What’s in a Name – the Name Game of Sports

“What’s in a name?” Juliet asks in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” At least in the world of sports, having the right name’s a big deal.

Take Tim Tebow, for example. From the time Florida recruited him, “Tebow” carried mystique. The name sounds athletic all by itself. No wonder he won two national championships and a Heisman Trophy. Now if he can just make a name for himself in the NFL.

Years ago, Chad Johnson changed his name to Ochocinco. But in his case, it hasn’t helped much. Maybe it’s because the correct Spanish for 85, his uniform number, is ochenta y cinco. To have the right name in sports, you have to get the name right. Something like “Peyton,” maybe?

How about Jimmer Fredette? He scored points galore for Brigham Young, and now "Jimmer" must prove he can do it in the NBA. But do you think he would have gotten as much attention if his name were Joe Wilson?

Maybe the best sports name of all is Dale Earnhardt Jr. When his dad died tragically at Daytona International Speedway in 2001, many NASCAR fans presumed “Junior” would fill his shoes. “Little E” has had a respectable career to date, with 18 Sprint Cup wins and nearly 100 top 5’s, but do you really think he’d have gotten all the media focus he’s received if his name were George Bartlett?

Amazingly, Jeff Gordon’s had a stellar career with an ordinary name. Would Danica Patrick, who’s not won in NASCAR yet, grab as much attention if she were Jill Smith?

Baseball has always been big with names, preferably nicknames: “The Mick,” Yogi, “Hammerin’ Hank,” the “Say Hey Kid,” “Joltin’ Joe,” “the Splendid Splinter,” A-Rod. It’s amazing Albert Pujols is as good as he is – there’s definitely no magic in his name.

Then we have the NBA’s divas, typically with only first names: Lebron, Kobe, Carmelo, Shaq. Perhaps the greatest of them all, Michael Jordan, was known as either Michael or MJ. But some of us still remember Wilt, Kareem, and Magic.

All great names. The Bible says names are important, too. Particularly one: Jesus. Think about it. You just read that name and had an immediate reaction – pro or con. Reading “Jesus” either just turned you off, or made you smile.

To my knowledge, Jesus Christ is the only spiritual leader whose name is used for swearing. When was the last time you heard someone cussing and say, “Oh, Muhammad!”? Or, “Buddha!”? “Confucius!”? “Vishnu!” anyone?

The Bible tells us, “…for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). And, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Many people don’t believe it, but that’s what the Scriptures say.

So, what’s in a name? Apparently, a lot!