Power Ranking the 10 Best Tattoos in the NFL

By (Featured Columnist) on December 14, 2012

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The offseason can present a lot of time to kill, and NFL players have plenty of money. Mixing young men, time and money will inevitably lead to a wide array of tattoos.

There is an art to tattoos when done well. They can make a statement, or just be a nice display of individuality. 

Regardless, we can rank them. So that's exactly what I did. 

10. Arnaz Battle, Wide Receiver, Free Agent

Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.
Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.

He may not be in the league this year, but Arnaz Battle deserves some recognition.

His ink is a tribute to his little brother, who passed in a drowning accident. It's a moving sight and you have to admire him for dedicating a part of his body to the memory.

9. Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans

Photo via twitter.
Photo via twitter.

You might not appreciate Chris Johnson's dedication to football, but you have to admire his dedication to body art.

8. Willis McGahee, Running Back, Denver Broncos

Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com
Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com

There's something about the depiction of Jesus on his forearm. It just draws your eyes in.

7. Ray Rice, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens

Photo via www.spike.com.
Photo via www.spike.com.

This one is pretty sweet. 

Ray Rice has probably been told for the majority of his life that he won't make the league because of his 5'8" height. Obviously, he had no problem proclaiming what he thought.

And it's hard to argue with him.

6. Shawne Merriman, Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

Photo via inkedcelebrity.com
Photo via inkedcelebrity.com

The tattoo itself is quite basic, and the hand could probably use a little work. It just looks awkward. 

However, Shawne Merriman's dedication to his lights out celebration dance has to be recognized.

5. Jared Gaither, Offensive Tackle, San Diego Chargers

Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com
Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com

Here's betting Jared Gaither has plenty of other tattoos, but the word "Loyalty" written above a crown has to be his best one.

The craftsmanship on the crown is outstanding.

4. Al Harris, Cornerback, Free Agent

Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com
Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com

Like Arnaz Battle before, Al Harris isn't a current member of the league.

I don't care.

This religious scene is compelling and needs to be included. Not necessarily just because it is a testament to his faith, but because of the intricate details.

3. Jeremy Shockey, Tight End, Free Agent

Photo via spike.com.
Photo via spike.com.

I know, I'm cheating. Three guys that aren't currently on a roster! What an outrage!

But come on. Look at that thing. The bald eagle with the American flag has probably inspired numerous country songs. 

2. Adrian Wilson, Safety, Arizona Cardinals

Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com.
Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com.

Another memorial tattoo that definitely makes the cut. Appears to be a mother or grandmother, and is located over his heart.

1. Aaron Hernandez, Tight End, New England Patriots

Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com.
Photo via www.athletetattoodatabase.com.

Aaron Hernandez should land on this list as a reward for sitting still long enough for all of his. This dude has tattoos everywhere.

But they're pretty sweet too, landing him at No. 1.

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