Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin never liked being called “Muscle Hamster.”
Even when everything was clicking for him during his stellar rookie season, in which Martin rushed for 1,454 yards (11 touchdowns), he called it “the worst nickname ever.”
On paper, though, the nickname made sense. Standing at just five-foot-nine, but weighing 223 pounds, Martin may be short, but he is extremely muscular. Still, the Bucs running back hates the name, so he’s come up with a new one.
And no, it’s not “Dougie Fresh.” He told reporters on Wednesday it’s “Dougernaut.”
Doug Martin, who doesn’t like the “Muscle Hamster” label, said he’s going with “Dougernaut” as his nickname from now on.
— Andrew Astleford (@aastleford) October 21, 2015
If the new nickname signifies a positive change for Martin, then more power to him. After disappointing 2013 and 2014 campaigns, he’s rushed for 229 yards (three touchdowns) in his last two games, and seems to be returning to his 2012 form.