A Name Beyond the Nickname
Brauntae Johnson, a third‑year safety for the University of Notre Dame, has asked coaches and teammates to address him by his given name, pronounced “Bray‑ON‑tae,” rather than the moniker “Tae Tae” that has followed him since childhood. His social media profiles still display the nickname, but the player says the shift reflects a personal evolution.
The request surfaces as Johnson, a father of a 17‑month‑old daughter, describes the change as part of his maturation process and a desire to project a more professional identity on and off the field. He notes that the new name aligns with the responsibilities he now embraces.
Notre Dame’s official roster lists him as Brauntae Johnson, and the university has asked staff to use his full name in all official communications. However, teammates such as Kedren Young and Christian Gray continue to call him “Tae Tae,” while others like Leonard Moore have respected his preference.
Identity on the Field
Growing up in Fort Wayne, Johnson played high school football before joining the Fighting Irish, and he remains close to childhood friend Mylan Graham, a transfer wide receiver. The name change, he says, is a marker of the path he wishes to carve as he balances athletic ambition with family life.
Coaches and analysts alike have noted that the conversation highlights how personal branding can intersect with team culture, especially in a program as tradition‑rich as Notre Dame.