Typically there are two types of nicknames for players in sports: achievement-based nicknames and ones that just stem from a person’s name like you or I would have. Robert Griffin III’s nickname falls under the latter category. The former Baylor star has probably been called a fair share of names that have to do with his athletic ability, but people normally call him RG3 because of his actual name. Despite that, Osi Umenyiora still feels as though Griffin has to earn the nickname.
“Who is this RG3 guy you guys keep talking about?” Umenyiora said on WFAN Tuesday according to the NY Post. “You talking about Bob Griffin? You guys are giving him a cool nickname already and everything. When he does anything in the NFL we’re gonna call him RG3. Right now he’s Bob Griffin.”
For starters, RG3 is no more of a nickname for Robert than Bob is. Umenyiora’s point is that Griffin doesn’t deserve a “cool” nickname until he has accomplished something, but calling the Redskins quarterback RG3 is no different from calling former Red Sox and Yankees outfielder Darnell McDonald “D-Mac.”
In reality, Osi is just talking a little trash — which we know he loves to do when it comes to division rivals. He’s trying to rattle the rookie a little bit, and there’s no harm in that. Having said that, it’s not like anyone is calling Griffin “The Chosen One” or “King Robert.” RG3 is nothing more than an abbreviated form of his actual name.
H/T DC Sports Bog
Photo credits: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE, Matthew Emmons-USPRESSWIRE
