Baltimore Ravens helmet shown on field. Justin Madubuike has changed his name to "Nnamdi."Baltimore Ravens helmet (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)


Baltimore Ravens superstar defensive tackle has changed his first name prior to the team’s season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.

Per Ryan Mink of the Ravens’ official team website, Justin Madubuike announced that he’s now going by his Nigerian birth name, Nnamdi. So the 26-year-old is now Nnamdi Madubuike:

“Coming from Nigerian culture, our parents give us like an American name and give us a Nigerian name. When we were growing up as little kids, they addressed us as our Nigerian name. So Nnamdi, I believe in my heart, that’s my real name.”

Madubuike’s teammate, fourth-year linebacker Odafe Oweh, is also of Nigerian descent and previously went by “Jayson Oweh” before changing his first name ahead of his 2021 rookie season.

Justin Madubuike’s parents are from Nigeria and immigrated to the United States before he was born in Dallas, Texas. He attended high school in McKinney (a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth) and played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies.

Justin Madubuike is coming off a career year in which he recorded 13 sacks and one forced fumble, earning Second-team All-Pro honors as well as his first career Pro Bowl nod. He helped the Ravens reach the AFC Championship Game for the first time in 11 years, but they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs 17-10.

After his career year, Justin Madubuike agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $98 million. His goal to build off last year’s success begins on Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium in the NFL Kickoff Game.

Justin Madubuike Is A Key To Ravens Success In 2024

If there’s one weakness on Baltimore’s stout defense, it’s another game-changing pass-rusher outside of Madubuike. So the team’s Super Bowl hopes largely come down to Madubuike building off last year, and for him to make an impact in the postseason.

The Ravens play in football’s toughest division which featured four teams with winning records a year ago. They have the most balanced roster in the AFC North, but the defense must step up and complement Lamar Jackson and the offense again if they’re to embark on a deep playoff run.