Brian Schottenheimer told ESPN he has five tattoos, all added since 2022. Four are visible on his left arm and hand, with another on the opposite side of his left forearm. He treats them as reminders of faith, family, Tennessee and the attitude he wants to bring to football.
Brian Schottenheimer’s collection starts with meaning
The pieces are small: words, numbers and a cross made from three nails. The close ESPN image shows the hand tattoo as Schottenheimer holds a football; the other press portraits provide context, not close evidence of the ink. The visible designs use mostly black lettering and simple linework, without forming a continuous sleeve.
Faith keeps the first note simple
Below his left elbow, the word “Jireh” comes from Hebrew and means “The Lord will provide.” Schottenheimer linked it to the Maverick City Music song “Jireh,” which he listens to in good and difficult moments. He described the tattoo as part of his Christian faith and spiritual journey.
The three ideas fit in one line
Cursive lettering on the outside of his left forearm reads “faith family football.” Schottenheimer calls these his three “whys,” the priorities beneath his work and identity. A Cowboys press portrait accompanies this section but doesn’t show the tattoo close up.
A code that stays personal
On the inside of his left wrist is “TN” followed by 17, 27 and 19. He calls it a “life license plate”: TN stands for Tennessee, 17 is his wife Gemmi’s birthday, 27 his son Sutton’s and 19 his daughter Savannah’s. It sits just above his watchband, easy to see and easy to cover.
A daily checkpoint
The word “grit” is tied to Schottenheimer’s friend, songwriter Jason Ingram, who has “Hope” between his forefinger and thumb. Schottenheimer chose a word of his own for the attitude he tries to bring to coaching and life. He says grit means working harder, fighting longer and staying steady through highs and lows, including as a husband, father and friend.
The last idea stays concise
The newest confirmed tattoo is a three-nail cross below “Jireh,” closer to his left elbow. Schottenheimer said it represents the nails from the crucifixion and reminds him of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. He estimated it took 25 minutes to tattoo, compared with 15 to 18 minutes for the other pieces.
Why the open space matters
Schottenheimer has left the top of his forearm open for a possible Cowboys tattoo, perhaps a Lombardi Trophy or Super Bowl ring if the team reaches that point. He wants the design to mark a specific achievement, so he’s waiting to decide. The accompanying introductory portrait is contextual, not a close view of the blank area.
What makes the collection work
His five tattoos are compact, but each has a reason Schottenheimer shared with ESPN: faith, family, Tennessee, grit and a Christian symbol. The unused space is the one part he has left for a future team milestone. Press portraits add context; his interview supplies the meanings behind the marks.