A basketball fan’s remarkable full-back tattoo dedicated to NBA legend Michael Jordan is making waves online, setting a new benchmark for athlete tribute tattoos.
The elaborate piece covers the entirety of the fan’s back and features a comprehensive array of Jordan-related imagery: multiple portraits of the six-time NBA champion, his signature, nickname, iconic “Jumpman” logo, the Chicago Bulls logo, and a bold red background tying the entire tribute together.
First highlighted by Kicks on Fire, the tattoo joins a long tradition of passionate fan ink inspired by basketball icons. NBA-related tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with fans going to great lengths — and skin depths — to honor their favorite players.
Among the most notable examples: a fan who tattooed LeBron James’ face on his leg, another with a large Kobe Bryant portrait, and one Dallas Mavericks supporter who inked Dirk Nowitzki’s signature one-legged fadeaway on his calf. Some tributes are more humorous or niche, such as the fan with a tattoo of Charles Barkley kissing referee Dick Bavetta, or another showcasing Charlie Villanueva in an all-over arm piece.
In New York Knicks fandom, one person immortalized John Starks’ famous dunk, only to be topped by another who tattooed Chris Smith’s brother, J.R. Smith, across his back.
The escalating scale and creativity of these fan tattoos underscore a culture of one-upmanship within NBA fandom. As extreme as this full-back Jordan tattoo may seem, history suggests it won’t remain unmatched for long.
For now, though, this fan’s ink stands as a striking—and permanent—testament to Michael Jordan’s enduring impact on the game and those who love it.
Related topics: