The Psychology Of Tattoos, Demonstrated By Rex Ryan

Tattoos can be a form of personal branding — but that gets risky if your “brand” changes over time. (Photo: Getty Images)

New York Jets fans were not happy when coach Rex Ryan was fired in December of 2014 (including football mega-fan George R.R. Martin, who took to his blog to express his disappointment). But the show must go on, and Ryan, who was picked up two weeks later to be head coach of the Buffalo Bills, decided to accept the new chapter in his life in a very permanent way.

Last Friday, Ryan had his famous tattoo depicting a pinup cartoon-version of his wife wearing a Jets jersey changed from green to Bills blue. “I mean, you’ve got to turn the page,” he said, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Incoming Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan updates his tattoo to his new team colors. (Photo: Instagram)

The change gives him closure. (Although one could argue that he didn’t have much of a choice. He couldn’t very well show up to his first day with the Bills sporting Jets green.) “Some people find tattoos to be cathartic and help with saying goodbye and moving on,” explains psychotherapist Heather Quinlan. “Conversely, they may be celebrations of new beginnings or new perspectives on life.” This is seen when people who’ve beaten cancer or survived traumatic events get tattoos to celebrate their lives.

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Ryan’s new tattoo acts as a strong symbol tying him to a new group, i.e the Bills. “Tattoos can be a form of personal branding,” continues Quinlan. Tattoos have a long, storied history this way. From ancient Celtic warriors, to modern sailors, gang members, and even newly-18 sorority girls who get Greek letters on their ankle, people have long used permanent ink to create identities and show allegiance to a group.

Tattoos to declare undying love are also in the same vein, and make a bold statement about your commitment.

This is a risky thing to do, since life happens and loyalties change. Couples break up (Remember Johnny Depp’s “Wino Forever” that was once “Winona Forever”?). People switch groups or no longer want to be identified with certain people. “Getting a tattoo of something potentially temporary could be seen as an impulsive move, but may be perceived by the individual as driven by optimism and confidence. Only time will tell if the optimism was misplaced,” says Quinlan.

If Ryan ever ends up with a team whose colors are lighter than navy blue, he’ll be out of luck and might have to make an appointment for tattoo-removal instead.

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