The unlikely evolution of a nickname from Winnie the Pooh to NFL star
In short: Before he became a formidable nose tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, Kaylon Ford was known by a much softer name. His grandmother, Cynthia Ford Williams, originally called the infant "Pooh Bear." As he grew, that childhood moniker evolved into the professional nickname "Poona" that fans recognize today.
The professional football player known as Poona Ford did not receive his distinctive moniker from the Indian city, but from a family connection to a childhood literary icon. His grandmother, Cynthia Ford Williams, originally referred to him as "Pooh Bear" when he was only two months old. As he grew through grade school, the name evolved into the shortened "Poona" that remains his professional identity today.
Ford's path to the NFL was shaped by significant collegiate shifts. While he initially committed to the University of Louisville, he redirected his path to the University of Texas after coach Charlie Strong moved to Austin to lead the Longhorns. During his tenure at Texas from 2014 to 2017, Ford's defensive impact grew steadily. His senior season was particularly notable, as he earned Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year honors after recording 31 tackles and 8 tackles for loss.
Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, Ford has navigated several roster changes and contract milestones. After playing for both the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills, he joined the Los Angeles Rams via a major $27.6 million, three-year deal on 13 March 2025. His career has been marked by consistent durability, often starting nearly every game in a season, and a recent decision to switch his jersey number from 95 to 97 following the Rams' acquisition of Myles Garrett.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Poona Ford
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