Tate Ratledge, the Detroit Lions’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, sports a lion tattoo on his forearm—a symbol of strength and resilience that now aligns perfectly with his new team.
Lion Tattoo: A Personal Emblem of Strength
Approximately a year before joining the NFL, Ratledge inked a lion on his forearm to represent his personal ethos. He explained, “I think lions are the king of the jungle for a reason. Just their mentality, their attitude, the way they go about their whole life. I mean, I think that’s just something that I kind of attach my lifestyle to. Just that mentality that never satisfied, never quits.” (Detroit Lions Tate Ratledge Has Lion Tattoo on Forearm, New Lions OG Tate Ratledge got a lion tattoo on his forearm last year)
Drafted by the Lions: A Serendipitous Match
The Detroit Lions selected Ratledge 57th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Upon realizing the coincidence between his tattoo and his new team, Ratledge remarked, “That kind of came full circle and I didn’t even process that until now, but I mean, just … .”
Embracing the ‘Dirtbag’ Mentality
Known for his toughness on the field, Ratledge embraces the “dirtbag” … —a term used to describe players who do the gritty work necessary for team success. He stated, “I think you’ve got to have a little … to play this game, especially this position. I think everybody that plays this position at a high level has a little bit of that in them.”
Ready to Contribute in Detroit
Ratledge, who played right guard at Georgia, is prepared to compete for a starting spot on the Lions’ offensive line, especially with the departure of veteran Kevin Zeitler. He expressed his team-first attitude, saying, “I’m here to do whatever helps the team win. I’m a team player through and through.”
A Symbolic Beginning
Ratledge’s lion tattoo, initially a personal symbol of resilience, now serves as a fitting emblem for his journey with the Detroit Lions. As he begins his professional career, the tattoo stands as a testament to his mindset and the serendipitous alignment with his new team. (5 things to know about new Detroit Lions G Tate Ratledge)
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