The Redskins Blog

Robert Griffin III’s New Nickname

The Washington Redskins have had “Slingin’” Sammy Baugh and “Captain Bubbly” Joe Theismann under center in the team’s illustrious history, but some are already handing rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III his own nickname:

“The arm.”

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The Power Of A Name

AP Image

At some point or another, everyone has been pegged with a nickname that they don’t really like.  Maybe it’s embarrassing or offensive, but the time eventually comes to put your foot down.

We learned yesterday that when H.B. Blades became Horatio Benedict Blades in the media guide, he didn’t have a preference to what he wanted to be called, “it wasn’t a big deal either way.”

But for another Redskins player, the power of a name is deeply personal.

Oshiomogho Atogwe has been known for much of his career–and indeed most of his life–as ‘O.J.’  In order to answer the question of why he made the change, he answered with a few questions of his own.

“What is your name?” he asked me.  ”What do people know you as? That was the idea behind it.”

As he explained, his decision to change his name in the media guide came down to a matter of respect.

“There’s no problem with me having a nickname as long as people know what my real full name is,” he said.  ”It’s just an issue of respect and just honoring my Nigerian heritage.” Read more »

A Little More On Trent "Silverback" Williams

Last night on a conference call with local media, newly drafted offensive tackle Trent Williams gave a quick overview of how he got the nickname Silverback:

“It’s just a little thing me and my teammates kind of went with on the field,” he said. “Just a beast, like, Silverback is one of the strongest beasts so we kind of called ourselves that.” But that didn’t actually explain how Roger Goodell came to announce that the Redskins had selected “Trent ‘Silverback’ Williams” with their pick.

Rick Maese of the Washington Post was at the NFL Draft last night, so he heard Williams’ press conference at Radio City Music Hall and reports this explanation from Williams: Read more »