The Miami Dolphins in April added a familiar face with a new name: Robbie Chosen, the wide receiver formerly known as Robbie Anderson.

It’s at least the second time Anderson has changed his name since entering the NFL as a rookie free agent in 2016. During his first news conference as a member of the Dolphins, Chosen explained his most recent — and most drastic — change.

Why Miami Dolphins WR Robbie Anderson Changed His Name to Robbie Chosen

Chosen, then known as Anderson, was born in North Jersey on May 9, 1993, and grew up in South Florida. He was known as Robby Anderson throughout his time at Temple University and early in his NFL career.

But in 2022, he changed the spelling of Robby to Robbie, saying he preferred it that way growing up.

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That minor switch barely registered on the national radar. But his next change was impossible to miss.

Anderson, in February 2023, announced (then later deleted) the following on social media:

“Great news! Our motion for consideration worked! Name changes granted an (sic) official!”

So yes, Robbie Anderson, née Robby Anderson, is now officially Robbie Chosen.

But why? He’s reluctant to say.

Asked by Pro Football Network to explain his rationale during a meeting with South Florida reporters on his 30th birthday.

His response:

“Well, you know, I don’t really wanna touch on that right now. I wanna keep it, you know, intimate. But it was a positive, positive thing, you know, I’ll touch on it at a different time, and it was a little process, legal things, and you know, from such of that aspect.

“But, you know, it’s a positive meaning behind it. Something I’m very grateful for and something I feel strongly about.”

When asked in a follow-up if the name is permanent or subject to change again, Anderson replied:

“Yeah, this is, you know, my new era and direction, and you know, just kind of like a foundational thing for, you know, moving forward for my generations.”

Who Is Robbie Chosen?

Chosen is on his fourth NFL team in what will be his eighth NFL season. He spent four years with the New York Jets before signing a two-year, $20 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2020.

Chosen signed an extension with Carolina the following August that extended through the 2023 season. But he wore out his welcome in Charlotte, and the Panthers traded him to the Cardinals after a heated on-field argument with wide receivers coach Joe Dailey prompted then-coach Steve Wilks to kick Anderson out of the game.

Chosen finished the season in Arizona but was on the move again after the Cardinals cut him in March 2023. A month later, he signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Dolphins.

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In his first seven NFL seasons, Chosen caught 375 passes for 4,956 yards and 29 touchdowns.

While the Chosen moniker is new from a legal standpoint, it’s not new to his longtime fans. It’s how he has referred to himself on social media for some time.

An April 30 Instagram post also might shed light on his decision to change his name:

“What May Look impossible in your Life God will turn into a Miracle. The more you grow through the more you will receive , Don’t put no limit on nothing think past the restrictions think big. God will always do his Thang do right and avoid foolishness #FAITH”