Packers OL Zach Tom Legally Changes Name, Explains Origins in Video

Zach Tom is no longer on the Green Bay Packers.

But Zach Bako-Bewele is.

The offensive lineman explained he officially changed his name to one with a special meaning since Bako is his father's mother's last name and Bewele is his father's father's last name:

Bako-Bewele has been with the Packers his entire career since they selected him with a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

He made five starts as a rookie and then started all 34 combined regular-season games during the 2023 and 2024 campaigns before injuries limited him to 12 games in 2025. 

Despite dealing with some setbacks, he was still excellent last season.

Pro Football Focus gave him an overall player grade of 83.5, which was seventh among 89 eligible tackles. He was also consistent as both a run-blocker (12th) and pass-blocker (15th), which is why he was so effective overall.

The question now is whether Bako-Bewele will be limited this season, but he provided an answer to that recently when he said he has every intention of playing in Week 1:

Green Bay starts its season on Sept. 13 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, and it seems like its newly named offensive lineman will be in the lineup.