CeeDee Lamb is the main player in the Dallas Cowboys’ offence. The Cowboys picked him in the first round of the 2020 draft. He quickly became a key part of their passing game.
Lamb’s offseason decisions began drawing attention beyond the field. Lamb set social media ablaze when he showed off a tattoo tribute that covers his entire back and prominently features NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb Goes Viral After Getting Massive Full-Back Tattoo Featuring Kobe Bryant
Dallas Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb, NFL
Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) celebrate with a turkey after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The moment went viral in February of 2023. CeeDee Lamb honoured several personal inspirations, including Kobe Bryant, with a massive back tattoo to start his offseason. The piece of art extends from Lamb’s neck base to his waist. creating a full canvas of symbolic imagery on the 6-foot-2 wideout’s back.
People were most interested in the picture of Bryant chewing on his jersey. A famous celebration he performed during the 2010 NBA Finals. There are a lot of other pictures around that tribute, like a roaring jaguar, a Spartan-style warrior, a crucifix on the spine, and other personal symbols that show Lamb’s path to the NFL.
The elaborate project wasn’t quick work either. Phoenix-based tattooartist Andres Ortega led the design alongside a small crew of artists, and the process was intense from start to finish.
“The entire piece, which extends from the base of Lamb’s neck to his waist, took eight hours.”
🚨🚨THIS IS WILD🚨🚨#COWBOYS CEEDEE LAMB WAS PUT TO SLEEP FOR AN INSANE CUSTOM FULL-BACK TATTOO.
It took 8 hours to complete, and Lamb had 4 tattoo artists working on his back simultaneously.
CeeDee has a portrait of Kobe Bryant chewing on his jersey.pic.twitter.com/euTzCA9Avp
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) March 14, 2026
Multiple artists worked simultaneously on Lamb’s back to complete the intricate artwork in a single session. Reports noted that Lamb was even sedated during the session, highlighting just how demanding it became.
Every piece of the design carries meaning. The jaguar represents aggression and dominance. The Spartan warrior symbolises discipline and resilience. A crown and an Interstate-45 sign nod to Dallas and the receiver’s journey toward NFL stardom. The pieces form what the 26-year-old wideout described as a visual timeline of his path from childhood to professional football.
The viral tattoo moment for Lamb was a tribute to inspiration. By permanently placing the Lakers icon on his back. The Cowboys receiver effectively turned his body into a reminder of the relentless work ethic that has fuelled his rise in Dallas.