Packers' Zach Tom Changes Last Name to Bako-Bewele to Honor Nigerian Heritage
The right tackle began considering the change back in college and started the formal process in March, drawing on his father's family names.
Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom has legally changed his last name to Bako-Bewele, drawing on his father's Nigerian ancestry. Bako comes from his paternal grandmother's surname and Bewele from his paternal grandfather's, and the change became public Sunday when the Packers updated their roster.
What prompted the change?
Tom, 27, said he had been considering it since at least college and began the formal process in March. He wants the name to carry forward to future generations. "Especially when I start having kids and stuff, I want to have a name that I can pass down where it represents where they came from, where I came from," he said.
What does he hope it communicates?
"People will see that name and have a good understanding of who I am, where I come from," Tom said, describing the new name as a more complete reflection of his identity.
Is the change fully finalized?
Not entirely. Tom said he still needs to update his driver's license and Social Security card, and wasn't yet sure what additional league paperwork or protocol would be required for full recognition, even though he's already wearing Bako-Bewele on his No. 50 jersey.
Sources
- ESPN: Packers RT changes last name to Bako-Bewele to honor heritage
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