The NFL Scouting Combine is where prospects make their money, and few have cashed in quite like Ohio State's Sonny Styles. The linebacker turned heads with an eye-popping 4.46-second 40-yard dash, sending his draft stock soaring. But the buzz isn't just about his speed; it's about a name that carries the weight of cinematic legend.
An Offer He Couldn't Refuse: The Origin of 'Sonny'
While fans know him as Sonny, his given name is actually Alex. The switch came early, courtesy of his parents. In a revelation to NFL Network, Styles's mother explained the iconic inspiration. "His temper was so fiery, so as a child we nicknamed him Sonny, after Sonny from The Godfather," she said. The reference to the hot-headed Santino "Sonny" Corleone from the classic film instantly added a layer of intrigue to the rising star's persona.
The football world quickly embraced the backstory. Social media lit up with reactions, from fans praising the name's cool factor to others cracking wise. "Keep him away from the toll booths," one user joked, referencing the character's infamous fate. Another noted, "The monumental difference between Alex Styles and Sonny Styles is along the lines of Randy Poffo vs Randy Savage. Just changes everything across the board." The consensus was clear: Sonny Styles just sounds like a football player.
From Safety to Standout: The Buckeye's Path
Styles's journey to draft darling wasn't overnight. A versatile defender, he began his Ohio State career at safety before making a pivotal move to linebacker in 2024. The transition was seamless and spectacular. He became an immediate force, earning Second-Team All-American honors and playing a key role in the Buckeyes' national championship run that season.
Opting to return for another year proved to be a masterstroke. In 2025, Styles solidified his status as one of the nation's best, racking up All-Big Ten and All-American accolades. His stat line was a testament to his all-around game: 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, three passes defended, and a forced fumble. His combination of size, speed, and proven production has scouts dreaming of his potential at the next level.
Football Runs in the Family
Talent is a family affair for Styles. His father, Lorenzo Styles, was a two-time All-Big Ten star at Ohio State in the 1990s before enjoying a six-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl XXXIV victory with the St. Louis Rams. He later moved into coaching, passing the game's nuances to his sons.
The family legacy continues on the field. Sonny's brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., has been his teammate with the Buckeyes since 2023 and is also entering this year's NFL Draft, though without the same first-round hype surrounding his younger sibling. It's a testament to a household where football excellence is the standard.
As the draft approaches, Sonny Styles represents the complete package: elite athleticism verified at the Combine, a proven track record of success at a premier program, and now, an unforgettable origin story for his name. From a fiery temper that evoked a cinematic icon to a blazing fast time that has NFL executives excited, Styles has crafted a narrative as compelling as his game tape. He's not just a prospect; he's a story, and one the league is eager to write the next chapter for.
