Despite Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown throwing for 352 yards, two touchdowns with only one interception, the Chicago Bears lost to the St. Louis Rams 42-21. However, the generally likable QB McCown’s toughest opponent may be pronouncing his name. Josh McCown’s name seems simple enough. However, around town and on sports talk radio shows, Chicagoans have been routinely misstating and mispronouncing his name. McCown has been called “Cade McCown,” “Josh McNown,” “McCowen,” and even “McClown.”
Many of the variations on McCown’s name are no doubt related to confusion with the former Bears QB Cade McNown. However, it is curious why Chicagoans would waste their time remembering the generally ineffective and draft bust McNown. Josh McCown has done everything that an NFL team could ask for in a backup QB. McCown has been prepared, won a game and played well enough to even create a quarterback controversy of sorts in Chicago.
However, McCown has gone out of his way to be the team player and McCown has been very clear that he understands that Jay Cutler is the starting QB. On Chicagobears.com, McCown was quoted stating that Cutler has “been great” and has been helping McCown get prepared for games. McCown knows that when Cutler returns from his injury McCown will go back to being Cutler’s backup.
The less understandable mispronunciation is calling McCown “McCowen.” Why add the extra syllable? Callers to sports radio frequently refer to “McCowen.” Even the Fox color commentator Daryl Johnston occasionally referred to “McCowen” during the television broadcast of the Bears game. The more McCown’s name is mispronounced or misstated it seems the more confusion is created about his name.
McCown has been the feel good story for the Bears this season while Cutler rehabs from his injuries. McCown is the perfect backup QB. He is professional. He knows his role on the team. And he clearly prepares for each game and executes Bears coach Marc Trestman’s game plan.
If only people could pronounce his name correctly.
Thanks for Reading. You can follow @LASTWORDgcp on twitter for your NFL and NBA needs, and the follow the site @lastwordonsport while you are at it and please take a moment to like our Facebook Page.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
