Nickell Robey-Coleman: Same Number, Different Name

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (37) against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The name on the back of the Bills’ No. 37 jersey looks a little different this year, although the player wearing it isn’t. Why is that?

Nickell Robey-Coleman is not the biggest guy on the Buffalo Bills‘ roster. In fact, at 5’7” and just 165 pounds, Robey-Coleman is the smallest player on the team. He’s had to overcome a lot of adversity in his NFL career with the Bills so far, but that’s not what motivates him the most.

Last season, when No. 37 ran out onto the field — like shown above — we saw his last name, Robey, on the back of his jersey… Obviously. So, why are we seeing Robey-Coleman on the back of his jersey this season?

It all started with the death of his mother, Maxine Robey, who was the unfortunate victim of a heart attack that ended up leading to her death. She was 44 years young when she passed in 2010 and started a mission for the young cornerback.

Not too long before she passed, Robey-Coleman committed to USC to continue pursuing his football career. When she passed, he made a vow that would stick with him for the next few years. He vowed to do whatever possible to make it to the NFL because he knew it would make his mother proud.

When he was asked about the impact his mother’s death had on him, he responded: “That makes me go.” He continued, “I know if she was living, she’d be appreciating everything that I’m doing and pushing me through it. This is all for her. My whole game, the way I play, is all for her. I know she’s watching.”

She’s doing more than watching, she’s never stopped cheering ever since.

Since her passing, Robey-Coleman’s father has remarried and his step-mother ended up taking the Robey last name. This caused a lot of confusion when people started to think his step-mother was his mother, so he decided to make a change. It was a change he made to honor his mother.

Dec 27, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Kellen Moore (17) looks to throw a pass while pressured by Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (37) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Maxine’s maiden name is Coleman and Nickell wanted her to be a part of his game for the rest of his career. To make that possible, he filed paperwork in May that would legally change his last name to Robey-Coleman and that’s why we are seeing that name on his jersey this season. Every time we see him on the field, we will see his mother as well. It’s a beautiful thing.

“It was a neat moment. It was a historic moment for me,” said Robey-Coleman. “This name is going to go on through my whole NFL career. It’s going to carry on to my kids, whether I have sons or daughters. Maybe they’ll play in the NFL, or they’ll go to college and compete there. I wanted to make it their name now.”