New Orleans Saints' Travis Etienne Jr. Explains Name Pronunciation

The running back has been clarifying how to say his name for years

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:21pm

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New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been explaining the proper pronunciation of his name for years, as the 2023 NFL Draft pick continues to correct people on how to say his first and last name correctly.

Why it matters

Etienne's name pronunciation has been a topic of discussion since he was a standout college player at Clemson University, and it's common for professional athletes to have to frequently clarify how to pronounce their names correctly, especially unusual or uncommon names.

The details

Etienne has consistently said his first name is pronounced "Trah-vis" and his last name is pronounced "Eh-sheen", with the emphasis on the second syllable. He has reiterated this explanation numerous times in interviews over the years, including during his time at Clemson and now as he joins the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

  • Etienne was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The players

Travis Etienne Jr.

A running back for the New Orleans Saints who was previously a standout player at Clemson University.

New Orleans Saints

A professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

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What they’re saying

“My first name is pronounced 'Trah-vis' and my last name is pronounced 'Eh-sheen', with the emphasis on the second syllable.”

— Travis Etienne Jr.

The takeaway

Even professional athletes with unique names have to frequently clarify the proper pronunciation, highlighting the importance of respecting how people want their names said and not making assumptions.