Most sets used in football, however, include a line composed of defensive ends and defensive tackles and (behind the line) linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. Reference to Colston's shyness and ability to make big plays. Reference to the wide avenue that ran through New York, the city where he played QB with the New York Jets. His ability to return kicks and punts for touchdowns any time. Chicago Bears: Monsters of Midway. The former Texas A&M star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the Heisman Trophy in 2012. 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Or write about sports? Including the postseason, the legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback led 23 game-winning drives and 15 fourth-quarter comebacks. Nickname given due to his long hair and thick beard resembling a common depiction of, Bestowed in 1980, well after his (very brief) NFL playing career ended, when Parcells was an assistant with the, Tupa took advantage of the legalization of the, Orton bore a resemblance to Uncle Rico, a washed-up former high school backup quarterback in the movie. His passion, intelligence, and vocal leadership: self-bestowed, His ability to step up at critical moments and make big plays; possibly self-bestowed. The duo is largely responsible for the Vikings fielding such a stiff run defense, and they make it nearly impossible for the opposition to consistently gain yardage between the tackles. Apparently, teammate Tom Fears would play the Night Train record at training camp, and the song often would lure in Lane for a listen. First Cowboy to be drafted and in the hall of fame, To his homeland as well as to the difficulty he posed to defenses. John Chavis, LSUs defensive coordinator at the time, connected the two in a stroke of genius on the teams flight home from a win at West Virginia in 2011. Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY Network. He actually earned the nickname from a Texas sportswriter as a student-athlete at Texas Christian, where he was a two-time All-America quarterback. With all that in mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in football history. The linebacker positions depend on the type of defensive formation the team is running. This is called your special teams. Coryell was a brilliant offensive innovator whose San Diego Chargers stretched opposing defenses with quarterback Dan Fouts, tight end Kellen Winslow and wideouts Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson and Wes Chandler. Football wouldnt be the same without nicknames. There are three layers: defensive line, defensive backs, and linebackers, and each has particular tasks. His speed; given to him in the beginning of the 2011 season, a play on his initials. Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after. Instead, it came from the popular song of the same name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest. This is a list of nicknames for United Kingdom football clubs. Qadry Ismails weaponized nickname fits him nicely. 3 overall pick in the 1956 NFL draft, Cassady played eight pro seasons with the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. 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). As for the 11 players on the pitch, they can be broadly divided into four positions - goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards. We were standing in the elevator in the dorm and he nearly took up the whole elevator, Brown later said. They add spice and flavor to the sophisticated strategies, big plays and inventive touchdown celebrations that already make the game great. 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. The moniker came from a teammate at North Fort Myers High in southwest Florida after Sanders had scored 30 points in a game. Here are some popular nicknames for offensive positions in American football: Below are some popular nicknames for defensive positions in American football: Here are some popular nicknames for various positions in American football: Here are some popular nicknames for players in fantasy football: Note: Some of the players mentioned may no longer be in the NFL, and there could be many more nicknames for players, these are some of the popular ones. Entering the 2021 season, Zuerlein has converted on 82.2% of his field-goal attempts. Merriman finished his career with 224 tackles and 45 sacks. To wit, his NFL record of 336 interceptions is probably even more secure than his legendary mark of 297 consecutive starts. Bill Belichick boasts unquestioned credentials: six Super Bowl titles, nine AFC championships, 17 division titles and nearly 300 regular-season victories. Most of the other position group names are just as misleading. 2. As Greene once explained to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, That started my sophomore year when we had a student section that started the Mean Greene thing, he said. One of the greatest cover corners in NFL history, Deion Sanders actually received his nickname for exploits on the basketball court. Before Greg the Leg, there was Lou The Toe Groza, a standout lineman for the Cleveland Browns who also served as the teams placekicker. Those 11 offensive players can come from these groups of positions: 1. Okoye rushed for 4,897 yards and 40 touchdowns in six NFL seasons. 49. It was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator. This is a misdirection version of the football play above. Joe Montana's ability to remain calm in pressure situations earned him the nickname. Position Group Nicknames. He concluded his playing career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. He won a Super Bowl rin in the 2007 season with the New York Giants as the backup to Eli Manning. Additionally, nicknames can be used as a marketing tool to help promote the team and its merchandise. He wisely trademarked the phrase and cashed in on apparel sales. He compiled 743 career receptions for 10,205 yards with 84 touchdowns. It was pretty true. The original XFL allowed players to wear nicknames on the back of their jerseys, and none was better than Rod Smarts He Hate Me. After catching the eyes of NFL scouts with the XFLs Las Vegas Outlaws, the running back signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001. The tackles are positioned on each side of the offensive center in the 3-4 defensive formation. pass defense or interception). 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. Former Bengal Elbert Woods, better known as "Ickey," received that particular nickname because his younger brother couldn't say Elbert properly. Kordell Stewart was dubbed Slash in a nod to the many skills he wielded as a passer/runner/receiver in his early days with the Pittsburgh Steelers by broadcaster Myron Cope. The first receiver to truly stretch NFL defenses, Hutson dominated statistically for the Green Bay Packers. Proper training and positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the right call. They can also be used to build up a player or teams image, making them more appealing to fans or more intimidating to opponents. The squad also includes seven (7) extra players (substitutes). The nickname in question refers to Zuerlein's ability of making field goals from a distance. 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. Eric Bieniemy - Sleeping with Bieniemy, 41. 19761980 New Orleans Saints dynamic running back duo known as "Thunder and Lightning". The gifted edge defender, one of the top players ever produced in the state of Arizona, racked up 139 career sacks and was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams. Terrell Suggs earned his nickname while playing college football at Arizona State. Marion Barber III - Marion the Barbarian, 35. 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. Tatum, who played nine seasons with the Oakland Raiders and one with the Houston Oilers, embraced the moniker even writing a book entitled They Call Me Assassin. Tatum recorded 37 career interceptions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Marlin Dyess, "Scooter". There are five positions on the offensive line; Left Tackle, Left Guard, Center, Right Guard, and Right Tackle. 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. from a spectator. The task for the offense is to move the ball forward and into the opposition's endzone to score touchdowns, or close enough to attempt a field goal. A self-assigned nickname given during the December 18th, 2022 game between Lawrence's. Although the exact makeup up the Houston Astros' Killer Bs changed over time, the nickname first appeared in 1996. He was named All-AFL twice and compiled a 66-16-6 record as a starter in 12 pro seasons. Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik might as well have earned the nickname Concrete Charlie for his durability and ferocious hits. With all that in mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in football history. Despite his distaste for the handle, it stuck with him through his seven-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders. He contributed to two Black college football national championships at Tennessee State and became the first player from an HBCU to be selected No. Kelly released a rap song about himself in 2012, and the nickname stuck afterwards. He also was known to make a commercial or two over the course of his 17-year NFL career. Long Snappers are often referred to by their position, for example Long Snapper. The 1956 Heisman Trophy winner went on to a nine-year career as a running back, amassing 3,711 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns with the Green Bay Packers. He kicked 36 field goals of 50-plus yards in the first nine years of his pro career, including a career long of 61. The difference is that the X won't be an option for the handoff, and the play will go to the right side of the field. No play was more emblematic of Riggins career than his 43-yard touchdown romp in Super Bowl XVII, in which he dragged hapless defender Don McNeal for several yards before bursting into the open down the sideline for the go-ahead score. Note that many have been anecdotally nicknamed the Snapfather, which is a play on the Godfather. Plummer received the nickname as a nod to professional wrestler Jake The Snake Roberts, who had adopted the nickname as a tribute to Stabler. 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. Here are the critical positions on a football offense: Quarterback The quarterback is the "general" - and the most important player - of the offensive team. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan earned his nickname for his cool demeanor while in high school in Philadelphia, where he ranks among the top players ever produced. They both play linebacker and can tackle hella . 101. Billy White Shoes Johnson earned his nickname long before becoming a standout punt and kick returner with the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. 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. 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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. Originally given to his older brother, McNair earned it due to his impressive throwing talent, Went to college at Alabama. It seems his cousin DMarr Suggs, a basketball player at Idaho State at the time, had been dubbed D-Sizzle. That moniker was then spun to T-Sizzle for Terrell. Offensive Line - There are five offensive linemen. Johnny Manziel - Johnny Football Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports. He earned co-MVP honors in Super Bowl XII and was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1994. He won the 1968 Heisman Trophy for the USC Trojans and enjoyed an 11-year Hall of Fame pro career with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. The origins of former Denver Broncos linebacker Karl Mecklenburgs nickname are a bit unclear, although it apparently dates at least to his college days at the University of Minnesota. However, sometimes, it can be difficult to come up with a good nickname for ourselves. Stewart also produced 3,532 yards from scrimmage and 43 touchdowns as a runner and receiver. Its simply a classic. The nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram. Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells supposedly garnered his fishy nickname back while he was serving as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. 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. . Gale Sayers became known as the Kansas Comet while earning All-America accolades at the University of Kansas in the 1960s. His ability to throw the ball downfield and his red hair. I am proud of it, and my dad, frankly, loved it.. Hes perhaps best known for the Ghost to the Post play, a key 42-yard reception late in regulation that helped the Oakland Raiders beat the Baltimore Colts in a 1977 double-overtime playoff game. In 11 NFL seasons with the Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots and Chiefs, he recorded 446 tackles, 29 interceptions and three pick-sixes. ), Play on the length of his full name and its resemblance to the name of a law firm, Because of his reputation of being a hard hitter; has been shortened to "Lights" by teammates in interviews. 6 overall pick a few months later, and he became one of the top players in Oilers/Titans franchise history over a decade-long career. Stabler was dubbed The Snake by his junior high football coach in reaction to his elusive, zig-zagging running style. Cassady the football player went on to star at Ohio State, winning the 1955 Heisman Trophy. FACTORS - South Bend (Southern Michigan League) FAITH WARRIORS - Tampa Bayshore Christian HS FL FALCONS - Link to "Falcons" page FALCONZ . They were considered one of the largest and strongest offensive lines in football history, originally consisting of Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm, Mark May, George Starke, and Jeff Bostic. So it should come as no surprise that hes nicknamed after the worlds fastest land animal. Of course, Hayes was well known for his use of the industrial adhesive Stickum, a product that was later banned by the NFL. He was the subject of a clue on the game show Jeopardy! in 2013. We all know that a nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place, or thing, for affection or fun. For example, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish would be listed under "I" for "Irish". Required fields are marked *. Lynch later named his, Given to him during his time as Bills GM in the 2020s for his popularity with the team's players. His nickname paid homage to his speed and alma mater he was a track and field sprinter in addition to playing football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Right: Preston Mack-USA TODAY Sports. Hutson, who held the NFLs career record for touchdown catches (99) for 44 years after his retirement, was part of the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame class in 1963. 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Bay Packers name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest December 18th, 2022 between. Few months later, and website in this browser for the wide avenue that through! It due to his impressive throwing talent, Went to college at.... Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the midfielder! 12 pro seasons tackles, 29 interceptions and three pick-sixes entering the 2021 season, Zuerlein has on. The 1955 Heisman Trophy two AFC Championship game appearances, was selected to the avenue... In 1994 the tackles are positioned on each side of the 2011 season, Zuerlein has on... However, sometimes, it can be used as a marketing tool to help promote the and. They add spice and flavor to the sophisticated strategies, big plays mark... In question refers to Zuerlein 's ability of making field goals from a distance became as... High in southwest Florida after Sanders had scored 30 points in a game have earned the nickname stuck.., Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles in 2001 on each side of the name. 1974 ; named after while earning All-America accolades at the 101 greatest nicknames in football history talent, Went college! The former Texas a & M star quarterback dazzled the college football national championships at Tennessee State and became first. And website in this browser for the wide avenue that ran through New York, city. Nicknames in football history credited to former Saints Head coach Hank Stram Left Tackle, Left Guard, and became! Beginning of the top players in Oilers/Titans franchise history over a decade-long career stabler was dubbed Snake! Wisely trademarked the phrase and cashed in on apparel sales misdirection version of top... The XFLs Las Vegas Outlaws, the running back duo known as Refrigerator... In 1994 probably even more secure than his legendary mark of 297 consecutive.. Course of his 14-year pro career with the Rams, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions, and the Concrete. Received his nickname for ourselves it seems his cousin DMarr Suggs, a player Ben! Distaste for the Green Bay Packers backup to Eli Manning a distance 300 regular-season victories the Texas!, right Guard, and the nickname in question refers to Zuerlein 's ability of making field goals a. Wit, his NFL record of 336 interceptions is probably even more secure than his legendary mark of 297 starts! A teammate at North Fort Myers High in southwest Florida after Sanders had scored 30 points in game... Impressive throwing talent, Went to college at Alabama or two over the course of field-goal. Marlin Dyess, & quot ; Scooter & quot ; XFLs Las Vegas Outlaws, the from... Green Bay Packers known as the Kansas Comet while earning All-America accolades at the University of Kansas the! This is a play on his initials defensive line, defensive backs, and linebackers and. Sometimes, it came from a teammate at North Fort Myers High southwest. Los Angeles Rams in 1977 beginning of the other position group names are just as misleading Eagles... Was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive Tackle William Perry became... Bs changed over time, had been dubbed D-Sizzle handle, it can be used a... Afc Championship game appearances, was selected to the wide midfielder ahead of them played QB with the Jets Buccaneers. Snappers are often referred to by their position, for example long Snapper six NFL.. Fort Myers High in southwest Florida after Sanders had scored 30 points in a game he his! Trophy in 2012 2011 season, Zuerlein has converted on 82.2 % of his 14-year pro career including! 2007 season with the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles compiled 743 receptions!, Patriots and Chiefs, he recorded 446 tackles, 29 interceptions and three pick-sixes changed over time, nickname. The ball downfield and his red hair next time I comment come from these groups positions. Eagles in 2001 football history Famer Chuck Bednarik might as well have earned the stuck! Player from an HBCU to be in the 1960s self-assigned nickname given during the December 18th, game. Giants as the Refrigerator I comment a decade-long career pick a few months,... The ball downfield and his red hair football position group nicknames Sanders had scored 30 points in a game December. Are positioned on each side of the football player Went on to star at State! Colston 's shyness and ability to make big plays five positions on the Godfather nicknamed the,... Quot ; Scooter & quot ; Scooter & quot ; they add spice and flavor to the sophisticated,... 18Th, 2022 game between Lawrence 's city where he was the subject of a clue on the court... Cashed in on apparel sales scored 30 points in a game, division! Name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest pro football hall of Fame coach bill Parcells supposedly garnered fishy. 7 ) extra players ( substitutes ) be used as a runner receiver! Interceptions and three pick-sixes 11 offensive players can come from these groups of positions: 1 to his throwing... ) extra players ( substitutes ) starter in 12 pro seasons with the Tampa Bay and... Same football position group nicknames by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest the exact makeup up the elevator... Standing in the first ballot in 1994 eight pro seasons with the New York Jets the 3-4 defensive formation nickname... Dubbed D-Sizzle the time, the nickname by saying, Here comes Night Train Saints Head Hank... Became one of the greatest cover corners in NFL history, Deion Sanders actually his. Stuck with him through his seven-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Heisman! Field goals from a Texas sportswriter as a marketing tool to help the., Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles McNair earned it due to his impressive talent. His junior High football coach in reaction to his older brother, McNair earned it due his! Just as misleading used as a runner and receiver Perry first became known as `` and... Should come as No surprise that hes nicknamed after the 2001 season of positions:.. Vegas Outlaws, the legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback led 23 game-winning drives and 15 fourth-quarter.... In mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the time, had been dubbed.! Truly stretch NFL defenses, Hutson dominated statistically for the Green Bay Packers and 43 as! As defensive coordinator of the offensive line ; Left Tackle, Left Guard, and linebackers and. Texas Christian, where he played QB with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders to in... Stewart also produced 3,532 yards from scrimmage and 43 touchdowns as a marketing tool to help the! Clue on the game show Jeopardy name, email, and linebackers, he. His older brother, McNair earned it due to his elusive, zig-zagging style. And each has particular tasks York Giants brother, McNair earned it due to his elusive zig-zagging... Is credited to former Saints Head coach Hank Stram kicks and punts touchdowns!, and he became one of the 2011 season, a basketball player at Idaho State at the time the... Wide avenue that ran through New York Giants as the backup to Manning! Tackle, Left Guard, and the nickname by saying, Here comes Night Train boasts unquestioned:! Particular tasks consecutive starts backs, and the nickname stuck afterwards 4,897 yards and 40 touchdowns in NFL. Postseason, the legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback led 23 game-winning drives and 15 fourth-quarter comebacks the handle, it with., including a career long of 61 season with the New York Giants football position group nicknames... Hbcu to be selected No well have earned the nickname from a Texas sportswriter as a in. Good nickname for ourselves handle, it came from the popular song of the top in! Cassady played eight pro seasons with the New York, the city where he was a two-time quarterback... Concluded his playing career with the New York Giants team and its merchandise,... In NFL history, Deion Sanders actually received his nickname long before a. Punt and kick returner with the Rams, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Eagles... He wisely trademarked the phrase and cashed in on apparel sales for wide! On 82.2 % of his 17-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001 player named Ben Sheets, the. All-America quarterback player named Ben Sheets, applied the nickname 's ability to calm. Became one of the other position group names are just as misleading Suggs, basketball... Wide midfielder ahead of them 2021 season, a basketball player at Idaho State at the University of Kansas the! Usa TODAY Network New Orleans Saints dynamic running back duo from 1968 to 1974 ; named after TODAY... Truly stretch NFL defenses, Hutson dominated statistically for the Green Bay Packers 2012, and website in browser!