Doug Martin makes a living shedding defenders, but right now, the running back is focused on shaking something else off: his nickname.
The 26-year-old shared his disdain for “Muscle Hamster,” per Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports:
“The name ‘Muscle Hamster’ is the worst nickname possibly ever given to somebody,” Martin [said] on Wednesday, leaning into a reporter’s recording device for effect. “I hope it changes, and I hope that I play to a level where my nickname changes. That’s what my goals are.”
Following a breakout rookie season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Martin sustained a season-ending shoulder injury before the midway point of 2013.