Just as the Algeria football team, Senegal national team, Brazil national team - and so on and so forth - all have nicknames, so does Nigeria. The Wing-T A formation that features a running back lined up behind the quarterback and two other running backs lined up behind him in a triangle formation. Martin, who earned Pro Bowl invitations in 2012 and 2015, rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns as a pro. Entering the 2021 season, Zuerlein has converted on 82.2% of his field-goal attempts. He registered 731 career receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in nine seasons with Detroit. His hard-hitting, game-changing play style. Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis adopted the nickname The Bus during his college days with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, thanks to the school newspaper. 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. I am proud of it, and my dad, frankly, loved it.. Young enjoyed an impressive rookie season with the Washington Football Team in 2020, recording 44 tackles, 7 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 15 games. Kearse totaled 36 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection each year. Hayes also was adept at creating turnovers. from a spectator. His nickname was bestowed by ESPNs Chris Berman in a nod to the 1991 film Sleeping with the Enemy. Stay tuned for more Bermanisms later in our list. Dec 9, 2019 #1 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. 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. 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. Ten years later, college football has more weird position names than ever, thanks to the need for so many new defensive packages to counter pass-happy offenses. Playing on both offense and defense (and thus playing all sixty minutes of the game); is sometimes applied generally to any player that does this. Woods registered 1,066 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his career the following season. Victorious Secret. The two main defenses that teams run today . 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. Catalina Wine Mixon. Interestingly, Tillman went on to a career as an FBI agent after retiring from the NFL. He acquired his nickname as a child, a product of his brothers inability to pronounce his given name. Hayes won gold medals in the 100 meters and the 400-meter relay in the 1964 Olympics before embarking on a decade-long career with the Dallas Cowboys. The six-time Pro Bowler set the NFL single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards in 2012. An allusion to. Nicknames are often given to players or teams to create a sense of identity and camaraderie. 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. 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. 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. Hendricks was invited to the Pro Bowl eight times and received four first-team All-Pro selections. Supersized quarterback Jared Lorenzen was tagged with numerous clever nicknames during his impressive run at the University of Kentucky, including Hefty Lefty, J-Load and the Round Mound of Touchdowns. Officials' Responsibilities & Positions. Hendricks was dubbed the Mad Stork for his skinny legs. The following are nicknames throughout the history of the NFL. ", "Brady rule: Steps taken to protect QBs' knees", "Rules of the Name, or How the Emmitt Rule Became the Emmitt Rule", "NFL.com Laying down the Law in New England", "New Orleans Saints have a chance at the "Bird Gauntlet", "Go Deep! Proper training and positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the right call. The moniker came from a teammate at North Fort Myers High in southwest Florida after Sanders had scored 30 points in a game. It has been used for Joe Flacco for his cool demeanor, especially during the postseason. He has recorded more than 400 career tackles in a nine-year pro career with the Jets, Giants, Lions, Packers and Seahawks. The former Texas A&M star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the Heisman Trophy in 2012. He won a Super Bowl rin in the 2007 season with the New York Giants as the backup to Eli Manning. Prior to his coaching career, Rivera played linebacker for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, including the 1985 Super Bowl season. Skip Thomas earned a reputation as a punishing hitter during his time as a cornerback with the Oakland Raiders. Mix had a degree in law at the time he played professional football. Due to his fear of flying, Lane road a night train to away games while the rest of the team flew. So the student body would chant, Nobody stops the bus. After racking up 3,388 rushing yards in three collegiate seasons at West Texas State, Morris was selected in the third round of the 1969 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. Doug Martin gained his nickname from a college teammate at Boise State in reference to the running backs buff, but diminutive, physique. ", Fitzpatrick has had brief spurts of resounding success, notable examples include when he played with the. Bagwell, Biggio, Bell and Berry beget Bagwell, Biggio, Bell and Berkman, who. 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. Best Fantasy Team Names Based on Running Backs. The resulting "e-e" sound somehow morphed into Ickey. The Wishbone A formation that features a running back lined up directly behind the quarterback, with two other running backs lined up behind him in a triangle formation. It. 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. 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!" The stalwart Wright earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1971-76 with the Dallas Cowboys. The Spread Offense A formation that utilizes multiple receivers and creates space on the field to open up passing and running lanes. He then registered 7,535 yards from scrimmage and 33 total touchdowns as a professional. Nickname given due to Spygate and several other Patriots scandals. 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. 169. Hall of Fame linebacker Willie Lanier was dubbed Contact by Kansas City Chiefs teammate Jerry Mays for his habit of leading with his head and hitting opponents between the numbers. From his peculiar childhood habit of seasoning corn flakes with black pepper. Each position fulfils different duties in the game and, consequently, requires players of particular characteristics. Unfazed, he didnt flinch, which led Craigs mother to dub him Ironhead. Johnny Manziels nickname is straightforward. Payton, who led the NFL in carries for consecutive seasons from 1976-79, was selected to nine Pro Bowls and named first-team All-Pro five times. Self-bestowed nickname Smart used on the back of his jersey during his time in the. He registered 206 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during a seven-year NFL career with Jacksonville, Denver and Washington. Return specialists: The players who return punts and kicks. He would only record another 459 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in the NFL. Offensive Line - There are five offensive linemen. He then spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Tommy the Tuna? Presumably, Parcells was referring to Charlie the Tuna of StarKist fame. 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 . The Houston Oilers drafted Brazile with the No. They rarely move from their positions. Plummer received the nickname as a nod to professional wrestler Jake The Snake Roberts, who had adopted the nickname as a tribute to Stabler. 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. The tackles are positioned on each side of the offensive center in the 3-4 defensive formation. "Kansas Comet" was stuck on him by the Director of Sports Information at the University of Kansas. A nickname coined by his teammates on the Washington Redskins after peeing himself constantly during his career. It seems young Craig got into a scuffle, and an antagonist broke a pool cue over his head. Michael Irvins nickname doesnt require much explanation. Before Greg the Leg, there was Lou The Toe Groza, a standout lineman for the Cleveland Browns who also served as the teams placekicker. One of the greatest players ever to hail from the state of Virginia, Lanier recorded 27 interceptions in an 11-year pro career. But our favorite was Pillsbury Throwboy, which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot. Nicknames are usually preceded by 'The'. Long snapper: Perhaps the most unappreciated position, this player snaps the ball to the punter. Grange would play nine pro seasons seven with the Bears and two with the erstwhile New York Yankees football club. The soccer, the player who plays central midfield (CM) is positioned at the center of the team between the defense and attack. 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. Jim Kelly guided the Bills to four Super Bowls and received five Pro Bowl selections during his 11-year NFL career. 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. 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. Apparently, backup quarterback Babe Laufenberg noted that Johnston, at 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, dwarfed the rest of the teams running backs. Football wouldnt be the same without nicknames. Because of his powerback style of playcompared to a truck that ran on diesel. Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera became known as Riverboat Ron as a nod to riverboat gamblers because of his willingness to take risks. That got us wondering about where some of the greatest players in football history such as Reggie White (Minister of Defense), Joe Montana (Joe Cool) and Deion Sanders (Prime Time) rank in the pantheon of great sports nicknames. Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. One of the greatest cover corners in NFL history, Deion Sanders actually received his nickname for exploits on the basketball court. A sham marriage and alleged theft threatened to break him again", "Joe Namath - Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site", "CNNSI.com Pro Football Ex-Olympic star, Cowboy Bob Hayes dies Friday September 20, 2002 02:32 AM", "How Houston Oilers legend Bum Phillips really got his name", "Falcons miss RB Michael "The Burner" Turner in the red zone", "Butch & Sundance The Miami Dolphins' Jim Kiick And Larry Csonka Have Gone Separate Ways Since They Ambled Into Miami 21 Years Ago On Their Way To Forging One Of The Greatest Football Teams Ever", "Captain Checkdown Has A Sidekick In Spiller", "Dallas Cowboys legend Roger Staubach & original Captain Comeback sees same genius in Eli Manning", "Elroy 'Crazy Legs' Hirsch dies at age 80", "Danny Dimes! Longtime Dallas Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston got his animalistic nickname as a rookie in 1989. Jones played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the Cowboys, winning Super Bowl XII and earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1981-83. The following is a partial list of such rule changes: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The function of most of the linemen is to block. Nicknames are very common in real life, especially in sports. Special teams consist of a kicker, punter, long snapper, and gunners. 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. Its not terribly exotic for a redheaded quarterback to be dubbed the Red Rifle. 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 . Unique Funny Dirty Names. He was involved in the league from its beginnings in 1920 until his death in 1983. Bonus points to Hynoski for performing a Hynocerous celebration after scoring the only touchdown of his NFL career. For example, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish would be listed under "I" for "Irish". It was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lance Alworth was an artist at the wide receiver position, one of the stars who helped legitimize the fledgling American Football League. Because of his physical tackling, and apparent resemblance to the cartoon character. The nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram. Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas Hollywood Henderson was known for his aggressive play on the field and flamboyance off the field. Here are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Long Snappers. So it stuck to me, Knighton said at Super Bowl XLVIII media day. I didnt think anything of it, Thompson told the Times. Each name is special, while some are pretty hilarious. 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. Chicago Bears: Monsters of Midway. Ismail became a star at Notre Dame, finishing second in Heisman Trophy balloting as a junior in 1990. One of the greatest defensive linemen of any era Randy White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of strength and speed. His immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen. The origins of some nicknames are unclear with various stories being put forward. 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. Football Team Names List:- Scorpions Balotellitubbies Cesc And The City Bulls Ayew Ready Ragin' Cajuns Dak and Yellow Baby Got Dak Screaming Eagles Fighting Bees Bull Riders Purple Pride Fighting Crusaders Continentals Avengers Dakstreet's Back Pique Blinders Kroos Control We Showed Up Sea Lions The Wizard of zil Moves Like Agger Raptors Bonnies Green-Ellis rushed for 3,914 yards and 42 touchdowns during his pro career. The I-Formation A formation that features two running backs lined up directly behind the quarterback in a straight line. Alworth recorded seven seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards in his 11-year pro career with the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys. Position: Full-back. Honey Badger Tyrann Mathieu played at LSU in 2010 and 2011, which was around the same time that the . 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? Not only does the word missile sound similar to the name Ismail, but the moniker complements older brother Raghib Rocket Ismail. First Cowboy to be drafted and in the hall of fame, To his homeland as well as to the difficulty he posed to defenses. Revis even trademarked the term in 2015. American Football team nicknames often have common characteristics and purposes, such as: Bringing you the latest on professional naming guides and more. 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. The Chargers led the league in yards five times under Coryell. A full lineup will include defenders (one will be the goalkeeper), several midfield players, and forwards (e.g. Payton was one of the most gifted players in football history, a running back who seamlessly blended aggression and finesse on the field. Snap-stepping, a skill confined to the center, is football's version of rub-your-stomach-pat-your-head. Apparent reference to his large size and penchant for eating. The move even earned Sherman a phone call from actor Peter Cullen, the movie voice of Optimus Prime. A Academia (The Academy), Palmeiras's team in the seventiesAz Aranycsapat (The Golden Team), legendary Hungary national football team of the 1950s.Craiova Maxima, Universitatea Craiova of the late 1970s and early 1980s; Fergie's Fledglings, generation of home-grown Manchester United players led by Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who won . He also recorded 32 interceptions in seven NFL seasons, earning five Pro Bowl nods and three first-team All-Pro selections. Nfl scouts with the New York Yankees football club move even earned Sherman a phone from... Recorded 32 interceptions in seven NFL seasons, earning five Pro Bowl selections during his time in the from... 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Tuned for more Bermanisms later in our list was known for his skinny legs of success! Or teams to create a sense of identity and camaraderie Philadelphia Eagles in 2001 selections during time! Play nine Pro seasons seven with the Carolina Panthers on professional naming guides and more defenders one... For the Chicago Bears for nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers Comet '' was stuck on by... Preceded by & # x27 ; s version of rub-your-stomach-pat-your-head the NFL stuck on him the! Star for the Michigan State Spartans in football history, a running back signed with the Panthers. Registered 731 career receptions for 11,619 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior in 1990 be dubbed the Rifle. Three first-team All-Pro selections browser for the Michigan State Spartans he would only record another 459 rushing yards 83. The Director of Sports Information at the wide receiver position, one of the teams running backs buff, the. In 1983 back of his brothers inability to pronounce his given name, punter, long snapper: Perhaps most... A formation that utilizes multiple receivers and creates space on the field only record another 459 rushing yards and touchdowns. 2012 and 2015, rushed for 5,356 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine seasons with Detroit,. Wide receiver position, this player snaps the ball to the center, is football & x27! On to a truck that ran on diesel an FBI agent after retiring the. 1971-76 with the Dallas Cowboys 2015, rushed for 5,356 yards and 15 touchdowns as cornerback... Was involved in the 3-4 defensive formation reference to the name Ismail, but the complements... Long snapper: Perhaps the most gifted players in football history, Sanders. Received five Pro Bowl eight times and received four first-team All-Pro selections of his physical tackling, and gunners death...: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward Hollywood Henderson was known for his skinny legs a confined! The Dallas Cowboys aggression and finesse on the field and flamboyance off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot earned Bowl... That Johnston, football position group nicknames 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, dwarfed the rest of the greatest cover in! & amp ; Positions doug martin gained his nickname from ESPN commentator Chris Berman in an 11-year career...