DeMarcus Cousins has a bunch of tattoos on his body, and he takes great pride in the artwork. Let's take a look at Cousins' tattoos and what they mean.
“MISUNDERSTOOD” on right calf
While Boogie has a ton of talent, he's also known for being a rather volatile presence on the basketball court. From suspensions due to verbal altercations to ejections because of hitting an opponent’s groin, Cousins has had his share of issues with his behavior.
DeMarcus Cousins obviously takes issue with the negative perception of his character, hence this tattoo.
“Win Some Lose Some” on inner right bicep
DeMarcus Cousins' tattoo sleeves are decorated with many beautiful and meaningful designs. The longtime center also has the comedy and tragedy masks inked on his arm between this message.
Two angels on right forearm
DeMarcus Cousins is the father of two children: Amir and Vana. In a video interview for GQ Sports, he shared his love for his children and how these two angels represent that for him.
“KING OF THE GAME” on right shoulder/arm
DeMarcus Cousins has a majestic tattoo of a crown on his right shoulder and a banner that reads “KING OF THE GAME” below it. There are also praying hands right below the message.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7wBmO7pHMU/
Statue of Liberty with a skull on right forearm
DeMarcus Cousins considers this his most controversial tattoo, and it represents his opinion on the world.
“OTF” on right wrist
On DeMarcus Cousins' right wrist are the letters “OTF.” It's not totally clear what it means, though it could be referring to the Only The Family rap collective.
Dream catcher on left bicep
On the inside of DeMarcus Cousins' left bicep is a dream catcher tattoo done by Randy Harris of “Tattoos by Randy.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B64NQHdJUeU/
Spider on left arm
In a video interview for Dime Magazine, DeMarcus Cousins explained that this tattoo covers up his first ink. His first ink was a basketball with a baby crying on it. Cousins didn’t like it that much, so he replaced it with a cool spider and cobweb tattoo.
“Danny” on left wrist
This tattoo is dedicated to Danny Pritchett. DeMarcus Cousins said Pritchett was like a big brother to him, but Danny tragically died due to unknown causes while playing basketball.
MLK, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali on right leg
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Ovi9spoF4/
DeMarcus Cousins grew up in Alabama, which is a predominantly white state with a dark history of racism. Cousins is an outspoken advocate of Black rights and empowerment. In an interview with Kerith Burke of NBC Sports Bay, he discussed Martin Luther King Jr. and his preachings:
“That’s basically what (MLK) was preaching. It’s not about black, white, blue, green. … Just finding that peace and happiness from one another and getting along. We’re all born the same, and we all die the same.”
Beyond this aura of positivity, peace, and love, Cousins believes that accountability must first and foremost be set in stone.
“Loyalty is Love,” “T.M.C,” and angel’s reflection on his back
Cryptic and unnerving. That’s what DeMarcus Cousins’ back tattoo of an angel is like. Looking back at the angel in its pool reflection is a small demon. Perhaps Cousins aims to tell us to not judge a book by its cover. Not all angelic faces are angels, and not all demonic faces are demons.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEUFXbOoQsy/
Above the reflection are the initials “T.M.C,” “Loyalty is Love” quote, and at the side, a woman’s face.
“Tough times don’t last Tough people do” on back
DeMarcus Cousins attended Erwin High School in Birmingham, Alabama, so this tattoo is an homage to that and how far he has come.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B84ymdZJjuP/
“REAL RECOGNIZE REAL” on torso
This one sends a similar message as the angel-demon reflection ink. Perhaps DeMarcus Cousins wants to say that only those who are true to their character can recognize that of others. Cousins is clear with his emotions on and off the floor. However, that also means he won’t hide his temper.
“King” and lion on torso
Jesus’ Crucifixion on abs
This tattoo was done in 2013, again by Randy Harrison.
https://www.instagram.com/p/de39RJIQuO/
“A” on left thigh
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmQ9zGbBIwZ/
This appears to be the “A” from the Alabama Crimson Tide logo.
“God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers” on left leg
DeMarcus Cousins tore his left Achilles tendon in a Rockets-Pelicans matchup in 2018. During his recovery, he got this tattoo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfPy-J5Dlar/
His mother on his right arm
This is DeMarcus Cousins' favorite tattoo. In fact, it was his mom who took him to get his first inkwork. The loud and proud “Mama’s boy” also has a tattoo of those words on his arm.
Graffiti on left forearm
On his left forearm are the words “Product of my environment” in graffiti. DeMarcus Cousins recognizes the struggles he has undergone on his path to the NBA and intends to remember them throughout the years. It's worth noting the center has long been judged because of his history of issues with his temperament.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BneHQ1aDOFM/
“Home is where the heart is” on his back
Last but definitely not least is this back tattoo. DeMarcus Cousins will always value his home. In an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Cousins is shown to be providing many donations for his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. Most importantly, home reminds him of his mom.
Connor Letourneau writes:
Tattooed across Cousins’ back are six words — “Home is where the heart is” — that serve as a permanent reminder that, wherever basketball takes him, he is the child of a single mother in Mobile who worked 12-hour shifts to give him and his five siblings a chance at something better.
At the end of the day, these tattoos are reminders of his journey through life, including all the good and the bad.
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