Brian Schottenheimer, the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach, is using personal tattoos on his left arm as a source of inspiration and reminders of his core values and aspirations. Since 2022, he has inked a total of five tattoos that reflect his commitment to family, faith, and football — the three fundamental pillars of his life. One tattoo reads “Jireh,” a Hebrew word meaning “The Lord will provide,” symbolizing his Christian faith, while another honors his family’s birthdays with the letters “TN” and the numbers 17, 27, and 19.
The tattoo journey began when Schottenheimer and his son, Sutton, sought to share a meaningful experience together. Schottenheimer’s latest tattoos include the word “grit,” which he believes embodies the mentality necessary for champions not just in sports, but in all areas of life, including being a good husband and father. He recently added a cross symbolizing his faith, with nails representing the suffering of Jesus.
During the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, these tattoos sparked conversations with players both prospective and current. Schottenheimer enjoys hearing their stories and values the connections that tattoos can create. Notably, quarterback Dak Prescott has praised the significance of such reminders in one’s life.
As Schottenheimer prepares for the upcoming NFL season, he aims to lead the Cowboys with a philosophy encapsulated in the phrase “Compete every day.” With plans for a sixth tattoo that may symbolize a potential Super Bowl victory, he continues to embrace confidence in his personal and professional identity, reflecting a holistic approach to success both on and off the field.
The positivity in Schottenheimer’s outlook and his focus on character-building resonate well within the framework of sports leadership, aiming for a cohesive team dynamic that resonates with resilience and purpose.