Xavier University Athletics
Xavier Nation Magazine Feature: Skin Game - Tyrique Jones
09.12.17 | Athletic Department, Featured
Honor Thy Father: The sophomore forward shares the story behind his six tattoos
CINCINNATI - The latest edition of Xavier Nation Magazine explored the inspiration behind the tattoos of eight Xavier student-athletes.Â
These student-athletes have chosen to mark themselves with reminders, tributes and inspirations. We get the stories behind their ink.
(GoXavier.com will share the stories of each student-athlete over the next two weeks)
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Sport:Â BasketballÂ
Hometown:Â Bloomfield, Conn.
Number of tattoos:Â Â 6
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When Jones sat for his first tattoo at age 16, there was no question that the design would begin with 88 and heavenly wings. "Eighty-eight" was the nickname he was given by his father, Lester, in reference to his birth weight of 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Tyrique Jones didn't have many years with his dad, who drowned in an accident 15 years ago.
He strengthened the memorial with tattoos of stars (because his dad called Tyrique's older brother, 23-year-old Dajoun, a "young star"), a basketball, and his dad's jersey.
While that collection of images is easily visible, the tattoo on Jones's back is less so. The sentiment—"I'm my brother's keeper"—is for Dajoun, a senior at Eastern Connecticut University. Says Jones: "I never told my brother this but ever since my father passed away, I've looked up to him. He's always been the father figure to keep me in line. I feel like because of him, I am who I am today."
These student-athletes have chosen to mark themselves with reminders, tributes and inspirations. We get the stories behind their ink.
(GoXavier.com will share the stories of each student-athlete over the next two weeks)
Â
 |
 TYRIQUE JONES |
Sport: Basketball Hometown: Bloomfield, Conn.
Number of tattoos:Â Â 6
Â
|
|
 HONOR THY FATHER |
When Jones sat for his first tattoo at age 16, there was no question that the design would begin with 88 and heavenly wings. "Eighty-eight" was the nickname he was given by his father, Lester, in reference to his birth weight of 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Tyrique Jones didn't have many years with his dad, who drowned in an accident 15 years ago.
He strengthened the memorial with tattoos of stars (because his dad called Tyrique's older brother, 23-year-old Dajoun, a "young star"), a basketball, and his dad's jersey.
While that collection of images is easily visible, the tattoo on Jones's back is less so. The sentiment—"I'm my brother's keeper"—is for Dajoun, a senior at Eastern Connecticut University. Says Jones: "I never told my brother this but ever since my father passed away, I've looked up to him. He's always been the father figure to keep me in line. I feel like because of him, I am who I am today."
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