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/David Dermer) AP Photo/David Dermer

The 27-year-old said he’s not entirely sure what other protocols he must go through to get the league to approve the last name change, but knows he has to get a new driver’s license and social security card. 

While Bako-Bewele began the process of changing his last name in March, it’s been on his mind for longer. 

“Yeah, probably for a few years, probably back since college at least,” he said. “But this offseason, I kind of did a little bit more research. It just kind of came to me, and I just wanted to do it. I had time, so I was just like, ‘Let’s just go ahead and get it done.'”

Bako-Bewele missed the final four games of 2025 with a partially torn patellar tendon.

After undergoing surgery, he’s been limited to individual drills and walk-through snaps, though he’s optimistic about a Week 1 return. 

Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom (50) runs through a drill during practice on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect) USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

“It’s getting better,” he said. “Hopefully I can start doing team [drills] within a week or so, but yeah I mean I’m out there moving around. I feel good, look good, so it’s time to get it going.”

Bako-Bewele was excellent when healthy last season, as his 83.5 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 7th among 89 tackles.