Packers Star Announces He Legally Changed His Name — Here's Why
Green Bay Packers fans may need to buy new jerseys for the 2026 NFL season after one of the team's star's changed his name.
The Green Bay Packers have seen several notable updates at their training camp. Tight end Tucker Kraft has been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a torn ACL sustained last November. Quarterback Jordan Love expressed anticipation for a successful season.
All-Pro defensive end Micah Parson, however, remains sidelined due to his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL and is not expected to play at the start of the season. Nonetheless, Parson continues to be an integral part of the camp. Among the roster changes, right tackle Zach Tom has legally altered his name to Zach Bako-Bewele, a decision aimed at celebrating his Nigerian heritage.
In an interview with the Packers' official website, Bako-Bewele elaborated on his motivation for the name change, stating, "Talking to my dad a little bit, I just wanted to have a name that represented where I came from, my ancestry, just get back to my roots." He further explained, "When [my grandfather] was coming over — because they don't really do names the same way — it got changed because Tom is my dad's dad's first name."
Bako-Bewele, drafted by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Wake Forest, has proven to be a dependable tackle, starting all 17 games in both 2023 and 2024. Despite his name's alteration, Packers analysts remain confident in his continued performance in 2026.
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