What does Zion Williamson's back tattoo mean? Significance and more explored

Zion Williamson had his first tattoo late last year, showing it off on social media. It was a huge back tattoo with the words "Mount Zion" on it, but what does it mean?

In a postgame interview on Nov. 30, 2022, Williamson explained the meaning of his back tattoo. He said it was to honor his grandmother who passed away when he was just one. His grandmother helped his mother come up with his name.

"My grandmother passed away when I was one," Williamson said. "She helped my mom come up with my name. So it's a biblical reference as well. When I talked to the artist about it, he understood where I was coming from.

"He understood the spiritual aspect that I wanted on why I wanted the tattoo. The artist, myself, my mom, my grandmother, and friends and family, that what's this tattoo's for."

Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem just outside the Old City. It has been mentioned in the Bible several times. The word Zion means the entire land of Israel.

Zion Williamson's back tattoo was crafted by artist Anthony Michaels, who works at Twenty Five Twelve Collective in Tucson, Arizona. Michaels explained the process of creating the New Orleans Pelicans superstar's ink in March.

"Zion Williamson trusted me with his first-ever tattoo," Michaels wrote. "Humbled is an understatement. Thank you, brother. We worked on this piece a while ago, and I haven't posted because social media can be an overwhelming place sometimes.

"Putting my work out there for the whole world to see is not always comfortable. It can actually be terrifying. ⁠I don't think I am alone in this thought process, am I? ⁠ ⁠ I'm going to try my best to give myself grace and post a little more frequently.⁠"

---

Zion Williamson in midst of turbulent offseason

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans

Williamson played just 29 games this season due to a hamstring injury. The New Orleans Pelicans will hope their star player will be available for more games next season.

Williamson's offseason got off to a great start when he announced that he will be a father for the first time. He and his girlfriend Ahkeema are expecting to a daughter later this year.

However, it has gone downhill since then. Fans uncovered red flags about Ahkeema, who was allegedly involved in illegal CPN scams.

Adult star Moriah Mills also called out Williamson, while another woman named Yami Taylor accused him of cheating.