In 2003, the highway was officially designated by an act of the Louisiana state legisture as the "Terry Bradshaw Passway" in honor of the Shreveport native and professional football star. The change had been proposed as far back as 1989 and was met with opposition by local residents. As Bradshaw was a living person and no longer a Louisiana resident, some favored honoring either a deceased cultural hero or war veteran. Bradshaw appeared in person as the first signs bearing the new name were erected along the highway in November 2005.