The Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh is a man of his word. From keeping a promise to implement strategies immaculately on the field to fulfilling commitments beyond the game, Harbaugh lives by his words. Before fully saying goodbye, the former Michigan Wolverines’ coach returned to Ann Arbor for one last time on Saturday, May 11.

Yet again, he kept the promise he made back in 2023 and flaunted the Michigan “M” and ’15-0′ tattooed on his right arm. Apart from the fans, Harbaugh’s kids came up with the assurance that the tattoo casts a spell on the HC. 

The Wolverines’ special tattoo adds a touch of youth to Harbaugh

This promise was made at a time when Harbaugh was the captain of the Wolverines’ ship that he’d get a ‘15-0’ tattoo if the Wolverines went undefeated. Three weeks after getting the tattoo, it’s time for Harbaugh to give it some attention as he gave an interview on this action.

Claiming to be “impervious to pain”, the tattoo did not give him a tough time while healing. What was even better is that the now Chargers HC got full backup from his family as far as his inking decision is concerned.

“Everybody seems to like it. The family likes it, the kids like it. Everybody … it’s been unanimous, 100-percent support. The kids said it makes me look younger, so I’ll take it,” Harbaugh happily revealed. While revisiting Ann Arbor for the national title ring ceremony, an emotional Harbaugh got carried away and ended up paying tribute to his old family in a unique way. Other than this, the ‘15-0’ has a special significance. 

The story behind Harbaugh’s ‘15-0’ ink

This was the very first time for Harbaugh to get a tattoo and the ‘firsts’ being always special, it had to be about something close to the HC’s heart. After Michigan’s 34-13 victory over Washington in the College Football Playoff Championship Game it was confirmed by Harbaugh, “I have no ink on my body. No tattoos anywhere, but I did say that to our players.”

He further continued, “I said if we go 15-0, I’m getting a tattoo. It’s 15-0. I’m going to put it on my shoulder, I don’t know if it’s my left or right yet. I’m a right-handed quarterback. I’ll probably get it on my right. And then an M too, an M that’s maize and blue M. Also that signifies a thousand in Roman numerals.”  The Roman numeral for 1000 as found on Harbaugh’s tattoo posted by Michigan team chaplain Robby Emery, has a special significance. Michigan became the first college football program to win 1,000 games with its 31-24 victory over Maryland on Nov. 18.

Last season has been extra special for Harbaugh, since under his tutelage, the Wolverines won the first national title since 1997. On the April 20 ring ceremony, Michigan received four rings. Out of the quadruplet bands of honors, two belonged to the national title (one from the school and one from the CFP), one for the Big Ten title, and the other for the Rose Bowl championship. Hence a national championship title is worth all the pain!