Donte Whitner Changing Name: 49ers Safety Planning To Switch Surname To 'Hitner' (TWEETS)

49ers Safety Pulling An 'Ochocinco'?
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 8: Donte Whitner #31 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park on September 8, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Packers 34-28. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 8: Donte Whitner #31 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park on September 8, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Packers 34-28. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

Hard-hitting 49ers safety Donte Whitner is taking his new nickname very seriously.

Whitner, who has embraced the name "Hitner" for his bruising play on the grid iron, told his Twitter followers on Tuesday that he is planning to legally change his surname to the aforementioned moniker. But before he does, he sought out his mother's approval.

Whitner appealed a $21,000 fine on Wednesday after a hit he delivered to St. Louis Rams receiver Chris Givens in Week 4, according to NFL.com.

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