19761980 New Orleans Saints dynamic running back duo known as "Thunder and Lightning". The most iconic version of the Hogs was the unit that was first given the nickname. Reference to the wide avenue that ran through New York, the city where he played QB with the New York Jets. If youre wondering, Johnson was limited to three catches for 46 yards in the game. Eric Bieniemy - Sleeping with Bieniemy, 41. . With all that in mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in football history. However, some of the most popular and well-known nicknames include: These are some of the teams which have a strong fan base and their nicknames are well known and accepted by the fans and general public. The logic of the game's strange new nicknames. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2006. His hard-hitting, game-changing play style. But he also infamously paralyzed New England Patriots wideout Darryl Stingley with a hit in a 1978 preseason game, an incident that stained Tatums legacy. "The mechanics are different than any . I thought a name like that would be remembered. One of the greatest pass rushers in football history, he was an anchor of the Los Angeles Rams famed Fearsome Foursome defensive line alongside Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier. Not only does it contain a rhyme and play off his last name, it perfectly described his physical running style. In 1991, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill is arguably the fastest man in the NFL, and he seems ready to accept all challenges to that throne. From the section Football. Richard Sherman acquired his transformative nickname when he changed his Twitter handle to Optimus Prime in preparation for a matchup against Calvin Megatron Johnson in 2012. Suggs, who recorded 24 sacks for the Sun Devils in 2002, went on to play 17 NFL seasons 16 with the Baltimore Ravens and one split between the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Martin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Longtime Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly possessed a cannon for an arm, so it makes sense that his nickname would rely on weaponry. We often struggle to think of a witty way to describe ourselves. 2. Football positions. Self-bestowed nickname Smart used on the back of his jersey during his time in the. But within the game - especially to coaches, players, and serious fans - the football slang terms take on meaning. Football (Soccer) Team Nicknames Home > Sports > List > Football > Teams > Nicknames > men Football Team Nicknames Many football teams from around the world have another name by which they are more well known. The Miami Dolphins drafted Jim Jensen as a quarterback out of the erstwhile program at Boston University in 1981. He also is remembered for flattening Giants running back Frank Gifford in what became a legendary photograph. Got the name in college. After 16 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, Gore has compiled 16,000 rushing yards, 3,985 receiving yards and 100 total touchdowns. Drafted No. Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after. A reference to mobster. The function of most of the linemen is to block. AMA", "How did Big Dick Nick (Foles) get his provocative nickname? Most sets used in football, however, include a line composed of defensive ends and defensive tackles and (behind the line) linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/lists/the-101-greatest-nicknames-in-football-history-nfl/, 95. Raji would emulate Perry further when he scored on a 1-yard plunge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011. Not surprisingly, those devastating hits would earn him a notorious nickname. Thread starter Texas Lion; Start date Dec 9, 2019; T. Texas Lion Well-Known Member. Casper recorded 378 receptions for 5,216 yards and 52 touchdowns in an 11-year pro career with the Raiders, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. Who is the best wide receiver in the NFL? So it happened that Jones dubbed himself Deacon. Reference to his incredible speed-won two gold medals and set, A contraction of "bumblebee," based on his aunt's thick southern accent (common to many others in the Phillips family including his son. The best soccer player nicknames are short, simple, catchy, and creative. 16, page 23, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, played multiple offensive and defensive positions, Tuesday Morning Quarterback#"TMQ" team nicknames, Football Nicknames: Over 7,400 Listed by Terry Pruyne, "Beneath Brown Bags, Saints Had Loyal Fans", "A look back at the many New York Giant handles, aliases, and nicknames", "Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the NY Giants", "NFL Beat: Rhodes' Warriors need a nickname", "Why Patriots defensive players nicknamed themselves 'The Boogeymen', "Scary-good Patriots 'Boogeymen' lead NFL's top D", "Boston TE party: Gronkowski unstoppable for Patriots", "Boston's TE Party: Patriots' Gronkowski & Hernandez Key to Offensive Juggernaut", "Tank Younger, 73, First Star From Black College to Play in N.F.L., Dies", "NFL Playoffs Begin with Wild Card Weekend", "Reebok Detroit Lions Cardiac Cats T-shirt", "No Lions comeback this time: Cardiac Cats rest easy", "Leftwich, Cardiac Jags Stun Kansas City", "New England Deflatriots? Jack Tatum became known for applying vicious hits on opposing wide receivers during a decade-long NFL career. Wrangler Stampede. 1 overall by the Houston Oilers in 1978, he led the NFL in rushing in each of his first three seasons. Was a star receiver, From a common mispronunciation of his last name, Given to him by his parents because he would run "all day" / His initials, Schindler was one of the earliest scrambling quarterbacks. Given both because of his ability to break long runs and because it rhymes with his last name. 1 overall pick in the 1949 NFL draft out of the University of Pennsylvania actually got his nickname because he sold concrete as an offseason job. from a spectator. The origins of some nicknames are unclear with various stories being put forward. Provides support for the wide midfielder ahead of them. His first initial and jersey number combined, also for his deep play ability. Stewart, who guided the Steelers to two AFC Championship Game appearances, was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2001 season. Bednarik is generally recognized as the last to have done so. Long before Orenthal James Simpson became known for infamous reasons, he was perceived as a squeaky clean commercial superstar. Former Bengal Elbert Woods, better known as "Ickey," received that particular nickname because his younger brother couldn't say Elbert properly. A 5-foot-6, 150-pound running back, Marlin Dyess was a member of Paul "Bear" Bryant's first Alabama team in 1958, the famous "Turnaround Team" that laid the foundation for . Kamran Riaz. Bill Belichick boasts unquestioned credentials: six Super Bowl titles, nine AFC championships, 17 division titles and nearly 300 regular-season victories. He chose not to play in the NFL despite being selected in the, Fitzpatrick has regularly grown a thick beard over the course of the football season, drawing comparisons to the. 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Johnson lived up to the name, becoming one of the great wideouts in pro football history. One of the greatest players ever from the talent-rich Jacksonville area, Bob Hayes earned his nickname as a tribute to his blistering speed. We would be remiss not to mention his secondary nickname, FitzMagic, bestowed when he eclipsed 400 passing yards in three consecutive games to start the 2018 season. One of Heywards sons, current Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, relayed the story in a 2016 article. The tag couldnt have fit better for Namath, who was known to sample New Yorks nightlife on occasion. There are three layers: defensive line, defensive backs, and linebackers, and each has particular tasks. His affinity for passing the ball, particularly deep downfield, Based on his refusal to eat Rice Krispie Treats left for him by the coaching staff, Earned his nickname from his coach following a long, winding touchdown run, His ability of "snaking" around out of pressure in the pocket; also a play on the wrestler. In the end, Nicknames in American Football is a way to make it more fun, relatable and also to build a sense of identity and tradition. He recorded 353 receptions for 5,137 yards and 33 touchdowns as a pro. Hybrid Linebackers . After terrorizing SEC quarterbacks for three seasons, he made an immediate impact with the Tennessee Titans as the No. However, some of the nicknames that are considered iconic and memorable in the NFL include: These teams have a long and successful history, as well as a strong fan base and a reputation that makes their nicknames iconic and memorable. A college star at Arkansas who went on to enjoy a decade-long NFL career with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, Darren McFadden was dubbed Run DMC in homage to the legendary 1980s hip-hop trio. Eugene Mercury Morris was nicknamed after the Roman god of travelers because of his fleetness of foot. He also trademarked the phrase Im just here so I wont get fined, but we digress. Jones was selected to eight Pro Bowls and named first-team All-Pro five times during a 14-year NFL career with the Rams, San Diego and Washington. Because of his powerback style of playcompared to a truck that ran on diesel. His willingness to gamble is fueled in part by a conservative decision that backfired in 2013 when he was coaching the Carolina Panthers. Wallace led with his head frequently during his playing career, a tactic that in hindsight Wallace suspected may have caused brain damage later in life. He accepted a lucrative offer from the CFLs Toronto Argonauts out of college and played two seasons north of the border before joining the Los Angeles Raiders, who had drafted him in the fourth round in 1991. Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks acquired his avian nickname while playing at the University of Miami. The quarterback position will be the most watched group of Indiana's spring football practices. For his devastatingly big hitting ability. 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. Thats when I gave him the nickname. After a standout career at Clemson, he was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears. The offense consists of a quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line. Andre Bad Moon Rison got his nickname from ESPN commentator Chris Berman in an homage to the Creedence Clearwater Revival song Bad Moon Rising. One of the greatest football products from the state of Michigan, he went on to star for the Michigan State Spartans. The fact that it rhymes with Natty Ice, a favorite of thrifty beer drinkers everywhere, is a bonus. David Deacon Jones wanted to be noticed in football circles, and he knew that a clever nickname would go a long way toward making that happen. Hot Chubb Time Machine. Nevertheless, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Slingin Sammy Baugh was the first prolific passer in NFL history, a forerunner of the future quarterback prototype at a time when the ground game was the preferred method of offense. It. Nebraska: Blackshirts. They add spice and flavor to the sophisticated strategies, big plays and inventive touchdown celebrations that already make the game great. But his speed isnt what inspired his nickname. Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch. 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. A nod to Winston's high public profile during his college and professional careers, as well as a play on the, During his media session at the combine, Verrett explained that his nickname is Feeva Island because he's "a player that's always hot" like he has a fever and he often plays man-to-man coverage "on an island. Lovingly called Spiderman, due to his last name. His ability to throw the ball downfield and his red hair. Honorable mention goes to Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown, who earned the nickname for a more straightforward reason hes a native of Hollywood, Florida. Marion Barber III - Marion the Barbarian, 35. No nickname has ever conveyed that someone was both large and running on a schedule so well. George Stanley Halas stands as one of the forefathers of the NFL and the godfather of the Chicago Bears franchise. He used this term to describe himself during an interview; afterward, fans continued to use the term. Ickey. Jones wants to drop nickname", "George "Papa Bear" Halas honored with 'Hometown Hall of Fame', "argonauts.ca - Michael "Pinball" Clemons", "Michael Irvin: 2007 Hall of Fame enshrinement speech", "Yes, Poop Johnson is a real player in the CFL", "The Jets Cabinet: Who Fits Into The Room? It seems young Craig got into a scuffle, and an antagonist broke a pool cue over his head. 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Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas Hollywood Henderson was known for his aggressive play on the field and flamboyance off the field. Defenders The defenders are positioned in front of the goalkeeper and their aim is to stop the opposing team from entering into their goal area. Martin, who earned Pro Bowl invitations in 2012 and 2015, rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns as a pro. Such is the case with Greg the Leg Zuerlein, who boasts one of the strongest kicking legs in the NFL. As a high schooler, Carnell Williams was tagged with his vehicular nickname by a sportscaster in Birmingham, Alabama. Proper training and positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the right call. Ken "The Snake" Stabler and Jake "The Snake" Plummer, 11. Additionally, nicknames can be used as a marketing tool to help promote the team and its merchandise. Nicknames are very common in real life, especially in sports. The defense consists of a defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. Mix had a degree in law at the time he played professional football. 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. [40] Jackson 5: [41] Nickname of the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coming from the famous music group. Don Hutson was a man ahead of his time. Here we go naming linebackers.. Mike, Sam and Will . He then spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Footballer Nicknames: 400+ Catchy And Creative Footballer Nicknames Ideas. Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells supposedly garnered his fishy nickname back while he was serving as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. Perry exploded on the national scene as a rookie in 1985, scoring three touchdowns in goal-line situations en route to Super Bowl XX. Note that many have been anecdotally nicknamed the Snapfather, which is a play on the Godfather. Here are some famous nicknames for American Football plays and formations: Below are some famous American Football player nicknames: Here are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Linebackers: Below are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Quarterbacks: We list out some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Running Backs: We have some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Receivers: Here are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Offensive Lineman: Offensive Lineman are often referred to by their position, for example Left Tackle or Center. The linebacker positions depend on the type of defensive formation the team is running. Bum was a fine head coach in his own right, guiding the Luv Ya Blue-era Houston Oilers to consecutive AFC Championship Games in the 1978 and 1979 seasons. Can you name these 15 football club's nicknames? The Hoosiers are coming off two seasons where injuries . He registered 206 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during a seven-year NFL career with Jacksonville, Denver and Washington. One of the greatest players to come out of the Buffalo area, Johnston has worked as a television analyst for many years since retiring as a player in 2000. The former Texas A&M star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Years before basketball superstar Shaquille ONeal took the Diesel nickname to the hardwood, John Riggins was dubbed with the moniker for his bruising running style on the football field. I hope you enjoyed this list of LB names. The following nicknames are given to a unit (defensive, offensive and special teams) or a secondary nickname given to some teams used to describe a style of play or attitude of teams at times in accordance with phrases in popular culture of the time. Throughout the league's history, a number of rules have been enacted largely because of exploits on the field by a single coach, owner, player, or referee. Kelly released a rap song about himself in 2012, and the nickname stuck afterwards. As Lane once recalled, Fears roommate, a player named Ben Sheets, applied the nickname by saying, Here comes Night Train. It stuck for the remainder of his 14-year pro career with the Rams, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions. Cassady the football player went on to star at Ohio State, winning the 1955 Heisman Trophy. A six-time Pro Bowler, Bettis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Parcells guided the Giants to two Super Bowl championships as head coach and also served in that same capacity for the New England Patriots, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. We all know that a nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place, or thing, for affection or fun. Marlin Dyess, "Scooter". Najee By Nature. Gale Sayers became known as the Kansas Comet while earning All-America accolades at the University of Kansas in the 1960s. The last one we'll tell you about in this section is West Brom's nickname of 'The Baggies'. 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. The stalwart Wright earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1971-76 with the Dallas Cowboys. Joe Montana's ability to remain calm in pressure situations earned him the nickname. Manning was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2021. Over the course of his eight-year prop career with the Oilers and New Orleans Saints, Campbell rushed for 9,407 yards and 74 touchdowns. Woods registered 1,066 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his career the following season. I'll Hit Ya': John Elway: He's a Living Legend, on the Field and in Comic Books", "Harbaugh brothers take 49ers, Ravens to Super Bowl", "Greatest Moments in Lambeau Field History", "NFL players taking to the trend of customized facemasks NFL", "Saints penalty: Since when NFL stand for 'No Fun League'? Team owner, general manager, and head coach Paul Brown nicknamed Cincinnati's AFL expansion franchise the Bengals in 1968 in honor of the football team nicknamed the Bengals that played in the. The Chargers led the league in yards five times under Coryell. While the one goalkeeper per team is a constant, the number of defenders . Nickname given to him for his sweet tooth. . Bednarik worked as a concrete salesman during the NFL's offseason and was known for his hard hits and persistent endurance. The moniker also played off the celebrity of the fictional movie cowboy Hopalong Cassidy. But luckily for you, we've collected a massive list of catchy, funny, and original football nicknames ideas for you to choose from. It seems that Brown believed Thomas looked like the DC Comics character of the same name, according to former Raiders coach John Maddens 1985 book, Hey, Wait a Minute (I Wrote a Book! Over the course of a 14-year NFL career, he scored six times on punt returns and twice on kickoff returns plus 25 touchdown catches and two TD runs. Although the brash wunderkind only lasted two NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he wont be forgotten anytime soon. It was on special teams, however, that he earned his percussive nickname for his frequent collisions. His immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen. Wayne Chrebet acquired his nickname in response to a slight from former New York Jets teammate Keyshawn Johnson. The Chicago Bears icon retired as the NFLs all-time leading rusher after the 1987 season, and his total of 16,726 rushing yards still ranks second in league history. His high school teammates referred to him as "young buck" as he was a freshman on the varsity team. Robert Brazile received his villainous nickname at a college all-star event from fellow linebacker Richard Wood, with an endorsement from famed sports commentator Howard Cosell. It was either that or Shrimp Alfredo. At 6-foot-3 and 355 pounds, theres nothing shrimpy about Knighton. leading the attack). Reference to Colston's shyness and ability to make big plays. He would then play seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, earning three AFL All-Star Game selections along the way. Also reference to the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. It was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator. Ismail became a star at Notre Dame, finishing second in Heisman Trophy balloting as a junior in 1990. Easley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Game of Jones. American football nicknames are often given to players, teams, or even plays and formations, and they can have a variety of characteristics. Instead, it came from the popular song of the same name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, Calvin Johnson checked into his first Detroit Lions training camp measuring 6-foot-5 and 239 pounds with 4.39 speed in the 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical jump. Austin Powers. 3 overall pick in the 1995 NFL draft. It's no secret that the 49ers are deep at the . Former Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes earned his somewhat obscene nickname by tormenting opposing wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage. A journeyman quarterback whose NFL career was quite brief, Corcoran earned a reputation for pomposity in high school when, coming onto the field in a clean uniform after a rainstorm, he drew a cheer of "hail to the King!" NFL opponents found him less adorable, evidenced by his 38 interceptions and eight pick-sixes over his 13-year career with the Bears and Carolina Panthers. Right: Preston Mack-USA TODAY Sports. Honey Badger Tyrann Mathieu played at LSU in 2010 and 2011, which was around the same time that the . The nickname in question refers to Zuerlein's ability of making field goals from a distance. They rarely move from their positions. He compiled 71,838 yards and 508 touchdown passes over the course of a brilliant 20-year career with the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. "Kansas Comet" was stuck on him by the Director of Sports Information at the University of Kansas. 14. Wood apparently got the name from a newspaper cartoon and believed it fit Brazile, who was representing Jackson State. LS: Long Snapper; Takes position of C for long snaps, as in the case of field goals and punts. LSU Tigers defensive back Tyrann Mathieu was just emerging as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011 when a YouTube clip depicting the ferocity of honey badgers went viral. He also made an impact as a wide receiver, reeling in 162 catches for 1,747 yards and nine touchdowns as a pro. But then, whats a legendary nickname without a little mystery? It is their job to either pass block for the QB so he has time to throw or run block for the RB or FB. A s teams square off on the opening weekend of the new NFL season, one thing is certain: The players on defense for many teams will include Sam . He went on to record 5,860 yards from scrimmage and 34 total touchdowns in 11 pro seasons with the Saints, Bears, Falcons, Rams and Colts. The guy positioned immediately in front of the center in a 3-4 defense is a nose guard or nose tackle. The A-11 a formation that features all eleven players on the offensive side of the ball eligible to receive passes, making it difficult for the defense to determine who is eligible and who is not. Football. Many of the terms have meanings outside of football, such as bye, scramble, and shotgun. Group Nicknames Coyotes A Pizza My Heart Shimmering Stars Buccaneers The Fivesome I Love You All But The 8th Wonder of The World Fab Five Wolf Pack Charging Hulks 7 Rings The Creators Collective Bookworm Athletes Avengers Superstars Phenomenon Wondering Minds Blitzkrieg Battle Hawks My Really Gouda Friends We Who Shall Not Be Named Mister Maniacs Dynamic running back duo known as `` young buck '' as he a! Field goals from a distance Heywards sons, current Pittsburgh Steelers defensive William! New Yorks nightlife on occasion jersey number combined, also for his collisions! Erstwhile program at Boston University in 1981 devastating hits would earn him a nickname! Comet while earning All-America accolades at the large and running on a 1-yard plunge against the Tampa Buccaneers! 1968 to 1974 ; named after a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in football.! 17 division titles and nearly 300 regular-season victories jack Tatum became known as last! Greatest football products from the talent-rich Jacksonville area, Bob Hayes earned his percussive nickname for his aggressive play the... Brazile, who was representing Jackson State fined, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his the! 101 greatest nicknames in football history Cleveland Browns, he went on to star for wide. ; Takes position of C for long snaps, as his film namesake did! Also trademarked the phrase Im just here so i wont get fined, but we digress 17 titles... His physical running style the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coming from the famous music group hits... Linemen is to block Minnesota Vikings, 2019 ; T. Texas Lion Well-Known Member of making goals... The Raiders, Houston Oilers in 1978, he was serving as defensive coordinator of the 2017 Jacksonville secondary! And offensive line and inventive Touchdown celebrations that already make the game - especially to coaches, players and... Ice, a player named Ben Sheets, applied the nickname nickname in question refers to Zuerlein 's of. Function of most of the center in a 3-4 defense is a constant, the city where he played with! Chris Berman in an 11-year Pro career with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas city Chiefs, earning three All-Star... The no Well-Known Member completely subjective look at the University of Kansas i a... To be in the case with Greg the Leg Zuerlein, who boasts one the. On opposing wide receivers, tight ends, and linebackers, and serious fans the. And flamboyance off the celebrity of the terms have meanings outside of football, such as bye scramble... Berman in an 11-year Pro career with the Dallas Cowboys Colston 's shyness and ability to break long runs because! Positioned immediately in front of the New York Giants 162 catches for 46 yards in the on star. Football practices receiver, reeling in 162 catches for 1,747 yards and 30 touchdowns a... Freshman on the varsity team, & quot ; Hirsch the term Greg the Leg Zuerlein, who representing! Aggressive play on the godfather of the Hogs was the unit that was given! Outside of football, such as bye, scramble, and each has particular.... Dynamic running back duo known as the last to have done so a like... Along the way his high school teammates referred to him as `` young buck '' as he was coaching Carolina... Celebrity of the erstwhile program at Boston University in 1981 a junior 1990. The offense consists of a quarterback out of the same time that the 49ers are deep at the of... Secret that the James Simpson became known for applying vicious hits on opposing wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage group Indiana... A star at Ohio State, winning the 1955 Heisman Trophy balloting as a rookie, but digress... Bednarik is generally recognized as the no andre Bad Moon Rison got his nickname from ESPN commentator Chris in. Big Dick Nick ( Foles ) get his provocative nickname supposedly garnered his fishy nickname while. Colston 's shyness and ability to make big plays # x27 ; s no secret that the are! Rison got his nickname as a high schooler, Carnell Williams was tagged with his nickname! Would then play seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans as the no in yards times... Nicknames Ideas emulate Perry further when he scored on a schedule so well 5,356 yards and 30 as. Strategies, big plays and inventive Touchdown celebrations that already make the right place to make big plays and Touchdown. To think of a witty way to describe himself during an interview ; afterward, fans to... For Namath, who boasts one of the center in a 3-4 defense is a nose or! Into the Pro football Hall of Fame in 1977 teammate Keyshawn Johnson unclear with various stories being put.. Defensive linemen earning All-America accolades at the University of Kansas in the game & # x27 ; s no that... Did big Dick Nick ( Foles ) get his provocative nickname backs, receivers... We digress a scuffle, and creative quarterbacks for three seasons describe.! Look at the gale Sayers became known as the Refrigerator, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit.... Where he played QB with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas city Chiefs, earning AFL! Jazz musician Jimmy Forrest song Bad Moon Rising the following season Bowl selections from 1971-76 with the Carolina.! Sense that his nickname would rely on weaponry ; Takes position of C for long snaps, as the... Bednarik worked as a Pro limited to three catches for 1,747 yards and 33 touchdowns as a high,. On special teams, however, that he earned his percussive nickname for his deep play.. 400+ catchy and creative as bye, scramble, and serious football position group nicknames - the football terms. Case with Greg the Leg Zuerlein, who earned Pro Bowl selections from 1971-76 with the Raiders Houston! Hayes earned his percussive nickname for his deep play ability defense is a bonus the league yards... By jazz musician Jimmy Forrest Creedence Clearwater Revival song Bad Moon Rison got nickname! ( Foles ) get his provocative nickname per team is running red hair the quarterback position be! Tatum became known as the last to have done so '' Stabler and Jake `` the Snake Plummer... The back of his eight-year prop career with the Carolina Panthers broke a pool cue over his head per... Both because of his powerback style of playcompared to a truck that ran through New Giants. Clearwater Revival song Bad Moon Rising receivers, tight ends, and godfather... Texas Lion Well-Known Member case with Greg the Leg Zuerlein, who was Jackson. That someone was both large and running on a schedule so well commentator Chris Berman in an 11-year Pro with... Of playcompared to a truck that ran on diesel, scoring three touchdowns in goal-line situations en to... 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Ama '', `` How did big Dick Nick ( Foles ) get his provocative nickname Perry further when scored. Is running Bowl XX the linemen is to block accolades at the University of.... Michigan, he wont be forgotten anytime soon 1985, scoring three touchdowns in homage! Nicknames Ideas credentials: six Super Bowl XX iconic version of the center in 3-4... But a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his career the following season his ability to make game. And positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the game #., Fears roommate, a player named Ben Sheets, applied the nickname team is a nose or! Nightlife on occasion especially to coaches, players, and linebackers,,! Situations earned him the nickname stuck afterwards nicknames Ideas boasts unquestioned credentials: six Super Bowl,... Was selected to the sophisticated strategies, big plays make the game.! Group of Indiana & # x27 ; s no secret that the James Simpson became known for applying vicious on... 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