Travis Etienne Shocks NFL Revealing Saints Fans Will Finally Pronounce His Name Right

When Travis Etienne was introduced as the newest running back for the New Orleans Saints, he didn’t just talk about football.

He also cleared up something that has apparently been wrong across the NFL for years.

According to Etienne, the league has been mispronouncing his last name since he entered the league. Many broadcasters and fans have said it like the letters “E T N.”

But the Jennings, Louisiana native says the correct pronunciation is actually “Ay-Chan.”

Now that he is back home in Louisiana, Etienne joked that people will finally start saying it the right way.

The revelation quickly caught attention across social media and sports media, with several NFL insiders and outlets sharing the moment.

A Dream Move For The Louisiana Native

For Etienne, joining the Saints is about much more than correcting his name.

The 27 year old running back reportedly signed a four year, 52 million dollar deal with the team he grew up watching. The lifelong Saints fan said once New Orleans became an option during free agency, the choice became simple.

Etienne said teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos showed interest, but the moment the Saints entered the conversation it became a no brainer.

Growing up in Jennings, he remembers creating himself on Saints rosters in video games and pretending to be players like Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush while playing with his brother.

Seeing his own name next to the Saints logo now is something he called a dream.

What His Arrival Means For The Saints Backfield

Etienne joins a backfield that still features star running back Alvin Kamara, whose long term future with the team has been the subject of speculation.

Rather than viewing it as competition, Etienne says he is excited about forming a strong one two punch.

The former Clemson Tigers football star brings proven production to New Orleans, including a 1,000 yard rushing season earlier in his career.

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A New Jersey Number And A New Chapter

Etienne will also be wearing a new jersey number in New Orleans.

After wearing No. 9 in college and No. 1 during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has chosen No. 3 with the Saints.

He says the number change reflects how much his life has changed since entering the NFL.

Etienne now has an 11-month-old son named Saint and says he feels like he has matured both personally and professionally.

His goal in New Orleans is clear.

Etienne said he hopes to build a legacy with the Saints and eventually have that jersey number hanging in the rafters one day.

But he might have to talk to Bobby Hebert about that one.