At 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, Lorenzen was the heaviest quarterback in NFL history. It was either that or Shrimp Alfredo. At 6-foot-3 and 355 pounds, theres nothing shrimpy about Knighton. Nicknames for entire teams, or whole offensive or defensive units. It seems that a teammate who was nicknamed Mad Dog decided to give the other 10 defensive starters nicknames that began with the word mad as well. Terrance Knighton earned the nickname Pot Roast when a teammate heard him emphatically order one during a team flight with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Perry exploded on the national scene as a rookie in 1985, scoring three touchdowns in goal-line situations en route to Super Bowl XX. Eugene Mercury Morris was nicknamed after the Roman god of travelers because of his fleetness of foot. Sports Nicknames: 20,000 Professionals Worldwide by Terry W. Pruyne, National Football League Players Association, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_NFL_nicknames&oldid=1142337263, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Articles with dead YouTube links from February 2022, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Articles with dead external links from September 2017, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from January 2018, Articles with dead external links from May 2017, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2017, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2009, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2013, Pages using navbox columns without the first column, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, How he was as difficult to tackle as a freight train; "A" is a reference to his surname initial. Lance Alworth was an artist at the wide receiver position, one of the stars who helped legitimize the fledgling American Football League. Lovingly called Spiderman, due to his last name. An allusion to. If youre wondering, Johnson was limited to three catches for 46 yards in the game. Not only does it contain a rhyme and play off his last name, it perfectly described his physical running style. Steve McMichael was dubbed Mongo by Chicago Bears teammate Dan Hampton in homage to the fearsome, oafish character of the same name from the 1974 comedy movie Blazing Saddles. Presumably, McMichael never punched out a horse, as his film namesake once did. We were standing in the elevator in the dorm and he nearly took up the whole elevator, Brown later said. His mother gave him the nickname as he had many mood changes when he was young. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, Brazile racked up 1,281 career tackles and seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1976-82. His immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen. A football pitch is divided into four main zones: the penalty box, the defensive half, the centre of the field and the attacking zone. We often struggle to think of a witty way to describe ourselves. The linebacker became a key component of two Super Bowl championship teams with the New York Giants. While the one goalkeeper per team is a constant, the number of defenders . Provides support for the wide midfielder ahead of them. With all that in mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in football history. Merriman finished his career with 224 tackles and 45 sacks. Up 7 Down Masterminds Up 4 Down The Fight Force Up 2 Down Thunder Up 2 Down The Clippers Up 2 Down Conquerors Up 1 Down On Offense Up 1 Down The Field Gulls Up 1 Down The Victors Up 1 Down Snap-stepping, a skill confined to the center, is football's version of rub-your-stomach-pat-your-head. The Miami Dolphins drafted Jim Jensen as a quarterback out of the erstwhile program at Boston University in 1981. Before Greg the Leg, there was Lou The Toe Groza, a standout lineman for the Cleveland Browns who also served as the teams placekicker. Hall of Fame tight end Dave Casper was dubbed The Ghost due to his sharing a name with the cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost, but his football ability was no joke. The fact that it rhymes with Natty Ice, a favorite of thrifty beer drinkers everywhere, is a bonus. So the student body would chant, Nobody stops the bus. Self-bestowed pidgin Spanish reference to his uniform number (85); originally named Chad Johnson, legally changed name to "Chad Ochocinco" in 2008 (changed back to Johnson in 2012). He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1993. 7", "Hair length proposal delayed until May; defensive helmet radios approved", NFL passes "Brian Bosworth rule," linebackers can now wear jerseys numbered 40-49, "Rules of the Name, or How The Emmitt Rule Became the Emmitt Rule", "Calvin Johnson catch: Another silly NFL rule", ESPN.com: NFL votes to rein in TD celebrations, "CBA inertia? Chase Young earned his nickname in college with the Ohio State Buckeyes as a nod to his dreadlocks and his relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. The Russian Jewish immigrant spent his childhood in Brooklyn, and also went by the anglicized name "Johnny Barsha.". Aug 10, 2018 3,818 4,015 1. Here are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Long Snappers. Not surprisingly, those devastating hits would earn him a notorious nickname. Qadry, a college standout at Syracuse, was drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1993 and enjoyed a 10-year NFL career as a wide receiver with the Vikings, Dolphins, Saints, Raiders and Colts. Specifically, the moniker was a throwback to George Machine Gun Kelly, an infamous gangster from the early 20th century. Here are the nicknames for NFL teams in alphabetical order: The best American Football team nicknames are subjective and can vary depending on personal opinions. Nicknames for entire teams, whole offensive units, defensive units or special teams. He went on to throw for 31,304 yards and 174 touchdowns during a 13-year pro career with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. The Chicago Bears convinced the University of Illinois standout to turn professional at a time when college football was much more popular than the pro game. We list out some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Defensive Lineman: Defensive Linemen are often referred to by their position, for example Defensive Tackle or Defensive End. 16 overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. It's no secret that the 49ers are deep at the . ) Thomas recorded 17 interceptions during his six-year NFL career and was a member of the 1976 Raiders team that won Super Bowl XI. Although Belichicks hoodie might not carry the same gravitas as Tom Landrys famed fedora, its difficult to argue with the results. I hope you enjoyed this list of LB names. He communicates the play call to his team in the huddle and is responsible for distributing the ball or, in some cases running it himself. 40, a play on the, Hall's prolific special teams success during his prime was an "X factor," a facet of his team's attack plan that most other teams did not have. American sports teams have nicknames because it serves as a way to identify and differentiate the team from others, and also creates a sense of identity and community for the teams fans. His remarkable ability to maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career. He also trademarked the phrase Im just here so I wont get fined, but we digress. Who is the best wide receiver in the NFL? Tommy the Tuna? Presumably, Parcells was referring to Charlie the Tuna of StarKist fame. Instead, it came from the popular song of the same name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest. Stewart also produced 3,532 yards from scrimmage and 43 touchdowns as a runner and receiver. 101. The origin of this early NFL star's nickname remains unknown. The nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram. Each name is special, while some are pretty hilarious. An all-around great athlete, he earned recognition for his abilities including 5 Pro Bowl selections, 5 total All-Pro selections, AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1981, AFC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1983, NFL 1980s All-Decade Team honors, is in the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, despite only playing for seven seasons. But the truth is they really belong to real people, which makes them that much more hilarious. Reference to the wide avenue that ran through New York, the city where he played QB with the New York Jets. They also provide a bit of added mythology to the athletes whose talents never cease to amaze us. Fellow Lions wide receiver Roy Williams knew the rookie was special and deserved a grandiose nickname, so he dubbed Johnson as Megatron from The Transformers series. Long snapper: Perhaps the most unappreciated position, this player snaps the ball to the punter. Well known for calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage and hurry-up offense. Paul Hornung earned his nickname for his blond hair and the golden dome on the campus of his college team, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. At 69 and 290lb, Lipscomb, a professional wrestler during the offseason, was one of the largest players in professional football during the 1950s. San Diego Chargers teammate Charlie Flowers applied the tag and told Alworth it was for your big brown eyes and the way you move, according to Sports Illustrated. They are not the official franchise nicknames of the National Football League (NFL). A standard football offense has two tackles on the offensive line. Punter: The kicker's counterpart, a punter kicks the ball to the opposing team after his team has surrendered the ball on downs or has scored. Was plagued by concussions and injuries, referencing his presumed fragility, His similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie. I am proud of it, and my dad, frankly, loved it.. 169. 1 heading into Monday night's game against L.A", "San Francisco's Million Dollar Backfield: The 49ers' Fabulous Foursome", "Monsters of the Midway finally Bearing (sic) their teeth", "Jets' 'New Jack City' DBs look to 'control the airways', "Sack Exchange Had a Brief, but Glorious, Run", Time to Take Stock Of Sack Exchange / Defensive unit considers its place in history, "An Unkindness of Ravens; a Murder of Crows. The Acrobatic Catch King Odell Beckham Jr. The Posse Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Jake Reed, The Kamikaze Kids John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, The Human Highlight Reel Antonio Brown, The Human Vacuum Cleaner Rob Gronkowski, The Hogs Washington Redskins Offensive Line, The Great Wall of Dallas Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line, The Big Uglies Offensive Linemen in general, The Lunch Pail Crew Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line, The Steel Curtain Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line, The Steel Curtain Steel Curtain defensive backs of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Doomsday Defense defensive backs of the Dallas Cowboys, The Purple People Eaters defensive backs of the Minnesota Vikings, The Fearsome Foursome defensive backs of the Los Angeles Rams, The Blitz Brothers defensive backs of the San Diego Chargers, The Killer Bs defensive backs of the Baltimore Ravens, The Steel Curtain defensive backs of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Linebacking Trio defensive backs of the New York Giants, The Dallas Cowboys, also known as Americas Team, The Pittsburgh Steelers, also known as The Steel Curtain, The Green Bay Packers, also known as The Pack or The Cheeseheads, The New England Patriots, also known as The Pats, The San Francisco 49ers, also known as The Niners, The New York Giants, also known as The G-Men, The Oakland Raiders, also known as The Silver and Black, The Chicago Bears, also known as Da Bears, The Denver Broncos, also known as The Orange Crush, The Baltimore Ravens, also known as The Birds. The persona of Joe Cool dates to at least 1971 in pop culture, with Snoopy from the comic strip Peanuts, but it came to be connected in a football sense with Joe Montana. Reference to Colston's shyness and ability to make big plays. The phrase "Big Baller B" was originally popularized in 2016 by the, Given to him by the 49ers locker room, suggesting he's "got some cojones to him.". For his ability to use the "force" to visualize himself making any catch. Best known for his Ickey Shuffle touchdown celebration, Elbert Ickey Woods rumbled into the hearts of fans and helped lead the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII as a rookie in the 1988 season. From his peculiar childhood habit of seasoning corn flakes with black pepper. We arent sure who gave Henry Hynoski his nickname, but we are certain that Hynocerous is a brilliant handle. ", His initials. One of the greatest players to hail from the state of Maryland, he emerged as the NFLs Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005 with the San Diego Chargers. As a pro, he pounded out 10,413 career rushing yards and 94 total touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. He is said to have responded to practical jokers by saying, Who do you think I am? May overlap and send crosses into the opposition box . He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Because of his physical tackling, and apparent resemblance to the cartoon character. Thompson went on to play six NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 5,315 yards and 33 touchdowns. ", "Martellus Bennett: Martellus Bennett believes he's the complete package for Chicago Bears", "Why Seahawks' Jamal Adams and Saints' Michael Thomas are suddenly underrated superstars", "Phil Robertson and Terry Bradshaw to Attend Thursday's Football Game", "A Passel Of Pro Football Immortals Recall The Early Days Of The Game", "Anthony Dixon on why he's now 'Boobie Dixon' on Bills' official roster", "Depression almost ended the life of ex-NFL QB Erik Kramer. Some nicknames are related to the teams location, such as the New York Yankees or the Green Bay Packers, while others are related to the teams characteristics, such as the Steel Curtain for the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line or the Killer Bs for the Baltimore Ravens linebackers. His stunning plays combined with his number, 80, After the early 20th century multimedia hero, His style of diving into receivers and diving into pass paths for interception, and for Polamalu's Polynesian ancestry, A play off the nickname of William "The Refrigerator" Perry whom the, A reference to his last name and to the cartoon and movie. It's like planking, but dumber. A teammate noticed and told Jones, Youre too tall to play football. Jones, who was listed at 6-foot-9 during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, wasnt too tall to play football, of course. Ismail played nine NFL seasons as a wideout with the Raiders, Panthers and Cowboys, registering 363 receptions for 5,295 yards and 28 touchdown catches. But then, whats a legendary nickname without a little mystery? Outside Linebackers and Inside Linebackers . 1 overall in the NFL draft. He was then beset by injuries that limited him to 33 games over his final five NFL seasons with the Chargers and Buffalo Bills. But it actually was his physical appearance that inspired teammate Bob Brown to nickname him Dr. Death. A full lineup will include defenders (one will be the goalkeeper), several midfield players, and forwards (e.g. Defensive ends and tackles are collectively called defensive linemen, while the cornerbacks and safeties are collectively called defensive backs, or the secondary . He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985 on the first ballot. Football wouldnt be the same without nicknames. Nevertheless, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. There are three layers: defensive line, defensive backs, and linebackers, and each has particular tasks. AMA", "How did Big Dick Nick (Foles) get his provocative nickname? Kearse totaled 36 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection each year. While playing for the University of Miami, the tall, thin Hendricks gained the nickname The Mad Stork., Combination of maple (due to his Canadian heritage) and Megatron (due to the similarities to, Because of his physical running style and reputation for repeatedly breaking tackles, Prolific Miami Dolphins wide receiver duo of the 1980s who shared the same first name (also a reference to the, In reference to Matt Ryan's ability to have long game-winning drives under pressure (and pejoratively for Ryan's tendency to go "ice cold" during playoff games); also a play on "Natty Ice", a low-end beer brewed by, A reference to his large frame, comparing him to a, A reference to his Christian ministry as an ordained, While not many would draw comparisons between the diminutive, Given to him in reference to his big-time corner play, Given to him by Cowboys backup quarterback. In 12 seasons with the Broncos, he registered 1,145 tackles and 79 sacks. 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Wire presents a completely subjective look at the wide avenue that ran New. In 1968 will be the goalkeeper ), several midfield players, and also by... That Hynocerous is a bonus, an infamous gangster from the early 20th century i wont get fined, we. Fledgling American Football player nicknames specifically for Long Snappers Russian Jewish immigrant spent his childhood in,... Jokers by saying, who do you think i am the official franchise nicknames of the erstwhile program Boston. Are collectively called defensive linemen you think i am proud of it, and each has particular tasks as Landrys! Are three layers: defensive line, defensive units to visualize himself making catch. 1,145 tackles and 79 sacks it rhymes with Natty Ice, a favorite of thrifty beer drinkers everywhere, a... Are pretty hilarious mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look the. Whose talents never cease to amaze us of play during the latter years of fleetness... 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