The two main defenses that teams run today . Both Raji and Perry were listed at 6-foot-2 and around 335 pounds, although both likely tipped the scales at a much heftier number. Originally given to his older brother, McNair earned it due to his impressive throwing talent, Went to college at Alabama. A standard football offense has two tackles on the offensive line. Morris would earn three consecutive Pro Bowl selections as the Dolphins reached the Super Bowl three consecutive times from 1971-73. Here is our collection of some of the more interesting football jargon. The linebacker positions depend on the type of defensive formation the team is running. Raji would emulate Perry further when he scored on a 1-yard plunge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011. One of the many nicknames the left-handed quarterback acquired during his playing career; he was obese his entire adult life and weighed an average of 300 pounds during his playing career (he was approximately 400 pounds at the time of his premature death). Return specialists: The players who return punts and kicks. It has been used for Joe Flacco for his cool demeanor, especially during the postseason. Earl Campbells nickname originates in the fact that his hometown of Tyler, Texas, boasts a long history as a leader in the commercial production of roses. I didnt think anything of it, Thompson told the Times. American Football team nicknames often have common characteristics and purposes, such as: Bringing you the latest on professional naming guides and more. 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. That artistry played a part in his acquiring his Disney-themed nickname. Although Stephen Baker gave himself the nickname Touchdown Maker, he made sure he lived up to it by scoring the Giants first touchdown in Super Bowl XXV. Jackson, one of the first defenders to utilize the now-banned head slap against opponents, was named All-AFL three consecutive seasons before injuries truncated his career. But then, whats a legendary nickname without a little mystery? What Daniel Jones and Giants teammates think of QB's new nickname", "South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel explains origin of his nickname", "Former Raiders cornerback 'Skip' Thomas dies", "2018 Hall of Fame: Robert Brazile got 'Dr. Reggie White - The Minister of Defense, his brothers inability to pronounce his given name, the original Air McNair at quarterback at Alcorn State, earned the nickname from a Texas sportswriter, greatest players to hail from the Pittsburgh area, by scoring the Giants first touchdown in Super Bowl XXV, after he scored four touchdowns in a game in junior college, the subject of a clue on the game show Jeopardy!, Johnson referred to himself as a star and Chrebet as a flashlight, he ranks among the top players ever produced, explained to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, one of the greatest players ever developed in football-crazy Texas, Fitzpatrick signed with the Washington Football Team, by ESPN broadcasters Chris Berman and Trey Wingo, gained his nickname from a college teammate at Boise State, one of the best high school football products from the state of Michigan, Knighton said at Super Bowl XLVIII media day, earned Sherman a phone call from actor Peter Cullen, the suboptimal diet he maintained early in his career, He was dubbed Bummel, which later was shortened to Bum, dubbed Contact by Kansas City Chiefs teammate Jerry Mays, One of the greatest players ever to hail from the state of Virginia. Nicknames are often given to players or teams to create a sense of identity and camaraderie. The following are nicknames throughout the history of the NFL. Football positions. Perhaps no nickname embodied the freewheeling aerial display of the old American Football League than The Mad Bomber. Daryle Lamonica began his career with the Buffalo Bills, but he became a star with the Oakland Raiders. Merriman began his pro career furiously, compiling 163 tackles and 39 sacks in his first three seasons. Hammer Counter Run. May overlap and send crosses into the opposition box . Reference to the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. As such, they need to move the ball a minimum of 10 yards from the initial line of scrimmage in 4 plays or 'downs', or the ball is automatically turned over to the . Terrell Suggs earned his nickname while playing college football at Arizona State. leading the attack). But within the game - especially to coaches, players, and serious fans - the football slang terms take on meaning. Anthony McFarland hasnt answered to his birth name in a long time. The moniker came from the student section when Greene was a collegiate standout at North Texas. 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? Given both because of his ability to break long runs and because it rhymes with his last name. Lewis had the ability to hit players very hard and often injured them: many players compared one of Lewis's hits to the feeling of running into a brick wall. Its not terribly exotic for a redheaded quarterback to be dubbed the Red Rifle. Martin, who earned Pro Bowl invitations in 2012 and 2015, rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns as a pro. ", Fitzpatrick has had brief spurts of resounding success, notable examples include when he played with the. Well known for calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage and hurry-up offense. He ranks second only to Don Shula in NFL history with 318 regular-season victories. Damon Harrison earned his culinary moniker based on the suboptimal diet he maintained early in his career when he was with the New York Giants. The Catch Dwight Clark, former NFL wide receiver best known for his game-winning catch in the 1982 NFC Championship Game. 10. Following his playing days, Williamson embarked on a long, successful acting career, including a starring role in the 1972 film Hammer.. His speed; given to him in the beginning of the 2011 season, a play on his initials. 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. Although the exact makeup up the Houston Astros' Killer Bs changed over time, the nickname first appeared in 1996. Hill ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds at his pro day prior to the 2016 NFL draft, and that speed has given opposing defensive backs fits for the past five seasons. 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). Football wouldnt be the same without nicknames. Nickname given for his affinity for having comeback wins during his career. Although Hynoski didnt get his hands on the football often during his four seasons with the New York Giants, he became a fan favorite. Hendricks was invited to the Pro Bowl eight times and received four first-team All-Pro selections. First Cowboy to be drafted and in the hall of fame, To his homeland as well as to the difficulty he posed to defenses. He was named All-AFL twice and compiled a 66-16-6 record as a starter in 12 pro seasons. It's like planking, but dumber. Wood apparently got the name from a newspaper cartoon and believed it fit Brazile, who was representing Jackson State. 16: Deion played his way into 'Prime Time', "Heartwarming Children's Book Based on Saints' Marques Colston", "Then & Now: William "The Refrigerator" Perry", "NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg changes Manhattan to Revis Island", "Upon Further Review: Coach Reid's Monday Recap", "The Sheriff: Record-setting Peyton Manning breeds hope, faith, and confidence", Shipwreck Kelly Dies; Football Star in 30's, "Trent Williams' Silverback nickname makes John Thompson uncomfortable", "Has 'Smash and Dash' become 'Smash and Grab'? Because of his short legs, he appeared to waddle like a duck. Lovingly called Spiderman, due to his last name. I am Samoan and I threw the ball. Because he was "the most feared running back in the NFL. A full lineup will include defenders (one will be the goalkeeper), several midfield players, and forwards (e.g. The Wildcat A formation that features a player other than the quarterback taking the snap, usually a running back or receiver, in order to run or pass the ball. Also self-refers as "Esteban Ochocinco". He recorded 39 interceptions over his decade-long career, including an NFL-best 13 in 1980. Raji gave himself the nickname The Freezer in a nod to William The Refrigerator Perry, the famed Chicago Bears defensive lineman who occasionally was called upon to run the ball in goal-line situations. Any doubts about whether his speed would translate to the next level were erased when he scored 20 touchdowns, including six in one game, as a rookie with the Chicago Bears. Went on to lead Vikings to a win in Philadelphia, against Michael Vick and the Eagles playing a must-win game. 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. Combined with his nationality, his brute strength inspired teammate Irv Eatman to create a brilliant nickname. Marion Barber IIIs nickname works two ways beautifully. Irvin embraced the moniker by signing his autograph as Michael Playmaker Irvin, 88, and he boasted a vanity license plate that read PLYMKR. One of the greatest players ever developed in talent-rich Miami, Irvin racked up 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns during his NFL career. 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. Perry exploded on the national scene as a rookie in 1985, scoring three touchdowns in goal-line situations en route to Super Bowl XX. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. His high school teammates referred to him as "young buck" as he was a freshman on the varsity team. So it stuck to me, Knighton said at Super Bowl XLVIII media day. ) Thomas recorded 17 interceptions during his six-year NFL career and was a member of the 1976 Raiders team that won Super Bowl XI. The West Coast Offense A passing-oriented offensive scheme that emphasizes short, quick passes to move the ball down the field. 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Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch boasts one of the most colorful nicknames in football history, and it was inspired by his atypical style of running. Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. He then memorably scored on a 1-yard plunge as the Bears steamrolled the Patriots in the big game. As well as his flying tackles. Catalina Wine Mixon. The stalwart Wright earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1971-76 with the Dallas Cowboys. Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch. Still, other nicknames are more intimidating or fierce, such as The Black Death for the Baltimore Ravens Defense. It was either that or Shrimp Alfredo. At 6-foot-3 and 355 pounds, theres nothing shrimpy about Knighton. The formation will be exactly the same. When the Dolphins enjoyed a perfect season in 1972, Morris rushed for 1,000 yards and led the NFL with 14 touchdown runs. Long snapper: Perhaps the most unappreciated position, this player snaps the ball to the punter. The former Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver taxed opposing defenses and made his impact felt every time he stepped on the field. Dazzle. Some of the greatest footballers ever to grace a pitch have had their unique nicknames, such as El Ilusionista ( Andres Iniesta ), Zizou (Zinedine Zidane), Der Bomber (Gerd Muller) or O Fenomeno (Ronaldo Nazario) - so it is no surprise that even some of the lesser-known football players have well-known nicknames. Marion Barber III - Marion the Barbarian, 35. 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 function of most of the linemen is to block. For the uninitiated, Optimus Prime is Megatrons rival in the Transformers franchise. Before Greg the Leg, there was Lou The Toe Groza, a standout lineman for the Cleveland Browns who also served as the teams placekicker. In order from left to right, they are: the Left Tackle (LT), Left Guard (LG), Center (C), Right Guard (RG) and Right Tackle (RT). 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. These are easy to remember because they are always in the middle of the field, and their positions go in order left to right. This is a list of nicknames for United Kingdom football clubs. A nickname coined by his teammates on the Washington Redskins after peeing himself constantly during his career. Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks acquired his avian nickname while playing at the University of Miami. Dec 9, 2019 #1 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. 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. Drafted No. The Run and Shoot A offense that emphasizes quick passes and wide receiver movement to create mismatches in the defense. Nickname given to his frequent acts off the field and his huge ego. His remarkable ability to maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career. Defensive ends and tackles are collectively called defensive linemen, while the cornerbacks and safeties are collectively called defensive backs, or the secondary . As he told the Los Angeles Times in 1980, Football is a violent world and Deacon has a religious connotation. To this day, the Bears wear the initials GSW on the left arm of their uniform jersey in honor of Halas. The name is an allusion to a, A play on the initials he had used as his. In 14 NFL seasons with Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington and Baltimore, Sanders excelled on special teams and even played some wide receiver on offense in addition to his usual defensive duties. But luckily for you, we've collected a massive list of catchy, funny, and original football nicknames ideas for you to choose from. He also is remembered for flattening Giants running back Frank Gifford in what became a legendary photograph. Draw your own conclusion. 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. It was on special teams, however, that he earned his percussive nickname for his frequent collisions. Nickname given to him for his sweet tooth. While the one goalkeeper per team is a constant, the number of defenders . The Miami Dolphins drafted Jim Jensen as a quarterback out of the erstwhile program at Boston University in 1981. [40] Jackson 5: [41] Nickname of the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coming from the famous music group. Oail Andrew Phillips Jr. got his nickname as a child after an incident where he was stung by bumblebees or bummel bees as they were called by his family in Orange, Texas. Some nicknames are descriptive, such as The Big Easy for Drew Brees, which references his birthplace of New Orleans, Louisiana. Mike Ditka acquired the Iron Mike nickname from the fact that he grew up in the steel town of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He was part of the inaugural class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. That changes the game up massively and requires each position to have a different set of . Dick Night Train Lane set an NFL record with 14 interceptions for the Los Angeles Rams in 1952, a mark that still stands today. Can you name these 15 football club's nicknames? Eric Bieniemy - Sleeping with Bieniemy, 41. Grange would play nine pro seasons seven with the Bears and two with the erstwhile New York Yankees football club. It was popular enough that he legally changed his name to Tommy after his playing career ended. Suggs claims that the reason he plays so toughly and aggressively is because he went to BallSoHard University; however, he did admit in an interview during the. 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. If it isnt obvious, the nickname Juice plays off the initials O.J. 19761980 New Orleans Saints dynamic running back duo known as "Thunder and Lightning". In addition to founding the Bears, Halasalso played, coached and served as an executive for the team. 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 . With all that in mind, Touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in football history. Not only does it contain a rhyme and play off his last name, it perfectly described his physical running style. 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. He contributed to two Black college football national championships at Tennessee State and became the first player from an HBCU to be selected No. Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsch boasts one of the most colorful nicknames in football history, and it was inspired by his atypical style of running. Special teams consist of a kicker, punter, long snapper, and gunners. Reference to Colston's shyness and ability to make big plays. Martin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. The name persisted somewhat as, although they would later qualify for the playoffs several times since then, they did not win a playoff game until their defeat of . From the section Football. They can also be used to build up a player or teams image, making them more appealing to fans or more intimidating to opponents. Nicknames for entire teams, whole offensive units, defensive units or special teams. They wrote an article saying something about how I looked like a bus or something like that and I was taking guys for a ride, and it just kind of stuck, Bettis once told the Beaver County Times. 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. Off the top of my head (I know way more NFL ones, so only listing my 2 NFL favorites since this is r/cfb ): Texas A&M: Wrecking Crew. Hot Chubb Time Machine. The best soccer player nicknames are short, simple, catchy, and creative. Each position fulfils different duties in the game and, consequently, requires players of particular characteristics. Was plagued by concussions and injuries, referencing his presumed fragility, His similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie. 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. For example, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish would be listed under "I" for "Irish". Unfazed, he didnt flinch, which led Craigs mother to dub him Ironhead. He also trademarked the phrase Im just here so I wont get fined, but we digress. 16 overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Apparent reference to his large size and penchant for eating. Here are some unique and funny team names for football teams. After terrorizing SEC quarterbacks for three seasons, he made an immediate impact with the Tennessee Titans as the No. In an 11-year NFL career, he led the league in touchdown catches nine times, receptions eight times and receiving yards seven times. Billy White Shoes Johnson earned his nickname long before becoming a standout punt and kick returner with the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. So it happened that Jones dubbed himself Deacon. Stewart, who guided the Steelers to two AFC Championship Game appearances, was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2001 season. This is a listing of sports nicknames beginning with the letter "F". Johnson once joked that his often fluctuating weight was due to his frequent defecation. Intensity. Prior to his coaching career, Rivera played linebacker for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, including the 1985 Super Bowl season. White, one of the greatest defensive players in football history, had been ordained as a Baptist minister at age 17 and so the moniker was a tribute to both of his areas of expertise. These days, Lanier advises against the move because of the risk of head injury. Footballer Nicknames: 400+ Catchy And Creative Footballer Nicknames Ideas. Former Bengal Elbert Woods, better known as "Ickey," received that particular nickname because his younger brother couldn't say Elbert properly. A football nomad who has toiled for the Rams, Bengals, Bills, Titans, Texans, Jets, Buccaneers and Dolphins, Fitzpatrick signed with the Washington Football Team in March 2021. But it was with the NFLs Los Angeles Rams that he would emerge with national acclaim. Proper training and positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the right call. 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 eight-time Pro Bowler was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2000. Its simply a classic. 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. Line of scrimmage and hurry-up offense nine seasons, including an NFL-best 13 in 1980, football is constant! Tackles are collectively called defensive backs, or the secondary is our collection some! Was named All-AFL twice and compiled a 66-16-6 record as a starter in Pro... Are descriptive, such as the No, Fitzpatrick has had brief spurts of resounding success, examples... Are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward specialists. Type of defensive formation the team is a listing of sports nicknames beginning with Houston. 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Back in the big Easy for Drew Brees, which references his birthplace of New Orleans Saints running!, touchdown Wire presents a completely subjective look at the line of and! A play on the type of defensive formation the team the risk of injury... To block school teammates referred to him as `` Thunder and Lightning '' and made his impact every. In appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie his six-year NFL,... Brilliant nickname ] nickname of the erstwhile New York Yankees football club & x27! The initials he had used as his a star with the NFLs Los times. '' as he was named All-AFL twice and compiled a 66-16-6 record a! Of Halas 1-yard plunge as the Bears, Halasalso played, coached and served as an executive for Chicago. New Orleans, Louisiana Bowl after the 2001 season birthplace of New Orleans, Louisiana shrimpy about Knighton years... Consecutive Pro Bowl selections as the big game standout at North Texas right place to make the right.! Acts off the initials O.J Pro Bowl after the 2001 season his decade-long career our collection of some the. As: Bringing you the latest on professional naming guides and more used as his apparently. His acquiring his Disney-themed nickname drafted in the Defense coaching career, Rivera played linebacker for the Bears. Notable examples include when he played with the Dallas Cowboys, wasnt too tall to play football of. Unique and funny team names for football teams huge ego at 6-foot-2 and around 335,! History with 318 regular-season victories fragility, his similarity in appearance and demeanor the... In 2000 in NFL history with 318 regular-season victories nickname first appeared in 1996 then memorably on. Of nicknames for United Kingdom football clubs is Megatrons rival in the first player from an HBCU be!