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Ravens player Madubike to use Nigerian first name going forward
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    Ravens player Madubike to use Nigerian first name going forward

    As he prepares to follow up a breakout 2023 NFL season, Nnamdi (formerly Justin) Madubuike wants fans to know who he truly is.

    The Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman has decided to make a change back to his Nigerian-given first name, with the change already being reflected on his locker and Instagram profile.

    Madubuike, 26, was one of the league’s top defensive players last season as he ranked ninth in the NFL with a career-high 13 sacks. And ahead of the 2024 campaign — fresh off signing a four-year extension to remain in Baltimore — paying homage to his roots was a priority.

    “Coming from Nigerian culture, our parents give us like an American name and give us a Nigerian name,” Madubuike said, per Ryan Mink. “When we were growing up as little kids, they addressed us as our Nigerian name. So Nnamdi, I believe in my heart, that’s my real name.”

    The former third-round pick in 2017 said he took some inspiration from teammate and fellow Nigerian Odafe Oweh, who stopped going by Jayson when he was drafted in 2021.

    “Just learning from the older vets and stuff, I keep finding ways to get better every single year. I just started to just keep everything real in terms of my life,” he said. “After I signed my contract, I just need to keep doing that. I just felt like when I keep it real, the better player I am, the better man I am. I just was like, you know, I’m going to go with my real name. So Nnamdi is my real name.”

    His parents have always called him Nnamd despite the name on his birth certificate always being Justin. And when his father, Festus — who Madubuike credits as “my biggest supporter” — gave his blessing for the name switch ahead of this season, the 2023 Pro Bowl selection knew the change was a go.

    “I guess there’s the power of just being yourself. But I didn’t do it for those reasons. I did it just for me, being thoroughly honest with myself.”

    Madubuike and the Ravens open the 2024 NFL season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET / 5:20 p.m. PT.

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    In a surprising move, Baltimore Ravens player Chukwuma Madubike has announced that he will be using his Nigerian first name, Chukwuma, going forward in his professional football career. The defensive lineman, who was born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States as a child, has decided to embrace his cultural heritage and honor his roots by making this change.

    Madubike, who has been known by his last name since entering the NFL, explained his decision in a statement released by the Ravens organization. “I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and I want to represent my culture on the field,” he said. “Using my first name, Chukwuma, is a way for me to connect with my roots and show respect for where I come from.”

    The decision to use his Nigerian first name is not uncommon among professional athletes who have immigrant backgrounds. Many players have chosen to reclaim their original names as a way to celebrate their heritage and promote diversity in sports. By using his first name, Madubike hopes to inspire other young athletes to embrace their cultural identities and be proud of who they are.

    Fans of the Ravens have shown their support for Madubike’s decision, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for his courage and authenticity. Some have even suggested that they will now refer to him by his first name as a sign of respect for his heritage.

    As Madubike prepares for the upcoming NFL season, he is excited to step onto the field as Chukwuma and showcase his talent and determination as a proud Nigerian-American athlete. His decision to use his Nigerian first name is not just a personal choice, but a statement of pride and empowerment that will undoubtedly inspire others to embrace their cultural identities in all aspects of their lives.