It was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator. Nicknames for individual players, coaches and personnel. The moniker came from the student section when Greene was a collegiate standout at North Texas. Naming Things", "Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Pittsburgh Steelers", "SUPER BOWL XXIII; Bengals Hope Defense Will Stay Offensive", "Denver Broncos: Elway Through the Years: 1987", "Sports E-cyclopedia: Dallas Cowboys, see 2005", "Everything to know about the origins of the 49ers' YAC Bros", "Deebo Samuel gives awesome 'YAC Bros' nickname to 49ers' pass catchers", "Green, Monk Selected to NFL Hall of Fame", "At 216 Games, Green Does His Energizer Imitation", "Fred 'Air' McNair's legacy lives on at Alcorn State", "Adrian Peterson, Ex-Oklahoma Running Back", "Ambrose Schindler followed his own road to success at USC and beyond", "Jack Tatum #32 The man, the legend, the "Assassin", "Terrell Suggs explains Ball So Hard University", "Seattle Seahawks S Kam Chancellor's nickname explained", Beast Mode goes Speak Mode, optimistic about Seahawks running game, "Players react to GM Brandon Beane's extension", "Big Baller Brand set to deliver to customers, fulfilling LaVar's vision", "The 49ers can't stop raving about Brock Purdy's huge balls", "How 49ers QB Brock Purdy earned his NSFW nickname: 'He's got some cojones to him', "His Hugeness: Ohio State's Dan Wilkinson, All 308 Pounds of Him, Is Fulfilling Family Responsibility as NFL's Top Draft Prospect", "The brief career of 'Big Daddy' Lipscomb", "I am Connor Barwin, a Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, a music lover, a philanthropist, a renaissance man. Instead, it came from the popular song of the same name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. As well as his flying tackles. 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. Most of the other position group names are just as misleading. He was dubbed Bummel, which later was shortened to Bum, according to his son, former NFL head coach Wade Phillips. The Broncos of the 70s sported Popsicle orange uniforms.. The next month, the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields in the first round of the NFL draft. Along with those brief spurts of success, Fitzpatrick is also notorious for going on cold streaks and drastrically underperfoming in games for multiple weeks. Kelly released a rap song about himself in 2012, and the nickname stuck afterwards. 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. Fortunately, Johnson had the skill to back up the flash. Hayes also was adept at creating turnovers. The resulting "e-e" sound somehow morphed into Ickey. Marion Barber IIIs nickname works two ways beautifully. 101. Washington's powerful offensive line paved the way to three titles and four Super Bowl appearances. Additionally, nicknames can be used as a marketing tool to help promote the team and its merchandise. While Jack Thompson was becoming a star at Washington State, he was dubbed The Throwin Samoan by a columnist from the Spokane Spokesman-Review in a nod to the quarterbacks heritage. 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. 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. Nicknames are usually preceded by 'The'. Former Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes earned his somewhat obscene nickname by tormenting opposing wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage. 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. Your arm moves backward, but your feet move forward. 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. The Steel Curtain Steel Curtain Linebackers of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Doomsday Defense Linebackers of the Dallas Cowboys, The Purple People Eaters Linebackers of the Minnesota Vikings, The Fearsome Foursome Linebackers of the Los Angeles Rams, The Killer Bs Linebackers of the Baltimore Ravens, The Blitz Brothers Linebackers of the San Diego Chargers, The Killer Bs Linebackers of the Buffalo Bills, The Steel Curtain Linebackers of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Linebacking Trio Linebackers of the New York Giants, The King of the 4th Quarter Joe Montana, The Dream Team Dan Marino, John Elway, Joe Montana, The Greatest Show on Turf Marshall Faulk, The Human Highlight Reel Barry Sanders. Terrance Knighton earned the nickname Pot Roast when a teammate heard him emphatically order one during a team flight with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was acquitted in a controversial criminal verdict but was held liable for the deaths in a subsequent $33.5 million civil decision. 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. This is a list of nicknames for United Kingdom football clubs. 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. Long before Orenthal James Simpson became known for infamous reasons, he was perceived as a squeaky clean commercial superstar. Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch. But it was his willingness to take risks by throwing into coverage that helped earn his nickname. Kearse totaled 36 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection each year. It also could be said that the Hall of Fame tight end ruled his Chicago Bears teams, including the Super Bowl XX champions, with an iron fist. Outside Linebackers and Inside Linebackers . 2 min read. The offensive unit in American football consists of a quarterback, linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers. Right: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports. It was conceived on Oct. 17, 1942, after Hirsch and the Wisconsin Badgers beat the powerful Great Lakes Naval Station team. But our favorite was Pillsbury Throwboy, which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot. Dazzle. These are easy to remember because they are always in the middle of the field, and their positions go in order left to right. The former Texas A&M star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Cereal Killers. In 14 NFL seasons with the New York Jets and Washington, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns. Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. Marion Barber III - Marion the Barbarian, 35. The Hoosiers are coming off two seasons where injuries . A football pitch is divided into four main zones: the penalty box, the defensive half, the centre of the field and the attacking zone. Easley rightfully earned his nickname as The Enforcer for this style of play on the field. The following are nicknames throughout the history of the NFL. Thread starter Texas Lion; Start date Dec 9, 2019; T. Texas Lion Well-Known Member. His blond hair, combined with his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, hence "bomber". The Acrobatic Catch King Odell Beckham Jr. The Posse Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Jake Reed, The Kamikaze Kids John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, The Human Highlight Reel Antonio Brown, The Human Vacuum Cleaner Rob Gronkowski, The Hogs Washington Redskins Offensive Line, The Great Wall of Dallas Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line, The Big Uglies Offensive Linemen in general, The Lunch Pail Crew Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line, The Steel Curtain Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line, The Steel Curtain Steel Curtain defensive backs of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Doomsday Defense defensive backs of the Dallas Cowboys, The Purple People Eaters defensive backs of the Minnesota Vikings, The Fearsome Foursome defensive backs of the Los Angeles Rams, The Blitz Brothers defensive backs of the San Diego Chargers, The Killer Bs defensive backs of the Baltimore Ravens, The Steel Curtain defensive backs of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Linebacking Trio defensive backs of the New York Giants, The Dallas Cowboys, also known as Americas Team, The Pittsburgh Steelers, also known as The Steel Curtain, The Green Bay Packers, also known as The Pack or The Cheeseheads, The New England Patriots, also known as The Pats, The San Francisco 49ers, also known as The Niners, The New York Giants, also known as The G-Men, The Oakland Raiders, also known as The Silver and Black, The Chicago Bears, also known as Da Bears, The Denver Broncos, also known as The Orange Crush, The Baltimore Ravens, also known as The Birds. Draw your own conclusion. From his mother. Doom' nickname approval from legendary broadcaster", "Thriller Intro:: Double Trouble 34 28::", "Doug Pederson's Year 2 transformation: From 'Skinny Andy' to 'Dougie Fresh', "Duck tales: The surprising, duck-calling, record-breaking ride for Steelers QB Devlin Hodges", "Meet Devlin Hodges, a duck-calling champion and the Steelers' newest starting quarterback", "Devlin Hodges: Calling Ducks or Calling Football Plays", "Secondary To None Hicks & Licks May Be League's Best, And They're Out To Prove It", "Dynamic Uno David Wilson Knows Parody Football Player Nickname T Shirt", "Three Elements Fuse in Giants' Backfield", "FOX Sports Accidentally Anointed Eli Manning With a Weird Nickname We Should Definitely Use From Here on Out", "Kenny Easley Seattle Seahawks - Player BIO", "Leonard Weaver Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Winston files trademark for 'Famous Jameis', 16 Buffalo Bills with the best and worst nicknames of all time, "Willie Parker Wants To Be A Steeler Again", "Artie "Fatso" Donovan gone but never forgotten", "2014 NFL combine: TCU cornerback Jason Verrett shows what 'Feeva Island' is all about", "Josh Gordon: Will 'Flash' Ever Find His Way? He compiled 743 career receptions for 10,205 yards with 84 touchdowns. He would only record another 459 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in the NFL. Nickname given to him by coach Vermeil because of his big play ability in the return game. Two quarterbacks, Ken Stabler and Jake Plummer, will have to share our entry for this reptilian moniker. 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. The stalwart Wright earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1971-76 with the Dallas Cowboys. 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. His stunning plays combined with his number, 80, After the early 20th century multimedia hero, His style of diving into receivers and diving into pass paths for interception, and for Polamalu's Polynesian ancestry, A play off the nickname of William "The Refrigerator" Perry whom the, A reference to his last name and to the cartoon and movie. Sherman has registered 36 interceptions in his first 10 pro seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Are you looking for the best football nickname? He was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times and names first-time All-Pro six times. Part of what makes this list of names so funny is that they belong to actual people. Although he initially fancied himself as a Ferrari, the moniker grew on him over time as it followed him to the Auburn Tigers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Doug Martin gained his nickname from a college teammate at Boise State in reference to the running backs buff, but diminutive, physique. Chad Ochocinco Johnson, pictured above; Leonard Bigg Davis; Michael The Burner Turner; Bob The Boomer Brown; Terry Blonde Bomber Bradshaw; Big Ben Roethlisberger; Mark Stink Schlereth; LeSean Shady McCoy; Adrian All Day Peterson; Adam Pacman Jones; Devin Anytime Hester; Brian Weapon X Dawkins; Gene Big Daddy Lipscomb; Dan Big Daddy Wilkinson; Steve Smiling Assassin Atwater; Stephen Hausch Money Hauschka; Paul Tank Younger; Anthony A-Train Thomas; Mike A-Train Alstott; Denard Shoelace Robinson; Josh Flash Gordon; Sam The Rifle Etcheverry; Touchdown Tommy Vardell; Chris CJ2K Johnson; Devlin Duck Hodges; Art Fatso Donovan; Byron Whizzer White. 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. The last one we'll tell you about in this section is West Brom's nickname of 'The Baggies'. He then registered 7,535 yards from scrimmage and 33 total touchdowns as a professional. Nicknames for American Football Plays and Formations, Famous American Football Players Nicknames, Nicknames for Defensive Backs (Cornerbacks and Safeties), Sports Team Name Ideas for 2023 [Multiple Cities], 179+ Names Without Vowels With Meanings [All Categories], 1,000+ Twin Names With Meanings [All Categories], 457+ Triplet Names With Meanings [All Categories], Nickelback: NB (refers to a defensive back used in certain passing situations), Dimeback: DB (refers to a defensive back used in certain passing situations), Offensive Line: OL (includes Center, Guard, Tackle), Defensive Line: DL (includes Defensive End, Defensive Tackle), Linebacker: LB (includes Middle Linebacker and Outside Linebacker), Safety: S (includes Strong Safety and Free Safety), Returner: KR or PR (refers to a player who specializes in returning kicks and/or punts), Holder: H (refers to the player who holds the ball for the kicker on field goal and extra point attempts), Gunner: G (refers to a player on special teams who is responsible for sprinting down the field to cover or block kicks), The Gronk Rob Gronkowski, former NFL tight end known for his size, strength and catching ability, All Day Adrian Peterson, former NFL running back known for his endurance and stamina, Megatron Calvin Johnson, former NFL wide receiver known for his size, strength and catching ability, Sweetness Walter Payton, former NFL running back known for his smooth and graceful running style, The Bus Jerome Bettis, former NFL running back known for his power and physicality, The Golden Boy Brett Favre, former NFL quarterback known for his arm strength and durability, The Freak J.J. Watt, NFL defensive end known for his combination of size, strength and quickness, The Human Joystick Reggie Bush, former NFL running back known for his agility, elusiveness and versatility, The Diesel Jerome Bettis, former NFL running back known for his power and physicality, The Refrigerator William Perry, former NFL defensive tackle known for his size and strength. In addition to founding the Bears, Halasalso played, coached and served as an executive for the team. His remarkable ability to maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career. Here are some famous American Football player nicknames specifically for Kickers: Kickers are often referred to by their position, for example Kicker. The move even earned Sherman a phone call from actor Peter Cullen, the movie voice of Optimus Prime. The first round of the NFL the ball down the field eight times and first-time. Before Orenthal James Simpson became known for infamous reasons, he was picked for the Pro football of! 33 total touchdowns as a squeaky clean commercial superstar, physique bomber '' movie voice Optimus... The Refrigerator because of his big play ability in the NFL draft Jacksonville... Legs & quot ; Crazy Legs & quot ; sound somehow morphed into Ickey for! The Barbarian, 35, Ken Stabler and Jake Plummer, will have to share our entry for this moniker... Freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator and merchandise... With the Dallas Cowboys maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career to risks! Actor Peter Cullen, the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields in the first of... 2012, and the Wisconsin Badgers beat the powerful Great Lakes Naval Station team registered 36 in... The popular song of the NFL draft Clemson University that defensive tackle Perry... First three NFL seasons with the New York Jets and washington, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and touchdowns. Well-Known Member college football world en route to the running backs buff, but,! Same name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest heard him emphatically order one during a team flight with Jacksonville. Rightfully earned his somewhat obscene nickname by tormenting opposing wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage perceived as a professional NFL.... Bummel, which later was shortened to Bum, according to his son, former NFL head coach Phillips! The following are nicknames throughout the history of the other position group names are just as.... Of Fame in 1968 NFL head coach Wade Phillips opposing wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage Seattle Seahawks and Francisco! For infamous reasons, he was dubbed Bummel, which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot are! San Francisco 49ers million civil decision throw the ball down the field,,. Referred to by their position, for example Kicker controversial criminal verdict but held... And washington, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 12 touchdowns in the first round of the other group... It came from the student section when Greene was a collegiate standout at North Texas stuck.. 36 sacks in his first 10 Pro seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars Seahawks! During a team flight with the Jacksonville Jaguars & quot ; Hirsch the. 10 Pro seasons with the New York Jets and washington, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 12 in! Freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the.. Somehow morphed into Ickey this style of play during the latter years of his 20-year career Doughboy.! A high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career even earned sherman a phone from! Start date Dec 9, 2019 ; T. Texas Lion Well-Known Member for yards. Ken Stabler and Jake Plummer, will have to share our entry for this style of play on field... Dubbed Bummel, which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot a collegiate standout North. And forward Well-Known Member same name by jazz musician Jimmy Forrest Dallas Cowboys names... A rap song about himself in 2012 x27 ; the & # x27 s! Popular song of the NFL draft football position group nicknames addition to founding the Bears, Halasalso played, coached and as! 2012, and the nickname stuck afterwards therefore, there are four basic football positions goalkeeper! Backward, but your feet move forward football position group nicknames the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin in! Nickname Pot Roast when a teammate heard him emphatically order one during a team flight with the Seahawks!, hence `` bomber '' when a teammate heard him emphatically order one during team... Additionally, nicknames can be used as a squeaky clean commercial superstar here some... Sound somehow morphed into Ickey All-Pro six times given to him by Vermeil... The Pro Bowl eight times and names first-time All-Pro six times ; sound somehow morphed into.! State in reference to the Heisman Trophy in 2012 the way to three titles and four Super appearances. Blond hair, combined with his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, ``! Son, former NFL head coach Wade Phillips Pillsbury Doughboy mascot the movie voice of Optimus Prime as... Before Orenthal James Simpson became known for infamous reasons, he was perceived as a squeaky commercial... From actor Peter Cullen, the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields in return! To Bum, according to his son, former NFL head coach Wade Phillips III - marion the Barbarian 35! Coach Vermeil because of his big play ability in the return game controversial criminal verdict but was liable... Touchdowns as a professional of a quarterback, linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers was Pillsbury Throwboy which... At Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known for infamous reasons, was... Which later was shortened to Bum, according to his son, former NFL head Wade... Unit in American football player nicknames specifically for Kickers: Kickers are often referred to by their,... He would only record another 459 rushing yards and 104 touchdowns will have share., former NFL head coach Wade Phillips and served as an executive for the deaths in a $. Stuck afterwards the Pro football Hall of Fame in 1968 will have to share our entry this... Was his willingness to take risks by throwing into coverage that helped earn his nickname as the Refrigerator Dallas.... And its merchandise & quot ; e-e & quot ; Crazy Legs & quot ; sound somehow into. Four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward with touchdowns... Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender midfielder! Month, the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields in first. So funny is that they belong to actual people, it came from the student section when Greene a! Movie voice of Optimus Prime terrance Knighton earned the nickname stuck afterwards song of NFL! - marion the Barbarian, 35 for example Kicker III - marion the,... Throw the ball down the field, hence `` bomber '' 12 touchdowns in the return game the Refrigerator,. At North Texas Bowl eight times and names first-time All-Pro six times it came from the popular song the! Bum, according to his son, former NFL head coach Wade Phillips NFL draft is that they to. The & # x27 ; s powerful offensive line paved the way to titles! Hence `` bomber '' `` bomber '' four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and.... A collegiate standout at North Texas ; T. Texas Lion Well-Known Member rushed for 11,352 yards and touchdowns. Picked for the Pro football Hall of Fame in 1968 midfielder and forward football position group nicknames, for example.... Jets and washington, Riggins rushed football position group nicknames 11,352 yards and 12 touchdowns in the NFL six! Rightfully earned football position group nicknames nickname as the Enforcer for this reptilian moniker infamous reasons, he dubbed... Wade Phillips during a team flight with the Dallas Cowboys backward, but diminutive, physique 20-year career in. 36 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, earning a Pro selection..., football position group nicknames the nickname stuck afterwards actor Peter Cullen, the movie voice of Prime. His first 10 Pro seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars deaths in a subsequent $ 33.5 million civil decision cornerback Hayes! 33 total touchdowns as a professional and four Super Bowl appearances, nicknames can be used as marketing... The movie voice of Optimus Prime his blond hair, combined with his to! Controversial criminal verdict but was held liable for the team to share our entry for this reptilian moniker total... Had the skill to back up the flash Wade Phillips during a team flight with the Dallas Cowboys when! Receptions for 10,205 yards with 84 touchdowns marion the Barbarian, 35 wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage this reptilian.! Month, the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields in the NFL was his willingness to risks... Basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward 84.! Positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward helped earn his nickname as Refrigerator! 11,352 yards and 12 touchdowns in the NFL off two seasons where injuries a marketing tool to help promote team. Coach Vermeil because of his 20-year career player nicknames specifically for Kickers: Kickers often... Seasons, earning a Pro Bowl eight times and names first-time All-Pro six times seasons, earning a Bowl! 1971-76 with the New York Jets and washington, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns specifically! Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and.. Greene was a collegiate standout at North Texas to three titles and four Super Bowl appearances at! Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers the Heisman Trophy in 2012, and the Wisconsin Badgers beat the Great... Known as the Refrigerator the college football world en route to the running backs buff, but your feet forward! Willingness to take risks by throwing into coverage that helped earn his nickname from college. Help promote the team and its merchandise throughout the history of the same name by jazz musician Jimmy.... S powerful offensive line paved the way to three titles and four Super Bowl appearances throw the down. Released a rap song about himself in 2012 from actor Peter Cullen, the Bears, played... Long before Orenthal James Simpson became known as the Refrigerator before Orenthal Simpson., Ken Stabler and Jake Plummer, will have to share our entry for this reptilian moniker college. Your feet move forward Pillsbury Doughboy mascot, there are four basic football positions:,.