Ben Boulware’s Epic National Championship Tattoo After Desmond Howard’s Criticism
Ben Boulware’s journey to the National Championship was marked by grit, determination, and a memorable moment that led to one of his most iconic tattoos. It’s a story that starts with a comment from Desmond Howard before the 2016 National Championship game and ends with a piece of ink that represents more than just a win—it’s a statement of defiance.
On a recent episode of Clemson’s Two Right Turns podcast, Boulware opened up about the tattoo and the story behind it, sharing how it was inspired by Howard’s analysis of Clemson’s defense prior to the game against Alabama. While Howard praised the Tigers’ defense overall, he singled out the linebackers, claiming they were the Achilles’ heel of the defense due to their size and speed limitations.
“I was a short guy with not great top-end speed,” Boulware recalls. “When Desmond Howard said that, it really fired me up. He said the linebackers were the Achilles’ heel of the defense. I used that as fuel, no doubt.”
Fast forward to January 2017, and Boulware and his teammates were standing as National Champions after a thrilling 35-31 victory over Alabama. It was a hard-fought battle that proved the Tigers were one of the best teams in college football, and Dabo Swinney Stuns College Football by Keeping Clemson Stars Out of the Portal played a key role in leading the defense.
What better way to commemorate that achievement than with a tattoo? But this wasn’t just any tattoo. Boulware decided to get a piece of ink that would symbolize the triumph over the critics—specifically, the National Championship trophy, proudly displayed on his Achilles. It was a gesture not only for himself but for the entire defense that had been doubted.
Once the tattoo was complete, Boulware took to Twitter, sharing a photo and tagging Desmond Howard. The tweet blew up, quickly going viral as fans and critics alike saw the defiant message behind it. Boulware had turned the doubt into motivation, and now he was celebrating the ultimate victory.
But the tattoo’s journey didn’t stop there. As Boulware explains, this was not a painless process. “It was one of the most painful tattoos I’ve ever gotten,” he admits. “I have one on my calf, one on my full back, and then this one on my Achilles, and all three of them almost brought me to my knees. But this one? This one was on another level.”
The ink has become a part of Boulware’s legacy, representing not just a personal victory, but also the triumph of the entire Clemson defense. It serves as a reminder of the doubters, the critics, and the negative energy that Boulware transformed into fuel for his team’s success. And for anyone wondering where his National Championship tattoo is—well, it’s on his Achilles, forever etched in honor of his hard-fought victory.
In the end, it wasn’t just the game-winning play or the title that made the 2016 season unforgettable for Boulware. It was the journey—the drive to prove everyone wrong—and the lasting impact of that championship, symbolized in ink.
