Social media can be a weird and dispiriting place. People can type opinions that are both cruel and ignorant, as is the case with people reacting to Indianapolis Colts edge rusher JT Tuimoloau asking to go by Jaylahn in the future.
To be clear, Jaylahn is Tuimoloau's first name. JT is simply the abbreviation of his first and last name. If he wants to be called by his actual name, that is his right. What would be strange is if he suddenly wanted to go by "Steve."
Yet, people on social media responding to iconic reporter Mike Chappell's tweet about Tuimoloau's name update have said things like, "Idiots. If they want differentiation, perform on the field. Couldn't care less about the phonetics of his name. Instead, provide sacks and hurries."
Indianapolis Colts' JT Tuimoloau would like to now go by his first and last name: Jaylahn Tuimoloau
That was from someone with the handle of "magentonjk," who should be aware that Tuimoloau isn't an idiot, and should be able to be called by his actual name if he wants to be. But the likely bot isn't completely wrong. For the success of the team in the future, the edge rusher does need to be better on the field.
Had Tuimoloau been a sixth-round pick, his lack of production wouldn't be such a grave concern. He wasn't, though. He was taken in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, yet he only played in 24 percent of the defensive snaps for Indianapolis in 2025. Maybe he is not a good fit for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's system, but he needs to find his niche.
The Indianapolis Colts must have more players produce at a good level besides Laiatu Latu in 2026 and beyond. Tuimoloau is expected to be one of those players based on his draft value. He was a good player at Ohio State, and maybe he needed some time to adjust to the NFL, but the league doesn't offer redshirt seasons, and Tuimoloau's rookie season was a disappointment.
The hope is that Jaylahn Tuimoloau is everything in year two that Indy hoped he would be when they chose him last offseason. He has an effervescent personality and is quick to smile. He could be a fan-favorite with a lot more production.
Plus, should he be good, he would solve a lot of questions about why general manager Chris Ballard didn't do more this offseason in terms of acquiring an elite edge rusher. Maybe that player will turn out to be Tuimoloau, and fans just don't know it yet.