The New England Patriots have been the buzz of the NFL offseason. Players exiting. Tom Brady leaving. Rob Gronkowski being traded. Who would have thought the selection of a kicker in the fifth round of the NFL Draft Saturday could generate another source of controversy.
It did.
The Patriots chose Justin Rohrwasser from Marshall with the 14th pick, 159th overall. Rohrwasser started his college career at Rhode Island before transferring. A tattoo on his left arm caught the eyes of social media when pictures of Rohrwasser began to surface.
Featured prominently on Rohrwasser’s arm is a tattoo that is known as a symbol for the Three Percenters, a group recognized by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an “anti-government” organization.
Rohrwasser acknowledged the tattoo during a conference call with Patriots media members. Here’s what he said:
Question: One of your tattoos matches a group called the Three Percenters. What’s the story there?
Rohrwasser’s response: “I got that tattoo when I was a teenager and I have a lot of family in the military. I thought it stood for a military support symbol at the time. Obviously, it’s evolved into something that I do not want to represent. When I look back on it, I should have done way more research before I put any mark or symbol like that on my body, and it’s not something I ever want to represent. It will be covered.”
The Three Percenters group says it isn’t an anti-government militia but “we will defend ourselves when necessary.”
Rohrwasser said Patriots special-teams coach Cameron Achord attended his pro day in early March. There is no way to know if Rohrwasser’s tattoo was visible to Achord or if the kicker was wearing long sleeves that day. Rohrwasser did not wear sleeves in photos of him kicking at Marshall. Additionally, tattoos can be removed. Wonder if Rohrwasser will consider taking that step?
Excited to be a Patriot! https://t.co/tHEHQfWQQ1
— Justin Rohrwasser (@Xjrowex16) April 25, 2020