Last season, the Indianapolis Colts finished with a 9-8 record, but their defense struggled, ranking among the bottom teams in the NFL for yards allowed.
Despite tallying 51 sacks collectively, no player reached double-digit sacks.
In search of a standout pass rusher, the Colts turned to the NFL Draft. They selected UCLA’s edge rusher Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick.
Latu made headlines even before stepping onto the field for the Colts, showcasing his commitment to the team in a unique way—by getting a sizable Colts logo tattooed on his shoulder. This move garnered praise from former All-Pro punter Pat McAfee, who hailed the tattoo as “beautiful.”
Colts’ first-round draft pick Laiatu Latu already has a horseshoe tattoo and has the @PatMcAfeeShow FIRED UP.
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 1, 2024
"He said this is forever, brother!"pic.twitter.com/T4Ffr4N4ex
Opting for such a prominent tattoo before making his NFL debut is undoubtedly bold. However, in a whimsical twist, if things don’t pan out on the field, the tattoo could still pass off as a horseshoe, the Colts’ iconic emblem.
The Colts are banking on Latu to make an immediate impact on their defense.
As the first defensive player chosen in the draft, expectations are high for the former Bruin. Latu’s impressive collegiate stats, including 23.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, underscore why he was the top defensive prospect selected.
If Latu replicates his college success in the NFL, any scrutiny over his tattoo choice will fade away. A single season with 14 sacks could even have fans lining up to emulate his ink.
Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts are very confident in their selection and it will be interesting to see how things play out.
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