The New Orleans Saints introduced Travis Etienne Jr. on Friday, and the former Jacksonville Jaguars running back introduced a shocking bit of information to most of the country.
Etienne Jr.’s introductory press conference began with a reporter asking, “Now that you’re back here, how would you like your last name pronounced?” Etienne Jr. grew up in Louisiana before becoming a national standout at Clemson and joining the Jags as the No. 25 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“Whenever I left for college, I never thought I’d be back here in this moment, but, man, I’m so grateful,” Etienne Jr., 27, said. “Growing up, it was Travis A-C-H-A-N-E. That’s how you always said, Travis Etienne. But when I went to college, I kept telling them my name every day, every day, every day. After like four weeks, they just couldn’t get it, so I’m like, ‘Man, it’s E-T-N.’ How you see it is how you say.”
For reference, Etienne Jr.’s last name is supposed to sound like that of Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.
Etienne Jr. said he let the incorrect pronunciation go because it was easier than correcting people every day. But, now that he’s back around Louisianans who get it, he said he’s “very much open” to officially using the actual pronunciation of his last name and “being myself.”
On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Saints had agreed to terms with Etienne Jr. on a four-year, $52 million contract.
Etienne Jr. has posted at least 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four NFL seasons, including 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns on 260 carries for the 13-4 Jaguars last season. Overall, Etienne Jr. leaves Jacksonville with 3,798 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground and 168 catches for 1,338 yards and seven touchdowns across 66 games.
Now that we have Etienne Jr.’s name pronunciation sorted, the question becomes, What will happen to Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara?
Earlier this month, the Saints reportedly adjusted Kamara’s contract to lower his 2026 cap number. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted, “It’s not a standard base salary-to-bonus conversion. Provides cap flexibility if he’s not with the team. A situation to monitor.” Saints head coach Kellen Moore was wishy-washy when asked about Kamara’s future on Thursday.
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