Packers OT Zach Tom changes name to Zach Bako-Bewele ahead of 2026 season

[ASFN Admin]

One of the Green Bay Packers’ veteran offensive linemen is heading into the season with a new name: Offensive tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, formerly Zach Tom, has legally changed his last name.

When speaking to reporters on Sunday, Bako-Bewele said that he chose to select a last name that represented more about his family history. Bako-Bewele’s name combines the Nigerian last names of his paternal grandparents.

“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 told reporters. “People will see that name and have a good understanding of who I am and where I come from.”

Zach Tom is no longer Zach Tom. He legally changed his name to Zach Bako-Bewele, a combination of his grandparents’ Nigerian last names.

“Especially when I start having kids, I want to have a name that I can pass down where it represents where they came from, where I came from.” pic.twitter.com/JDPkjnvhtU

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 2, 2026

The name change was reflected by the team on Sunday, with Bako-Bewele’s name plate on his locker and his profile on the Packers’ website both being updated.


Bako-Bewele, who was drafted out of Wake Forest in 2022, has spent his entire career with the Packers. Bako-Bewele signed a four-year extension with Green Bay last summer, earning a historic $30.2 million signing bonus.

The 27-year-old is set to be the team’s starting right tackle this season.

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