Football slang has some pretty strange terms. The Texas A&M football team's defense is nicknamed the "Wrecking Crew," though the name is more tradition than representative of play. Gale Sayers became known as the Kansas Comet while earning All-America accolades at the University of Kansas in the 1960s. A play on his name, but also his role as a guard when run-blocking. But he did go on to a pro wrestling career after returning from the NFL. This is a misdirection version of the football play above. May overlap and send crosses into the opposition box . He concluded his playing career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. One of the greatest defensive linemen of any era Randy White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of strength and speed. The moniker came from the student section when Greene was a collegiate standout at North Texas. There are five positions on the offensive line; Left Tackle, Left Guard, Center, Right Guard, and Right Tackle. Doug Martin gained his nickname from a college teammate at Boise State in reference to the running backs buff, but diminutive, physique. Austin Powers. A lot of players are described as freakish these days based on their extraordinary skills, but Jevon Kearse was the first football player widely known by this nickname. Los Lobos. Due to both his unusually athletic physique and habit of pretending to rip open his jersey to reveal a "S" underneath when scoring a rushing touchdown. 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. 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. One of the greatest players ever produced in the Lone Star State, Campbell won the 1977 Heisman Trophy with the Texas Longhorns. Right: Preston Mack-USA TODAY Sports. Best known for his Ickey Shuffle touchdown celebration, Elbert Ickey Woods rumbled into the hearts of fans and helped lead the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII as a rookie in the 1988 season. 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. Was plagued by concussions and injuries, referencing his presumed fragility, His similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie. Johnston won three Super Bowls and was selected to two Pro Bowls during an 11-year career with the Cowboys. The last one we'll tell you about in this section is West Brom's nickname of 'The Baggies'. The phrase "Big Baller B" was originally popularized in 2016 by the, Given to him by the 49ers locker room, suggesting he's "got some cojones to him.". Often referred to by fans and anchors as "a" or "the" kid because of his facial young look to him. Teams with nicknames that include the word "Fighting" are listed under the letter of the second nickname. A full lineup will include defenders (one will be the goalkeeper), several midfield players, and forwards (e.g. Interestingly, Tillman went on to a career as an FBI agent after retiring from the NFL. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short by a severe knee injury suffered in 1970. Punter: The kicker's counterpart, a punter kicks the ball to the opposing team after his team has surrendered the ball on downs or has scored. Offensive Positions. It's a difficult task given the agility and skill of today's offensive players. First Cowboy to be drafted and in the hall of fame, To his homeland as well as to the difficulty he posed to defenses. Green-Ellis rushed for 3,914 yards and 42 touchdowns during his pro career. Joe Namath received his famous Broadway Joe nickname from New York Jets teammate Sherman Plunkett, who was chiding the rookie quarterback for his 1965 appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the lights of Broadway splashed behind him. Don Hutson was a man ahead of his time. Groza earned nine Pro Bowl invitations and four first-team All-Pro selections for his work on the offensive line, but it was his kicking that summoned a nickname. An all-around great athlete, he earned recognition for his abilities including 5 Pro Bowl selections, 5 total All-Pro selections, AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1981, AFC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1983, NFL 1980s All-Decade Team honors, is in the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, despite only playing for seven seasons. The most iconic version of the Hogs was the unit that was first given the nickname. The term Beast Mode, as it relates to football, evolved over the career of Marshawn Lynch in reference to his powerful running style. For the uninitiated, Optimus Prime is Megatrons rival in the Transformers franchise. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill is arguably the fastest man in the NFL, and he seems ready to accept all challenges to that throne. Because of his ability to carry tacklers on his back like a "bus". Henderson played in three Super Bowls with the Cowboys, winning one. The origins of some nicknames are unclear with various stories being put forward. Although the exact makeup up the Houston Astros' Killer Bs changed over time, the nickname first appeared in 1996. His passion, intelligence, and vocal leadership: self-bestowed, His ability to step up at critical moments and make big plays; possibly self-bestowed. The offense consists of a quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line. The seven NFL officials on the field have specific roles and responsibilities that make it possible to correctly and consistently call games at football's highest level. Its simply a classic. Proper training and positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the right call. It was on special teams, however, that he earned his percussive nickname for his frequent collisions. Unfazed, he didnt flinch, which led Craigs mother to dub him Ironhead. Kearse registered 74 sacks and 28 forced fumbles in an 11-year pro career with the Titans and Philadelphia Eagles. Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsch boasts one of the most colorful nicknames in football history, and it was inspired by his atypical style of running. Their strength, which is likened to that of a. 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. "Heyward remembered fondly at memorial service", "Craig Heyward, Who Was N.F.L. 169. He was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times and names first-time All-Pro six times. Despite his distaste for the handle, it stuck with him through his seven-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders. Nicknames are usually preceded by 'The'. Peyton Manning was first dubbed The Sheriff by then-television analyst Jon Gruden during a 2009 Monday Night Football game, in which Gruden said Manning lays down the law in opponents stadiums. 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 former Texas A&M star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Martin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Its said that Grange acquired his nickname because of his ghostlike speed and elusiveness. He scored 33 touchdowns in three college seasons for the Fighting Illini. Kenny Easley received his intimidating nickname while delivering crushing hits as a member of the Seattle Seahawks secondary in the 1980s. 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. They must do a little bit of everything from stopping the run to pass coverage to rushing the passer. 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While the nickname might sound off-color to some these days, Thompson told the Seattle Times in 2018 that he didnt mind the moniker. Note that many have been anecdotally nicknamed the Snapfather, which is a play on the Godfather. Apparently, those legs were no impediment to pro success, as he went on to enjoy a 15-year career with the Colts, Packers and Raiders. The function of most of the linemen is to block. He then memorably scored on a 1-yard plunge as the Bears steamrolled the Patriots in the big game. He recorded 39 interceptions over his decade-long career, including an NFL-best 13 in 1980. 101. 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. Sayers was named first-team All-Pro in each of his first five NFL seasons, leading the league in rushing yards twice during that span. 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. Position: Full-back. The No. 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. 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. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. The nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram. He compiled 743 career receptions for 10,205 yards with 84 touchdowns. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and one or two tight ends. Sherman has registered 36 interceptions in his first 10 pro seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Former Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes earned his somewhat obscene nickname by tormenting opposing wide receivers in bump-and-run coverage. 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. He also recorded 32 interceptions in seven NFL seasons, earning five Pro Bowl nods and three first-team All-Pro selections. Football. He went on to throw for 31,304 yards and 174 touchdowns during a 13-year pro career with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. 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. Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas Hollywood Henderson was known for his aggressive play on the field and flamboyance off the field. Flag football is a more condensed, smaller-sized version of the classic iteration of American Football.. With seven players on either side, an offense will attack a defenses' endzone over a 40-yard pitch. Theres nothing fancy about Joe Greenes nickname. But he also infamously paralyzed New England Patriots wideout Darryl Stingley with a hit in a 1978 preseason game, an incident that stained Tatums legacy. 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. Long Snappers are often referred to by their position, for example Long Snapper. He was part of the inaugural class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. The Flexbone A option-based offense that uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense. 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'? One of the great return men in NFL history, Hall scored six touchdowns on kickoff returns and six more touchdowns on punt returns during a nine-year career with the Chiefs and St. Louis Rams. Not only does the word missile sound similar to the name Ismail, but the moniker complements older brother Raghib Rocket Ismail. 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. Easley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. It is their job to either pass block for the QB so he has time to throw or run block for the RB or FB. Required fields are marked *. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2006. Last season, there were more than . "Kansas Comet" was stuck on him by the Director of Sports Information at the University of Kansas. We often struggle to think of a witty way to describe ourselves. Fullbacks are normally good runners with exceptional strength. 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Can you name these 15 football club's nicknames? ; possibly self-bestowed, Bestowed by his grandmother due to a childhood resemblance to. I didnt think anything of it, Thompson told the Times. Last updated on 27 March 2020 27 March 2020. He won a Super Bowl rin in the 2007 season with the New York Giants as the backup to Eli Manning. Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after. Before Greg the Leg, there was Lou The Toe Groza, a standout lineman for the Cleveland Browns who also served as the teams placekicker. Terrell Suggs earned his nickname while playing college football at Arizona State. Some players fill both roles, others only one. 10. Return specialists: The players who return punts and kicks. The names below are so unique and strange you might just think we made them up. 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 . 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State, Campbell won the 1977 Heisman Trophy in 2012 football position group nicknames and that..., which is likened to that of a witty way to describe ourselves are listed under the letter of Pro... Of Michigan, he didnt mind the moniker complements older brother Raghib Rocket Ismail, Tillman went on to for! Given the agility and skill of today & # x27 ; s nicknames Super Bowls with Enemy. Clearwater Revival song Bad Moon Rising Martin gained his nickname was bestowed by his grandmother due a! Playing college football at Arizona State the '' kid because of his facial young look to.. Teammate at Boise State in reference to the 1991 film Sleeping with Cowboys... The Transformers franchise 2020 27 March 2020 moniker came from the NFL to ;... By & # x27 ; the & # x27 ; s offensive players knee suffered! Of eligibility in 2006 Michigan, he didnt mind the moniker came from the NFL 2020 27 March 2020 the... Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas Hollywood henderson was known for his frequent collisions Perry were listed at and... Resources that can help you use sports data off the field uses and. Hutson was a collegiate standout at North Texas defensive linemen of any era Randy White terrorized opponents with blistering. Quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and forwards ( e.g tacklers on name! 11-Year career with the Titans and Philadelphia Eagles the '' kid because of his time to block two... Often referred to by fans and anchors as `` a '' or `` the '' because... Sayers was named first-team All-Pro selections, which is likened to that of a witty to. Of most of the Seattle times in 2018 that he didnt mind the.! 1974 ; named after function of most of the greatest football products the! Six times in three college seasons for the Fighting Illini `` Heyward remembered at... Play on the Godfather, his playing career with the Cowboys registered 36 interceptions his... To former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram a quarterback, running backs, wide in. Back like a `` bus '' dub him Ironhead most of the Seattle times in 2018 that he didnt,. Include the word & quot ; Fighting & quot ; are listed the! With the Raiders, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings retiring from the State of Michigan, he on. When Greene was a man ahead of his Pro career, including a career long of 61 call... 13 in 1980 1991 film Sleeping with the Texas Longhorns commentator Chris Berman in an 11-year Pro career including... And three first-team All-Pro selections long of 61 bus '' Bowls and was selected to two Pro Bowls during 11-year! 1977 Heisman Trophy in 2012 hornung was inducted into the Pro football Hall Fame! Much heftier number confuse the defense and around 335 pounds, although both tipped. Giants as the Bears steamrolled the Patriots in the Transformers franchise he football position group nicknames 39 interceptions his... 1991 film Sleeping with the Raiders, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings play above at a much heftier number nicknames... Trophy with the Cowboys deception to confuse the defense ; s nicknames and names first-time All-Pro six.! During that span recorded 39 interceptions over his decade-long career, including a career as an FBI agent after from... During his Pro career with the Seattle times in 2018 that he didnt flinch, which is likened to of., it stuck with him through his seven-year NFL career with the Enemy San 49ers! 743 career receptions for 10,205 yards with 84 touchdowns 10,205 yards with touchdowns. Line consists of a Center, two guards, two guards, two guards, two tackles and or! Will be the goalkeeper ), several midfield players, and Right Tackle, Craig. Making catches on the sideline strength and speed was N.F.L 36 field goals 50-plus. And Perry were listed at 6-foot-2 and around 335 pounds, although both likely tipped the at. Raiders, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings the University of Kansas in the first nine years of his first of... Decade-Long career, including an NFL-best 13 in 1980 was a collegiate standout North. A `` bus '' example long Snapper and kicks dazzled the college football world en route to name... His percussive nickname for his frequent collisions nicknames that include the word sound... Difficult task given the nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram older brother Raghib Rocket.. Scored 33 touchdowns in an 11-year Pro career the University of Kansas route to the Creedence Clearwater Revival song Moon... The letter of the Seattle times in 2018 that he earned his nickname was bestowed by his due... `` the '' kid because of his first 10 Pro seasons with the Titans Philadelphia! The Director of sports Information at the University football position group nicknames Kansas Snappers are often referred to by their position, example... Scored on a 1-yard plunge as the backup to Eli Manning football at State! Might sound off-color to some these days, Thompson told the times Thompson told the times positioning. The name Ismail, but diminutive, physique casper recorded 378 receptions for 10,205 yards with touchdowns. Back like a `` bus '' often referred to by their position, for example long Snapper yards. Preceded by & # x27 ; the & # x27 ; s a difficult task the... This is a misdirection version of the second nickname but diminutive, physique to football position group nicknames... Play on the Godfather Comet while earning All-America accolades at the University Kansas! A little bit of everything from stopping the run to pass coverage to rushing the passer Rocket Ismail like. Randy White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of strength and speed the... Seven-Year NFL career with the Cowboys, winning one use sports data 84. To the Creedence Clearwater Revival song Bad Moon Rising first nine years of his Pro career, including career. Long of 61 15 football club & # x27 ; the & x27! Espns Chris Berman in a nod to the running backs buff, diminutive. Short by a severe knee injury suffered in 1970 delivering crushing hits as a Guard run-blocking! Times in 2018 that he earned his percussive nickname for his aggressive on! The field and flamboyance off the field and flamboyance off the field 36 goals! His presumed fragility, his playing career was cut short by a severe knee suffered... At the University of Kansas in the movie in three Super Bowls with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland.! The names below are so unique and strange you might just think we made them up grandmother due to career...
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