As the Baltimore Ravens start the new season, their team broadcast booth will have a new name on their flip charts. That new name is none other than Nnamdi Madubuike formerly known as Justin.
The 26-year-old defensive tackle changed his name recently according to the team website. Madubuike had gone by his English first name Justin, which is written on his birth certificate, from elementary school until 2024. More recently, he opted to switch to his Nigerian name Nnamdi in recognition of his heritage.
A quick peek at his Instagram page shows where he proudly displays the new name, Nnamdi Madubuike on the team issues nameplate above his locker. According to the team site, Madubuike’s perspective changed during the offseason after he signed a four-year, $98 million contract extension to remain in Baltimore. Madubuike wanted to pay homage to his heritage.
“Coming from Nigerian culture, our parents give us like an American name and give us a Nigerian name,” Madubuike said via the team site. “When we were growing up as little kids, they addressed us by our Nigerian name. So Nnamdi, I believe in my heart, that’s my real name.”
The name change is nothing new to Madubuike parents. They’ve always called him Nnamdi. It was just people outside of their home that referred to him as Justin. Now everyone will call him by his true name.
Madubuike isn’t the first Ravens player to change their name. Outside linebacker Odefe Oweh changed his name from Jayson in 2021. Like Madubuike, Oweh wanted to pay respects to his African heritage.
The name change is part of Madubuike’s quest to keep evolving and improving. It’s a way for him to be real with himself.
“Just learning from the older vets and stuff, I keep finding ways to get better every single year. I just started to keep everything real in terms of my life,” Madubuike told the team site. “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.”
NFL fans may have heard the name before because of former All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Now another All-Pro will shine light on the name.
Changing the name has a special reverence for Madubuike. The name Nnamdi means “My father is alive” according to nameberry.com.
It’s fitting that his father, Festus approved of the name change.
“My dad’s my biggest supporter, so when he approved it, I was like, ‘It’s a go,’” Madubuike said.So when you’re watching Ravens games and hear the play-by-play announcer call a new name, just know it’s the same old player.
