection of his close relationship with his mother through the “Beneath No One” tattoo.
- An homage to his roots in South Carolina and Georgia.
Basketball and Career-Related Ink
Ja Morant’s ink tells the story of his basketball journey, from his early days to his current status as an NBA star. His tattoos are a reflection of his passion for the game and his achievements on the court.
Kobe Bryant Tributes on His Back
One of the most striking aspects of Ja Morant’s tattoo collection is the tribute to Kobe Bryant on his back. The artwork, created by Andres Ortega, features two massive tributes to the late basketball legend. Morant sat for over 10 hours to complete the piece, which includes Bryant’s number 24 jersey and his iconic Mamba logo.
“Train To Go” – Reflecting His Work Ethic
The “Train To Go” tattoo on Morant’s right forearm is a testament to his legendary work ethic. This older piece is a reflection of his dedication to continuous improvement in his game.
“A Lay-up” to His Heart – The Point God Reference
Morant’s “A lay-up to his heart” tattoo is likely an allusion to his self-proclaimed “Point God” status. As he explained in an interview, he can not only score for himself but also create opportunities for his teammates.
The back tattoo serves as a visual history of Morant’s basketball journey, featuring logos from his high school, college, and NBA teams, alongside his jersey number. The artwork also includes the legend “Life is a gamble” surrounded by four aces and two dice, symbolizing the risks and challenges he has faced in his career.
- The extensive back tattoo features two massive tributes to Kobe Bryant, including his number 24 jersey and Mamba logo.
- The 10-hour tattoo session with Andres Ortega was a significant undertaking, showcasing the complexity and detail of the artwork.
- The back tattoo is a visual representation of Morant’s basketball career, highlighting his progression from high school to the NBA.
Religious and Spiritual Tattoos
Ja Morant’s tattoos are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also hold deep personal significance, including his religious and spiritual ink. The Memphis Grizzlies star has adorned his body with various symbols that reflect his faith and connection to a higher power.
The Cross Symbol and Heavenly Imagery
One of the most noticeable tattoos is the large rose petals under what looks like cascading heavens. If you look further up Morant’s arms, you will notice that the clouds lead to Heaven. These tattoos are dedicated to a belief in a higher power. On his other arm, a large cross serves as a tribute to his faith in God.
Psalm118:14 on His Chest
The Psalm118:14 scripture tattooed on the right side of his chest reads, “The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” This biblical verse is significant to Morant, reflecting his spiritual foundation. For more on Bible verse tattoos, visit Bible Verse Tattoos for Men.
Some key aspects of Morant’s religious tattoos include:
- A large cross symbolizing his faith in God
- Elaborate heavenly imagery featuring cascading clouds and rose petals, representing his spiritual beliefs
- The Psalm118:14 scripture on his chest, signifying his reliance on his faith for strength and salvation
- Additional spiritual symbols like doves and an eye in the middle of his chest, representing peace, the Holy Spirit, and divine providence
These religious tattoos provide insight into Morant’s spiritual foundation, guiding him through the challenges of professional basketball and public life.
Brotherhood and Loyalty Tattoos
Ja Morant’s tattoos are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also hold deep personal significance, particularly when it comes to brotherhood and loyalty. One notable example is the “Never Leave My Brother” tattoo on his left forearm, a shared ink with his brother that symbolizes their unbreakable bond.
Other tattoos, such as the letters “M, B, N, O” on his abs and “OJF” and “LLJ” on his shoulders, hold mysterious significance, potentially representing important personal connections or mantras. The phrase “Life is a Gamble” on his back, surrounded by four aces and two dice, reflects Morant’s understanding of life’s uncertainties and the risks he’s taken in his career.
Shared Ink
The “Never Leave My Brother” tattoo on Morant’s left arm is a testament to his commitment to his brother, showcasing the importance of family bonds in his life.
Symbolic Letters
The symbolic letters and designs on Morant’s body, though not all publicly explained, add to the narrative of his personal story and values. These tattoos are a form of self-expression and identity.
A Philosophical Statement
“Life is a Gamble” is not just a tattoo; it’s a philosophical statement that reflects Morant’s perspective on life and the risks associated with his career choices.
The Evolution of Ja Morant’s Tattoos
Ja Morant’s tattoo collection is a dynamic reflection of his experiences, from his college days to his current challenges. As he returns to the court after a 25-game suspension, his latest tattoos, including a massive back piece, signify his growth and resilience. TheMemphis Grizzlies guardhas used his body art to narrate his journey, marking significant life events and career milestones. Morant’s tattoos serve as a visual autobiography, telling the story of his triumphs and struggles over the years. His body art continues to evolve, reflecting his current mindset and the challenges he faces.