Mecole Hardman unveils a timeline of Black history as he takes off his shirt.

Featuring the likenesses of prominent Black Americans from American history and popular culture, the new Jets wide receiver’s enormous back tattoo is sure to turn heads.

The 25-year-old Hardman is also covered in ink all over his body.

As he was contemplating what to wear, the thought of honoring the pioneers who came before him and other Black Americans occurred to him.

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Hardman stated, “It’s always been interesting to me, just seeing where you come from and how we got to where we are at now” when asked about black history. The world was different in the past, therefore we shouldn’t idolize but rather honor those who came before us. As a Black person, you’re receiving greater positions now. I believe it’s important to show gratitude to people that assisted you.

Beginning on either shoulder, the tattoo has the phrase “Black Excellence” between the names of civil rights icons Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Beneath them, you can see Barack and Michelle Obama, with “44th” displayed above them. An picture of Rosa Parks is displayed near the Obamas.

Politics and civil rights were not Hardman’s only foci. Featured athletes are Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, and Tiger Woods; seated next to them are basketball greats Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James. In addition, Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. make appearances. Last but not least, Hardman invited entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey. A halo encircles the head of any deceased person depicted in the tattoo.

The inspiration to unite influential Black people in the fields of music, civil rights, athletics, and entertainment came from “somewhere,” Hardman said.

In June, he traveled to Los Angeles to have the tattoo done. The procedure required seven and a half hours, and five separate tattoo artists worked simultaneously on his back. Hardman slept through the procedure thanks to the sedation he got.

The reason Hardman’s back was so easy was because he was asleep, he explained. It was finished when I awoke. It was completely painless.

According to Hardman, choosing the historical personalities he want to honor on his back was a breeze.

“It was pretty much easy,” said Hardman. Everyone thinks of Serena Williams when they think of female athletes, in my opinion. Pac and Biggie come to mind when one thinks about music. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are names that come to mind when discussing civil rights. Kobe, Michael, and LeBron come to mind whenever the subject of basketball is brought up. It’s not difficult.