The List: Best football nickname of all-time
From the Page 2 mailbag
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The List: Best football nickname of all-time From the Page 2 mailbag | ||||
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1. "Sweetness" -- Walter Payton (173 letters) There has never been a more complete nickname that described the overwhelming and beautiful performance on the gridiron, while at the same time describing the true essence of the man. Walter Payton was the biggest class act that the sports world has ever seen, and he is truly missed. Grant Bailie Brandon, Fla. My choice for the best nickname would have to be the Late Great Walter Payton's nickname, Sweetness. It is the only nickname I have ever heard that describes "the style" of a player. The incredible blend of moves, speed, and deceptive power was incredible. The man was tougher than Emmitt Smith, had more moves than Barry Sanders (without the negative yards), and actually looked for contact if he wasn't faking the defender out of his jock. What other term could describe him besides sweetness? And the most amazing thing is that he died with the same dignity and grace that he played with and lived his entire life with. His death was a loss for all of us, not just sports fans. Chris Germantown, Md. 2. "The Refrigerator" -- William Perry (75 letters)
Joe Mayersky Dyer, Ind. You ever help a buddy move? ... Joshua Ziegert Newbury Park, Calif. Everybody knew the fridge and his immortal words from the Super Bowl Shuffle. "Your lookin' at the fridge and I'm the rookie, I may be large but I no dumb cookie." Chadwick Cate Fayetteville, Ariz. Everyone loves to tease the fat kid. Ryan Brooks Brooklyn, N.Y. 3. "Too Tall"-- Ed Jones (69 letters) Nobody could create more havoc in the center of the field for quarterbacks and kickers Andrew Frederick, Md. He was an anomaly for his time, standing so much taller than his team mates. Mark Hanson Los Altos, Calif.
Wes Engbrecht Bismarck, N.D. 4. "White Shoes" -- Billy Johnson (46 letters) Everybody imitated his patented dance, and for good reason ... an original dance for the end zone from a receiver who was so smooth he never got his shoes dirty. W.G. Ramirez Las Vegas, Nev. Just a classic colorful nickname for a flamboyant personality. Brian Cesca Charlotte, NC 5. "Mean" -- Joe Greene (37 letters) Not only does it describe his demeanor on the field, but the nickname became his name. His name isn't simply Joe Green, it's Mean Joe Greene and everyone I've ever known refers to him by the latter. Sure, Broadway and Crazy Legs are worthy, but only Mean Joe Greene's nickname is inherent. Rick Ouellette Madison, Wis. The nickname strikes fear into each opponent and his play always backed the name up. Matthew Pittsburgh, Pa. 6. "He Hate Me" -- Rod Smart (36 letters) Just absolutely hilarious and the only thing that was memorable about the XFL. Mark Creek Hagerstown, Maryland In 20 years, when researchers go through the annals of sports history, only one three-word phrase will forever be linked with the XFL: "He Hate Me." I've got to tell you, this nickname is so good, I didn't know this guy's real name until I looked at the honorable mention list on the editor's picks. Mike Miami 7. "The Freak" -- Jevon Kearse (35 letters)
Kerry Henderson Mexico, NY His strength, speed, skills and heart are abnormal. He is a freak of nature. Matt Kern San Francisco Both Randy Moss and Jevon Kearse defy reason by just being physically more overwhelming than any normal human should ever be. Kirit Ganguli Pittsburgh 8. "The Minister of Defense" -- Reggie White (27 letters) What else needs to be said? Reggie was simply the most awesome defensive player the game ever saw. And the nickname fits well since he is an ordained Minister. Many NFL QBs were praying to God when they saw Reggie breathing down their necks. Julian Bremser Philadelphia Football is played on Sundays, and Sunday was certainly a holy day of the Lord when Reggie White was on the field. The man's amazing defense kept the sabbath! Jonathan Averall Seattle
9. "Broadway Joe" -- Joe Namath (22 letters) That was his second home away from football. Joseph Chiccarella Mesa, Arizona Joe Namath was an example for many athletes to follow. He was flashy, charismatic, boisterous and most of all a fierce competitor. He was the perfect reflection of how "New Yorker's" were expected to act at that time. He was definitely a right down "Broadway" kind of guy. Rick Blankenship Houston What better to describe a cold hearted assassin. Who would promise a Super Bowl victory against the mighty Colts. Then do a commercial wearing pantyhose. Then still do a nike commercial some 20 years latter. And then be remixed into one of Slim Shady's songs by the NFL, "Hi my name is Joe". Erik Betts Bartlesville, Okla 10. "Diesel" -- John Riggins (18 letters) The perfect nickname for a player who would tirelessly run the ball thirty to forty times each game while running over not around defenders. At the end of every practice the coaches would run the Riggo Drill, in which Riggins would get the ball on ten consecutive running plays to finish out the day. And with all of the touchdowns he scored, you never saw him spike the ball! You gotta love him and his nickname! Dave Kidwell Chesapeake Beach, Md. Honorable mention: "Prime Time" Deion Sanders, "Ironhead" Craig Heyward, "The Snake" Kenny Stabler, "Bullet" Bob Hayes, "Galloping Ghost" Red Grange, Andre "Bad Moon"Rison, "The Assassin" Jack Tatum, "Bambi" Lance Allworth, Eric "Sleeping with" Beinenemy, "Night Train" Dick Lane, "Moose" Daryl Johnston,"Tombstone" Rich Jackson, and "The Nigerian Nightmare" Christian Okoye.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories |
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