Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is making waves both on and off the field. After a stellar breakout 2024 season, where he earned Pro Bowl honors and helped the Eagles clinch their second Super Bowl title, Carter is now turning heads with a massive, full-body tattoo that symbolizes his deep connection to the city of Philadelphia.
The 24-year-old’s tattoo is a striking work of art, covering his torso and arms. The centerpiece features the iconic Philadelphia skyline, flanked by a powerful eagle—emblematic of the team’s identity. The artwork also includes several personal elements, such as a street sign that reads “Apopka,” honoring his hometown in Florida, as well as imagery of a lion, gorilla, and angel.
Given the size and intricacy of the tattoo, Carter underwent anesthesia during the procedure, a common practice for extensive body art due to the pain involved. The tattoo marks not just a physical transformation, but a significant personal statement from the young defensive powerhouse.
This body art comes on the heels of Carter’s breakout season, where he finished 12th in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting and helped the Eagles to a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first two seasons, he has racked up 75 combined tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles. His performances have helped solidify his role as a key player in the Eagles’ defensive front.
While fans have joked online about the permanence of Carter’s Philly-themed ink, with some wondering what would happen if he were traded, the tattoo is clearly a declaration of his commitment to the city. “I don’t think you get a full-body tattoo of the Philadelphia skyline unless you plan to be here a while,” one fan remarked.
The Eagles selected Carter with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, signing him to a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $21.8 million, including a $13.2 million signing bonus. The contract includes a fifth-year team option, ensuring that Carter is under contract with the Eagles through at least the 2027 season.
For Carter, the tattoo is more than just art—it’s a bold statement of his dedication to Philadelphia, a city that has already embraced him as one of its own.
Related topics: