Why Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom changed his name in surprise

Zach Tom is now Zach Bako-Bewele. The Packers’ right tackle changed his surname to honor his Nigerian ancestry, telling reporters he wanted a name that represented his heritage, as Bako is his paternal grandmother’s last name and Bewele is his paternal grandfather’s last name. “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,” Bako-Bewele said. “People will see that name and have a good understanding of who I am, where I come from.” Bako-Bewele had his new last name on the back of his No. 50 jersey at Sunday’s practice. Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Tom looks to block during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 27, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/