Tattoos are an outlet to express values, style, culture and artistry. Every tattoo, no matter how big or small, has a story behind it. Each one means something to its owner, whether that is a mantra that helps to push through tough times or a symbol that serves as a reminder of a friend.
This Saturday, April 20, North Carolina FC’s Inked Night will celebrate all things tattoos. Fans will have the opportunity to airbrush temporary tattoos with artists or take some pre-made tattoos home with them. Tickets can be purchased here.
NCFC defender, and Gastonia, North Carolina native Ezra Armstrong is no stranger to tattoos. Of the dozen he has, he says only one was, “on a whim.”
“I knew that if I was going to get a tattoo, I would make sure it had meaning behind it, because of the way we grew up in our family.” Armstrong said.
Armstrong is the son of former USMNT player Desmond Armstrong and his brother, Dida, also plays professional soccer.
Many of his tattoos contain biblical references. Most are positive messages that serve as important reminders in his life. His tattoos were well thought out and he said it took about six years to accumulate all 12. He’s got another lined up for this May.

One of his favorites is a sword that resides on his inner arm. It represents Aragorn’s sword from “Lord of the Rings” and is often seen as a symbol of hope and strength. For Armstrong, tattoos also represent important morals from his own life.
A depiction of Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun in Greek mythology, sits on his neck. Armstrong says this reflects his youthful hastiness and ambition and is a visible reminder to sustain initiative yet remain humble.
“It reminds me how intrusive and impossible I was as a young kid. It reminds me not to fly too close to the sun,” he said.
Armstrong says his tattoos not only represent life lessons but serve as an emblem of friendship. Every time he glances in the mirror and catches a sight of the saying in Hebrew “מעל הכל,” which in English translation states “Above It All,” on his collarbone with two little olive branches on both ends, he is reminded of his friend with a similar tattoo on his back.
“I only knew that guy for two months. Now we are just best buds,” Armstrong said.
To Armstrong, tattoos express his values to the world, but more importantly, hold a personal meaning for him to carry every day. His body reflects the values he’s learned from his family, friends, and experiences.