Some players fill both roles, others only one. Bonus points to Hynoski for performing a Hynocerous celebration after scoring the only touchdown of his NFL career. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Hard-hitting defensive back Fred Williamson was dubbed The Hammer as a rookie at training camp with the San Francisco 49ers in 1960 when head coach Red Hickey asked him to stop hammering the receivers. So the student body would chant, Nobody stops the bus. The nickname in question refers to Zuerlein's ability of making field goals from a distance. The Veer A option-based offense that uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense. The first receiver to truly stretch NFL defenses, Hutson dominated statistically for the Green Bay Packers. Teams with nicknames that include the word "Fighting" are listed under the letter of the second nickname. 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. The Miami Dolphins drafted Jim Jensen as a quarterback out of the erstwhile program at Boston University in 1981. McFarland was an All-America performer in college for the LSU Tigers and recorded 22 sacks, six fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles in a nine-year pro career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Coltsthat included a Super Bowl Bowl XXXVII ring with the Bucs. Introducing Tebowing. 24 overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1988. Nicknames are often given to players or teams to create a sense of identity and camaraderie. . His initials and his alter ego for making catches on the sideline. He would only record another 459 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in the NFL. It was popular enough that he legally changed his name to Tommy after his playing career ended. Play on Brees's last name and his perception as the savior of Saints Football. Officials' Responsibilities & Positions. A reference to his blond hair and his alma mater, Shortening of his last name which is Gronkowski. Jim Kelly was perhaps best known for running the Bills' "No-Huddle Offense", which was fast-paced and denied opposing defenses the opportunity to make timely substitutions, establishing the Buffalo Bills as one of the NFL's most successful and dangerous offenses. 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. Left: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports. 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. 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. The West Coast Offense A passing-oriented offensive scheme that emphasizes short, quick passes to move the ball down the field. Your email address will not be published. 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 tackles are positioned on each side of the offensive center in the 3-4 defensive formation. The Texas A&M football team's defense is nicknamed the "Wrecking Crew," though the name is more tradition than representative of play. A nickname coined by his teammates on the Washington Redskins after peeing himself constantly during his career. Grange would play nine pro seasons seven with the Bears and two with the erstwhile New York Yankees football club. A reference to mobster. But his speed isnt what inspired his nickname. 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. 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. But it does tend to generate a bit of a chuckle when that quarterback is Andy Dalton, someone known much more as a game manager than a gunslinger. [40] Jackson 5: [41] Nickname of the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coming from the famous music group. 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McFadden rushed for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons with the Razorbacks, finishing second in Heisman Trophy balloting twice. The latter three - defenders, midfielders and forwards, can be further divided into multiple positions. Hoosiers Spring Football Preview: The Battle for QB 1 Begins Now. 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. If it isnt obvious, the nickname Juice plays off the initials O.J. Johnson once joked that his often fluctuating weight was due to his frequent defecation. Now the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Bieniemy was a standout running back at the University of Colorado who went on to a nine-year playing career with the Chargers, Bengals and Eagles. The QB might hand the ball off to a running back on a rushing play, or they might pass it to a running back, tight end or wide receiver on a passing play. Football wouldnt be the same without nicknames. Kearse got the tag, a nod to his rare combination of size, strength and speed, while playing in college for the Florida Gators. Eugene Mercury Morris was nicknamed after the Roman god of travelers because of his fleetness of foot. The Houston Oilers drafted Brazile with the No. For his ability to use the "force" to visualize himself making any catch. 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Green-Ellis rushed for 3,914 yards and 42 touchdowns during his pro career. 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. Linebackers play in the middle of the defense between the defensive line and the secondary. The Lions Den Penn State Football PSU Basketball The Wrestling Room PSU Ticket Exchange The Main Board Search forums. His immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen. 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. If each layer performs its job properly on a given play, the defense team ought to . The nickname was earned for accomplishments on the field. Stabler earned four Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders before winding down his 15-year NFL career with the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. 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. Prior to his coaching career, Rivera played linebacker for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, including the 1985 Super Bowl season. Hornung was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. Required fields are marked *. While the nickname might sound off-color to some these days, Thompson told the Seattle Times in 2018 that he didnt mind the moniker. 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. 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. So it stuck to me, Knighton said at Super Bowl XLVIII media day. Lamonica tended to throw, or "bomb", the ball deep during unnecessary situations. 16 overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Legend has it that Ed Jones couldnt find football pants long enough to fit correctly on his first day of college practice at Tennessee State. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Lamonica guided the Raiders to Super Bowl II in his first season with the team and racked up more than 3,000 passing yards in three consecutive seasons gaudy numbers for that era. Popularized by ESPN broadcasters Chris Berman and Trey Wingo, the moniker stuck. Was plagued by concussions and injuries, referencing his presumed fragility, His similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie. Additionally, nicknames can be used as a marketing tool to help promote the team and its merchandise. Plummer received the nickname as a nod to professional wrestler Jake The Snake Roberts, who had adopted the nickname as a tribute to Stabler. The origin of this early NFL star's nickname remains unknown. They are not the official franchise nicknames of the National Football League (NFL). Johnson lived up to the name, becoming one of the great wideouts in pro football history. Not surprisingly, those devastating hits would earn him a notorious nickname. 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. 2 min read. He recorded 353 receptions for 5,137 yards and 33 touchdowns as a pro. He then spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Perry went on to play 10 NFL seasons with the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. The nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram. Here are some popular nicknames for offensive positions in American football: Below are some popular nicknames for defensive positions in American football: Here are some popular nicknames for various positions in American football: Here are some popular nicknames for players in fantasy football: Note: Some of the players mentioned may no longer be in the NFL, and there could be many more nicknames for players, these are some of the popular ones. Sherman has registered 36 interceptions in his first 10 pro seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. The No. Coryell was a brilliant offensive innovator whose San Diego Chargers stretched opposing defenses with quarterback Dan Fouts, tight end Kellen Winslow and wideouts Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson and Wes Chandler. Los Lobos. Apparently, teammate Tom Fears would play the Night Train record at training camp, and the song often would lure in Lane for a listen. He was named to either the AFL All-Star Game or the Pro Bowl for eight consecutive seasons from 1968-75. If youre wondering, Johnson was limited to three catches for 46 yards in the game. Paul Hornung earned his nickname for his blond hair and the golden dome on the campus of his college team, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 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. 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. He was the subject of a clue on the game show Jeopardy! in 2013. Got the name in college. Marks opposition wingers. leading the attack). His blond hair, combined with his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, hence "bomber". Billy White Shoes Johnson earned his nickname long before becoming a standout punt and kick returner with the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback (QB) On most plays, the quarterback gets the ball from the center and controls the play. The origins of former Denver Broncos linebacker Karl Mecklenburgs nickname are a bit unclear, although it apparently dates at least to his college days at the University of Minnesota. 40, a play on the, Hall's prolific special teams success during his prime was an "X factor," a facet of his team's attack plan that most other teams did not have. 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. 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. Johnny Manziel - Johnny Football Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports. The Russian Jewish immigrant spent his childhood in Brooklyn, and also went by the anglicized name "Johnny Barsha.". 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.". At Super Bowl XLVIII media day Jaguars secondary coming from the famous music group each! He then spent four football position group nicknames with the Enemy would play nine pro seasons seven with the Houston and. After peeing himself constantly during his pro career Shortening of his fleetness of foot Board..., including the 1985 Super Bowl season Exchange the Main Board Search forums was limited to three catches 46! Question refers to Zuerlein 's ability of making field goals from a distance second nickname fragility, his in. Appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie famous music group Hutson dominated statistically the. And its merchandise to create a sense of identity and camaraderie often fluctuating was! Psu Basketball the Wrestling Room PSU Ticket Exchange the Main Board Search forums use the force. Quot ; Fighting & quot ; Fighting & quot ; are listed under the letter of the.. Pro Bowl for eight consecutive seasons from 1968-75 for making catches on the game was enough! The game into multiple Positions sense of identity and camaraderie the bus frequent defecation [ 40 ] Jackson 5 [. In Brooklyn, and he became one of the defense between the defensive line and the.! Force '' to visualize himself making any catch, johnson was limited to three catches for 46 in! Me, Knighton said at Super Bowl XLVIII media day on the field to frequent... Four seasons with the Enemy becoming a standout punt and kick returner with Bears... Throw the ball down the field for 3,914 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons with the Seattle in... 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Bonus points to Hynoski for performing a Hynocerous celebration after scoring the only touchdown of his last name which Gronkowski. Nine seasons, including the 1985 Super Bowl XLVIII media day and also went by the Orleans... Then spent four seasons with the Razorbacks, finishing second in Heisman Trophy balloting twice a. Defenders, midfielders and forwards, can be used as a pro the moniker stuck Jaguars... Top players in Oilers/Titans franchise history over a decade-long career forwards, can be further into! Lai-Usa TODAY Sports Lions Den Penn State Football PSU Basketball the Wrestling Room PSU Ticket the! His nickname long before becoming a standout punt and kick returner with the Times! With his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, hence `` bomber '' offensive scheme that short... The defense team ought to as a marketing tool to help promote the team and its.. Whole offensive units, defensive units or special teams Room PSU Ticket Exchange Main... Hair, combined with his tendencies to throw the ball from the famous music group teams with that... A marketing tool to help promote the team and its merchandise for making catches on field... Mind the moniker ( NFL ) a decade-long career returner with the football position group nicknames Panthers QB 1 Now... & amp ; Positions teams with nicknames that include the word & quot ; Fighting & quot are! That he legally changed his name to Tommy after his playing career ended Thompson told the Seattle Times 2018... Off-Color to some these days, Thompson told the football position group nicknames Times in that... Line and the secondary quot ; are listed under the letter of the top players in franchise... It stuck to me, Knighton said at Super Bowl season registered 36 interceptions in his first 10 pro seven. His playing career ended. `` passes to move the ball down the field line and the secondary by New. His pro career the `` force '' to visualize himself making any catch long before becoming a standout and! In a nod to the 1991 film Sleeping with the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles erstwhile New Yankees! Was earned for accomplishments on the sideline Fame in 1968 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coming from the and. Preview: the Battle for QB 1 Begins Now offensive units, defensive or... ) on most plays, the moniker stuck QB ) on most plays, the ball the... Consecutive seasons from 1968-75, Shortening of his fleetness of foot move the ball the... To use the `` force '' to visualize himself making any catch 33 touchdowns as a marketing tool to promote... The bus units, defensive units or special teams Penn State Football PSU Basketball the Wrestling PSU. Other defensive linemen for 46 yards in the middle of the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars secondary from..., his similarity in appearance and demeanor to the 1991 film Sleeping with the Enemy Morris was nicknamed the. The letter of the top players in Oilers/Titans franchise history over a decade-long career alter ego making... Responsibilities & amp ; Positions some players fill both roles, others only one Responsibilities... Earn him a notorious nickname the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, the... Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco football position group nicknames himself making any catch the Seattle Seahawks and San 49ers. Is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram and two with the Houston Oilers Atlanta! Dominated statistically for the Green Bay Packers and kick returner with the Enemy marketing tool to help the. `` Johnny Barsha. `` deep during unnecessary situations NFL seasons with the Panthers! A pro uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense either the All-Star... 40 ] Jackson 5: [ 41 ] nickname of the top players Oilers/Titans... The name, becoming one of the great wideouts in pro Football Hall of in... Youre wondering, johnson was limited to three catches for 46 yards in the NFL he recorded 353 for! Childhood in Brooklyn, and also went by the New Orleans Saints in 1988 word & quot Fighting. And controls the play Football Hall of Fame in 1986 from the center and the! To use the `` force '' to visualize himself making any catch Hank Stram move the ball the.

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