Most people think they know where it started. You see the logo, you see the Marvel memes, and you assume the marketing machine at Disney or some clever NBA analyst cooked up the name.
But honestly? The "Ant-Man" tag that follows Anthony Edwards wasn't born in a writer's room. It didn't come from a comic book.
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It's way more personal than that.
Where the Ant-Man Nickname Actually Came From
Believe it or not, Anthony Edwards has been "Ant-Man" since he was three years old. He wasn't even touching a basketball back then. He was just a kid in Atlanta, and the name came directly from his father, Roger Caruth.
In the Edwards household, nicknames were a family thing. His older brother Antoine is "Toine." His sister Antoinette is "Mee-see." His brother Antony is "Bubba."
So, when little Anthony came along, his dad dubbed him "Ant-Man."
The timing is the weirdest part. Marvel’s Ant-Man movie didn't hit theaters until 2015. By that point, Edwards was already a 14-year-old phenom making a name for himself in the Georgia circuit. He didn't adopt the superhero identity; the superhero just happened to share a name with a kid who was already doing superhuman things on a court.
The Football Origins You Didn't Know
Before he was the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards was a legit football star. We aren't talking "he was okay for a hobby" type of stuff. He was the #1 Pop Warner running back in the country.
People in Atlanta didn't call him a "hooper" initially. They called him a "dog" on the gridiron.
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He played quarterback, cornerback, and running back. You can actually still find those old YouTube highlights of a 10-year-old Ant-Man absolutely dusting kids on the field. He only switched to basketball in middle school because, as he famously put it, he thought it "looked more fun."
That football mentality never left him. When you see him shoulder-check a defender or fly through the lane for a dunk that looks like it belongs in an NFL red zone, that's the "Ant-Man" that Atlanta knew long before the NBA Draft.
Why "Ant" Isn't Just a Name—It's a Brand
By the time he got to the University of Georgia, the name was permanent. But here is the thing: some fans and media members actually tried to change it early on.
When he was drafted #1 overall in 2020, there were petitions on Reddit and Twitter to call him "A1" (referencing his jersey number and "A1 from day one"). Some thought the "Ant-Man" name was too childish or belonged too much to the MCU.
Edwards shut that down pretty fast. He told reporters he’s been "Ant" his whole life. It’s what his mother, Chrisha Yvette Edwards, called him. It’s what his grandmother, Shirley, called him.
Losing both his mother and grandmother to cancer within a year when he was just 14 changed his perspective on everything. Keeping the name they used wasn't just about a brand; it was about keeping that connection alive.
The Career Milestones (So Far)
If you’re wondering why the hype is so high in 2026, just look at the trajectory. Edwards isn't just "the next big thing" anymore. He’s the thing.
- 2021: NBA All-Rookie First Team.
- 2023-2025: Three consecutive NBA All-Star appearances.
- 2024: Olympic Gold Medalist with Team USA (where he was arguably the most fearless player on the roster).
- 2026 Season: Currently averaging 28.9 points per game through the first half of the season.
The Marvel Connection: Coincidence or Fate?
It’s impossible to ignore the synergy now. Marvel and the NBA have leaned into it, and you'll see Ant-Man graphics all over social media whenever he hits a game-winner.
The irony? Scott Lang (the Marvel character) is an ex-convict who becomes a hero through grit and a suit. Anthony Edwards is a kid from Atlanta who became a hero through grit and a jersey.
One shrinks to gain strength. The other stays at 6'4" but somehow feels 7 feet tall when he’s at the rim.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Game
The biggest misconception about Anthony Edwards—and by extension, the "Ant-Man" persona—is that he’s just an athlete.
Critics used to say he "didn't love the game" or "lacked passion" because of his sarcastic interviews. They were wrong. His 2025-2026 stats show a player who has mastered the three-ball (shooting over 40% from deep this year) and became a lockdown defender.
He isn't just a guy who dunks. He's a technician.
What to Expect Next
If you’re following the Timberwolves' run this season, the "Ant-Man" era is hitting its peak. He’s already reached 10,000 career points, becoming one of the youngest to ever do it alongside names like LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
The focus now isn't on the name; it's on the ring.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with the latest on the real Ant-Man, here is how to dive deeper:
- Watch the "Year Five" Documentary: It’s a series that follows his 2025-2026 journey and gives a behind-the-scenes look at his playoff preparation.
- Follow the Mic’d Up Clips: Edwards is widely considered the best quote in the league. His "Bite-Bite" nickname for Mike Conley is a perfect example of his locker room energy.
- Check the Advanced Stats: Look beyond the PPG. His defensive win shares in 2026 have him in the conversation for All-Defensive honors.
Anthony Edwards might share a name with a superhero, but for fans in Minnesota and Georgia, he’s become something much bigger than a movie character. He’s a one-of-one original.
To see how his current stats compare to the all-time greats at his age, you can check his updated player profile on the official NBA stats portal.