CeeDee Lamb has established himself as one of the top receivers in the NFL, though it’s interesting to note that the name he’s known by isn’t the one he was given at birth.
The 25-year-old has been making waves ahead of the Dallas Cowboys‘ Week 1 match against the Cleveland Browns this weekend.
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A contract dispute had caused Lamb to miss all of training camp, resulting in substantial fines during the tense negotiations.
The athlete from Louisiana was set to become a free agent after the season, as he was playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.
However, a significant agreement was reached at the end of August, when the Cowboys made Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The two sides finalized a lucrative $136 million (£103.7 million), four-year contract, featuring $100 million (£76 million) guaranteed and a record-setting $38 million (£28.9 million) signing bonus for a wide receiver.
Yet, in signing this deal, which made him the highest-paid wide receiver in Cowboys’ history, Lamb found his documents included a different name.
What is CeeDee Lamb’s real name?
The former Oklahoma star was born Cedarian DeLeon Lamb.
The NFL has a history of players adopting new names after being drafted, often adding Sr., Jr., III, IV, and V to their jerseys.
For some, this change is simply aesthetic, while others find it more meaningful. For Lamb, the nickname « CeeDee » has roots in his childhood.
In fact, he went by his given name until his first football practice in fourth grade when he was just nine years old.
His coach, Darrick Reed, initially suggested the nickname ‘DVD’ due to Lamb’s highlight-reel performances, which quickly evolved into ‘CD’.
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Credit: Getty
As time went on, the spelling of his nickname evolved to the now-familiar ‘CeeDee’, which is recognized by all but one person in his life.
“I feel like CeeDee is what I am now,” Lamb stated.
“My mom is the only one who still calls me Cedarian. She uses it when she’s upset or when I’m in trouble. I prefer to keep it that way.”
Lamb is now enjoying the stability that comes from committing his future to the Cowboys with a long-term contract.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that Lamb’s presence will boost team morale as the season opener approaches.
McCarthy remarked: « Not only do we talk about his production and contributions, but when he walks into the locker room with that big smile, it energizes everyone. That is the kind of enthusiasm he brings to our locker room. »
https://talksport.com/nfl/2034837/ceedee-lamb-real-name-origin-dallas-cowboys-nfl/
