Why Packers right tackle Zach Tom changed his last name

It’s official: Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom has changed his name to Zach Bako-Bewele.

The change has gone through on the team’s official website, and Bako-Bewele has confirmed it himself, also.

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So, why is the former Packers fourth-round pick changing his last name?

He shared the reason behind the switch with reporters on Sunday.

“I want to have a name, especially when I started having kids and stuff, that I can pass down where it represents where they came from, where I came from,” he said. “I just feel like that people will see that name and have a good understanding of who I am.”

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Tom, whose ancestry is Nigerian, said Bako is the last name of his grandmother on his dad’s side, while Bewele is the last name of his grandfather on his dad’s side.

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Zach Bako-Bewele’s 2026 outlook

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Tom (50) is shown during the fourth quarter of their preseason game. The Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 20-7. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Zach Bako-Bewele is entering his fourth season in the NFL and will resume his duties as Green Bay‘s right tackle in 2026.

Bako-Bewele has had a very strong four years in the league, with the veteran giving up just six sacks and 85 pressures in 55 games (51 starts).

In 2025, the Packers offensive lineman missed five games due to injury, but he was elite when he was on the field.

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Bako-Bewele didn’t give up a single sack and posted the seventh-best overall Pro Football Focus grade among tackles, and the 12th- and 15th-best run-blocking and pass-blocking marks, respectively.

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He was even better the year prior, at least in terms of his PFF grades. Bako-Bewele ranked fourth, 12th and third in overall, pass-blocking and run-blocking grades.

The Packers have already rewarded Bako-Bewele handsomely for his stellar play, with Green Bay shelling out a four-year, $88 million contract extension for him.

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Despite his impressive play, Bako-Bewele continues to fly under the radar nationally, as he has yet to be awarded a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod.

But that could very well change in 2026 if he can put together another top-notch showing for the Packers.

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