Why Patriots' WR DeMario Douglas is called 'Pop' as his nickname

Billy Heyen

Why Patriots' WR DeMario Douglas is called 'Pop' as his nickname image

DeMario Douglas popped off to start Week 6.

The New England Patriots' wide receiver, who is affectionately called Pop, caught a 53-yard touchdown to open the scoring for the Pats.

It had Douglas immediately in the spotlight, and it raised a key question: Why is he called Pop?

Well, here's the answer.

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Why is DeMario Douglas called Pop?

DeMario Douglas is called "Pop" in honor of his grandfather.

Douglas' grandpa went by Poppa, and he died on DeMario's first birthday.

They started calling him "Papa," but that got shortened to "Pop."

Here's how Douglas explained it to NESN when he was a rookie:

"It's both, but 'Pop' for the most part. … I don't mind; whatever you feel comfortable with. 'Pop' -- I got that from my granddad. He passed away on my birthday when I turned one. So, I've always been called 'Poppa,' but a lot of grown people don't like to say 'Poppa,' so they say 'Pop.'"

Douglas has been called Pop by most of his teammates since his rookie season.

And every time he pops on the field, it's that much more exciting.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle