Zonovan Knight, known by the nickname “Bam,” has found a role in the Arizona Cardinals’ backfield this season. The nickname, which originated from his childhood when his uncle commented on the noise he made in his playpen, has followed him through his football career. “I guess it’s easier to pronounce than Zonovan,” Knight said.
Knight included “Bam” in his high school highlight reel and the moniker stuck as he advanced in football. When he scored his first career touchdown, he heard, “Wolfpack touchdown, Zonovan Bam Knight,” cementing the nickname.
Despite a crowded running back room with James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, DeeJay Dallas, and Michael Carter, Knight earned a spot on the Cardinals’ 53-man roster after preseason, surpassing both Dallas and Carter. “Going into it, I had the mindset of everyone else,” Knight said. “I thought DeeJay was a solidified guy because he was a solidified special teamer. Everybody thought it. I had confidence in myself, so I just went into camp thinking, ‘I’ve been cut the previous two years, two unfortunate down years’ so I went into it like I had nothing to lose.”
Knight’s performance in the preseason, including a 67-yard touchdown run in the final game, contributed to his roster spot. Injuries among other running backs have increased his playing time, and he has led all Cardinals’ running backs in snaps against the Colts and scored touchdowns in consecutive games.
Knight’s given name follows a family tradition; his brothers are named Zamani and Zavion. “I think they both fit me well,” Knight said of being called Zonovan or Bam.
