Former New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis earned his nickname because his actual name sounds like, well, like the name of a high-powered legal group. This thread is archived. 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. Footballer Nicknames: 400+ Catchy And Creative Footballer Nicknames Ideas. 5 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Went on to lead Vikings to a win in Philadelphia, against Michael Vick and the Eagles playing a must-win game. Nicknames for entire teams, or whole offensive or defensive units. 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. Marion Barber III - Marion the Barbarian, 35. Catalina Wine Mixon. He also is remembered for flattening Giants running back Frank Gifford in what became a legendary photograph. 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. Qadry Ismails weaponized nickname fits him nicely. We have some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Defensive Backs (Cornerbacks and Safeties): Defensive backs are often referred to by their position, for example Cornerback or Safety. 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. His mother gave him the nickname as he had many mood changes when he was young. As a high schooler, Carnell Williams was tagged with his vehicular nickname by a sportscaster in Birmingham, Alabama. 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A reference to his blond hair and his alma mater, Shortening of his last name which is Gronkowski. To wit, his NFL record of 336 interceptions is probably even more secure than his legendary mark of 297 consecutive starts. Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsch boasts one of the most colorful nicknames in football history, and it was inspired by his atypical style of running. The Flexbone A option-based offense that uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense. Heyward had an unusually large head, which he often used as a battering ram. Offensive Line - There are five offensive linemen. ), 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. 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. Now the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Bieniemy was a standout running back at the University of Colorado who went on to a nine-year playing career with the Chargers, Bengals and Eagles. Washington's powerful offensive line paved the way to three titles and four Super Bowl appearances. Billy White Shoes Johnson earned his nickname long before becoming a standout punt and kick returner with the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. A football pitch is divided into four main zones: the penalty box, the defensive half, the centre of the field and the attacking zone. Don Hutson was a man ahead of his time. But the No. He rushed for 14,101 yards and 90 touchdowns and added 484 receptions for 3,329 yards and 10 touchdowns as a pro. At 69 and 290lb, Lipscomb, a professional wrestler during the offseason, was one of the largest players in professional football during the 1950s. The guy positioned immediately in front of the center in a 3-4 defense is a nose guard or nose tackle. Teams with nicknames that include the word "Fighting" are listed under the letter of the second nickname. But with Dan Marino on the way two years later, Jensen wound up playing wide receiver for much of his career, compiling 229 receptions in 12 seasons with the Dolphins. Nickname given due to Spygate and several other Patriots scandals. Nicknames are often given to players or teams to create a sense of identity and camaraderie. Note that many have been anecdotally nicknamed the Snapfather, which is a play on the Godfather. A native Texan, he received his Californian nickname from teammate Robert Newhouse after showing up to practice in a limo and wearing a fur coat. From his peculiar childhood habit of seasoning corn flakes with black pepper. 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Reed was always there to make a play on the ball (i.e. Although Belichicks hoodie might not carry the same gravitas as Tom Landrys famed fedora, its difficult to argue with the results. Additionally, nicknames can also help to create a sense of history and tradition for a team or player, connecting them to past successes or memorable moments. If youre wondering, Johnson was limited to three catches for 46 yards in the game. That tends to happen when you quarterback your teams to a 4-0 record in Super Bowls with 28 game-winning drives and 26 fourth-quarter comebacks. The defense consists of a defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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", "No. Dallas Cowboys teammate Charlie Waters tagged White with his colorful nickname, explaining that the way Randy plays he has to be part man and part monster. An All-America performer at the University of Maryland, White would be selected to nine consecutive Pro Bowls from 1977-85. Gale Sayers became known as the Kansas Comet while earning All-America accolades at the University of Kansas in the 1960s. Sherman has registered 36 interceptions in his first 10 pro seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Woods registered 1,066 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his career the following season. Chicago sportswriter Francis Powers coined the moniker, writing of Hirsch: His crazy legs were gyrating in six different directions, all at the same time; he looked like a demented duck. After World War II, he turned pro with the Chicago Rockets of the All-America Football Conference. Steve threw for more than 5,000 yards as a college senior en route to being the No. He recorded 353 receptions for 5,137 yards and 33 touchdowns as a pro. Long snapper: Perhaps the most unappreciated position, this player snaps the ball to the punter. Here are some unique and funny team names for football teams. Quarterback (QB) On most plays, the quarterback gets the ball from the center and controls the play. Here are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Kickers: Kickers are often referred to by their position, for example Kicker. Wide receiver in the 1960s or nose tackle positioned immediately in front of the movie. Is the best wide receiver in the game unusually large head, is... Note that many have been anecdotally nicknamed the Snapfather, which is a guard... Who is the best wide receiver in the game player snaps the ball ( i.e Football! Although Belichicks hoodie might not carry the same gravitas as Tom Landrys famed,... 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