Travis Etienne Jr. Reclaims Original Name in New Orleans

NFL player explains why he's using his full name again after playing under a shortened version.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:24pm

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Travis Etienne Jr., the New Orleans Saints running back, has decided to reclaim the original pronunciation of his name after playing under a shortened version during his college and early NFL career. Etienne says returning to Louisiana has allowed him to embrace his full identity again.

Why it matters

Etienne's decision to use his full name reflects a broader trend of public figures, especially athletes, asserting their cultural identities and rejecting Anglicized versions of their names. This can be an important part of personal and professional development.

The details

Etienne played college football at Clemson University, where his name was often shortened to just "Etienne." However, the running back says he's now comfortable using his full name, Travis Etienne Jr., since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Etienne wants to honor his Haitian heritage and the way his name is traditionally pronounced.

  • Etienne was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
  • Etienne began using his full name publicly in 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne Jr.

A running back for the New Orleans Saints who is reclaiming the original pronunciation of his name.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that drafted Etienne in 2023 and for whom he currently plays.

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What they’re saying

“Coming back home to Louisiana has allowed me to fully embrace my identity and the way my name is meant to be pronounced.”

— Travis Etienne Jr., New Orleans Saints Running Back

What’s next

Etienne is expected to continue playing for the New Orleans Saints and using his full name going forward.

The takeaway

Etienne's decision to reclaim the original pronunciation of his name is a powerful example of an athlete asserting their cultural identity, which can inspire others to do the same and celebrate the diversity of names and backgrounds in professional sports.