Heritage Name Change
Green Bay Packers Tackle Zach Tom Changes Name to Bako-Bewele, Honoring Nigerian Ancestry
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Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom has changed his name to Zach Bako-Bewele, honoring his father's Nigerian roots. The new name blends the names of his paternal grandfather and grandmother, making it a deeply personal tribute to his family heritage, according to Post-Crescent.
The Packers have already updated their official roster to reflect the new name. Bako-Bewele will also wear the name on new No. 50 jerseys. However, he still must wait for his legal documents to match before applying directly with the NFL to use the name officially in league records, Journal Sentinel reported.
A Name Rooted in Family and Nigerian Heritage
Bako-Bewele began the legal process to change his name in March. The two-part surname is not random — "Bako" comes from his paternal grandfather's name, and "Bewele" comes from his paternal grandmother's name. Together, they represent his father's Nigerian ancestry in a way his birth name, Tom, never could, according to Wausau Daily Herald.
The decision reflects a growing trend among athletes to reclaim cultural identities through their names. For Bako-Bewele, the change is personal, not political. It is a direct link to the Nigerian side of his family that he wants to carry with him on and off the field, Stevens Point Journal noted.
Packers Update Roster and Jerseys Ahead of NFL Approval
The Green Bay Packers moved quickly to support the change. The team updated his name on their official roster and will put the new name on his No. 50 jerseys. The team's support shows how seriously they are taking his request, Sheboygan Press reported.
Still, there is one hurdle left. Bako-Bewele must wait until his legal paperwork — such as his driver's license or passport — matches his new name. Once that is done, he can apply directly to the NFL to make the change official in league records, according to Marshfield News-Herald.
From Draft Pick to Starting Right Tackle in Green Bay
Bako-Bewele, formerly known as Zach Tom, was drafted by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest. He quickly became a key piece of Green Bay's offensive line and has started at right tackle, earning praise for his versatility and toughness, The Northwestern reported.
Now in his fourth season, the name change adds a new layer to his story. He is not just a rising lineman in the NFL. He is a man choosing to carry his family's history with him every time he steps on the field, according to Post-Crescent.
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