USC Football Prospect Named After Tupac Character Has Never Seen the Movie

Bishop Fitzgerald reveals he hasn't watched 'Juice' despite being named after the film's protagonist.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:08pm

An abstract, expressionistic painting in neon colors depicting a blurred football player in mid-motion, capturing the dynamic energy of a rising sports star.An artistic interpretation of the raw energy and passion of a top NFL prospect, whose unique backstory has added intrigue to his pre-draft journey.Woodbridge Today

USC football standout Bishop Fitzgerald, who is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, revealed in a recent interview that he was named after the character Roland Bishop from the 1992 Tupac Shakur film 'Juice.' However, Fitzgerald admitted that he has never actually seen the movie that inspired his name.

Why it matters

Fitzgerald's story highlights the unexpected ways names can be chosen and the disconnect that can sometimes exist between a person's name and their actual familiarity with its origins. As a top NFL prospect, Fitzgerald's name and backstory have become part of the pre-draft narrative around him.

The details

During an interview with Good Morning Football, Fitzgerald disclosed that he was named after Tupac's character Roland Bishop from the 1992 crime drama 'Juice.' However, the USC star confessed that he has never actually seen the film. Juice follows the lives of four Black youths growing up in Harlem, with Tupac playing the role of the troubled Bishop. The movie was directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, who had previously worked on several Spike Lee films.

  • Fitzgerald is currently preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23.

The players

Bishop Fitzgerald

A standout football player at USC who is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, despite never having seen the movie he was named after.

Tupac Shakur

The late rapper and actor who starred as the character Roland Bishop in the 1992 film 'Juice.'

Ernest R. Dickerson

The director of 'Juice' who had previously worked on several Spike Lee films.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen Juice. I know, it's crazy.”

— Bishop Fitzgerald, USC Football Player

What’s next

Fitzgerald will look to impress NFL teams at the upcoming draft combine and pro day events as he aims to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Fitzgerald's story serves as a reminder that a person's name does not always reflect their direct connection to its origins. As he prepares to potentially join the NFL, Fitzgerald's unique backstory has added an interesting layer to his pre-draft narrative.