It was December 20, 2024. The Houston Texans went head-to-head against the Chiefs. It was a third quarter with a 10-17 score on the board. And the Chiefs were pounding on the Texans, where CJ Stroud‘s team was also pulling up hard. But when they were trying hard to equal the score, CJ passed a touchdown throw towards WR Tank Dell, and boom. Tank Dell suffered an injury, which was reportedly a career-ending injury. He suffered multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap. 

Since then, he was making headlines. People wanted to know if the Texans wide receiver was recovering or not. But things are moving in a different direction now. According to an update, Tank Dell is making news for his leg again—and this time it’s an unexpected one. 

Dov Kleiman, an NFL reporter posted on X, “Texans WR Tank Dell went under anesthesia for a crazy leg sleeve tattoo that is Horror-themed. It includes Michael Myers, Scream, Chucky, and the Joker.” And also added, “Dell is coming into this season with a kill-or-be-killed mindset and is ready to dominate the league.” After this insane update, fans on Twitter went crazy.

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Dell covered his entire right thigh with an elaborate tattoo design inspired by his favorite horror movies. It showcases iconic characters and chilling scenes that reflect his love for the genre. The detailed artwork is a bold expression of his personality and passion for horror cinema.

And this updates comes in after the tragic news that Dell would miss the entirety of the 2025 season. The reason is simple: the 25-year-old WR fractured his fibula and underwent two surgeries. Though experts are saying he may miss the 2025 season, Dell is not thinking the same way. He sent a strong message to fans regarding the upcoming season. 

“Delayed but not denied. Say what you want; I will be back,” Dell said. This was followed by what the franchise clarified on his injury update. The Texans GM said that the WR “has been in good spirits, working hard.” Well, fans also want Dell to come back to court, but his tattoo update has invited a backlash. People are not mad about his tattooed legs, but the way he is doing it. 

Fans reacted heavily to Tank Dell’s leg tattoo 

A fan on X was shocked after seeing Dell’s full leg-sleeve tattoo and shared his experience: “The recovery getting that much done at once is gonna suck. Can’t imagine an athlete getting a leg done like that. I got my calf done and could barely walk for a week. He’s gotta be on crutches after this🤣🤣.” Another interesting take tried to remind Dell about the anesthesia during his two surgeries and said, “Might as well have gotten it done while he was in surgery.” 

But here is the most important comment for Tank Dell: “Crazy to go under anesthesia for a tat. I understand the pain is rough and that it’s hard to get pieces done when you play in the NFL, so he went for the full leg at once, but you should never go under anesthesia unless you have to.” And also added, “Not worth the risk.”

See most fans were surprised by the WR’s choice to get the sleeve with anesthesia, and this one had to take a jab on Dell’s supposed ‘mindset’: “Kill or be killed mindset, but had to be put to sleep to get the tattoo hmmmmm. Look for a fall off tbh.” Fans have obviously started doubting Dell’s capacity to bear the pain of a tattoo and the timing of it all doesn’t make sense to them. It simply didn’t make sense how Tank Dell decided to get a tattoo even while his left leg was still recovering from injury.

Well, despite being in the rehabilitation phase, he seems to be in good spirits. It’ll be interesting to see when the wide receiver will be cleared to resume his workout sessions and return to full football activities.