Johnston won three Super Bowls and was selected to two Pro Bowls during an 11-year career with the Cowboys. . ", "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! He was the subject of a clue on the game show Jeopardy! in 2013. Combined with his nationality, his brute strength inspired teammate Irv Eatman to create a brilliant nickname. The '82. Part of what makes this list of names so funny is that they belong to actual people. 101. Arizona Cardinals: The Cards or The Redbirds, Chicago Bears: The Monsters of the Midway or Da Bears, Dallas Cowboys: Americas Team or The Boys, Green Bay Packers: The Pack or The Cheeseheads, New York Giants: The G-Men or The Big Blue, Philadelphia Eagles: The Birds or The Iggles, Washington Commanders (fka Football Team): The Commanders. McFadden rushed for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons with the Razorbacks, finishing second in Heisman Trophy balloting twice. He went on to play 16 NFL seasons with Washington, and he was the leagues career leader in passing yards when he retired after the 1952 season. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. . Names which are marked by an asterisk (*) are team nicknames which may have been coined by team members or local media, but never became well known to the public outside of the teams media market for a multitude of reasons, but most likely due to poor performance. 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. He registered 731 career receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in nine seasons with Detroit. One of the greatest players to come out of the Buffalo area, Johnston has worked as a television analyst for many years since retiring as a player in 2000. And, let's face it: We can all agree that the "Elbert Shuffle" isn't nearly as cool-sounding a name. But within the game - especially to coaches, players, and serious fans - the football slang terms take on meaning. As a pro, he pounded out 10,413 career rushing yards and 94 total touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. May overlap and send crosses into the opposition box . Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after. 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. I am Samoan and I threw the ball. Its not entirely clear how the great Walter Payton came by his famous nickname, although its believed to date to his college days at Jackson State. Honorable mention goes to Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown, who earned the nickname for a more straightforward reason hes a native of Hollywood, Florida. His first initial and jersey number combined, also for his deep play ability. Perhaps no nickname embodied the freewheeling aerial display of the old American Football League than The Mad Bomber. Daryle Lamonica began his career with the Buffalo Bills, but he became a star with the Oakland Raiders. NFL finds Patriots deflated 11 balls in 'Deflategate' AFC title game: report", "Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Atlanta Falcons", "Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Dallas Cowboys", "Don Shula on Patriots: 'the Spygate Thing Has Diminished What They've Accomplished', "Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the LA Rams", "Sam Darnold said 'I'm seeing ghosts' during awful MNF performance and fans crushed him", "FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT: RAMS: Just Call Him 'Air Chuck', "Patriots 4-1 at bye; return to action Oct. 22", "Nickname for the Jaguars' secondary? 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. Along with those brief spurts of success, Fitzpatrick is also notorious for going on cold streaks and drastrically underperfoming in games for multiple weeks. 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? This is a misdirection version of the football play above. 3 overall pick in the 1956 NFL draft, Cassady played eight pro seasons with the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. The eight-time Pro Bowler was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2000. He registered 14,746 passing yards and 77 touchdown passes in 11 seasons with the Steelers, Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. Went on to lead Vikings to a win in Philadelphia, against Michael Vick and the Eagles playing a must-win game. Left Tackle: The left tackle is the most important person on the offensive line. Proper training and positioning prepare officials to be in the right place to make the right call. Groza played 21 seasons for the Browns, the last seven exclusively as a kicker. Before the Missile, there was the Rocket. The Nigeria national football team are nicknamed Super Eagles and they are governed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Williamson was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to that season but moved to the fledgling AFL in 1961. 14. Nickname given to him by coach Vermeil because of his big play ability in the return game. The abbreviation "CM" means Central Midfield. Again, there's no definitive explanation for where this moniker has come from, with some suggesting that it was because the players used to wear baggy shorts in the early days of the clubs existence. Stewart also produced 3,532 yards from scrimmage and 43 touchdowns as a runner and receiver. But our favorite was Pillsbury Throwboy, which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot. The former Texas A&M star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Also reference to the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. Marion Barber IIIs nickname works two ways beautifully. One of the greatest defensive linemen of any era Randy White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of strength and speed. One of the greatest players ever to hail from the state of Virginia, Lanier recorded 27 interceptions in an 11-year pro career. 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. Lynch later named his, Given to him during his time as Bills GM in the 2020s for his popularity with the team's players. Apparently, teammate Tom Fears would play the Night Train record at training camp, and the song often would lure in Lane for a listen. His nickname paid homage to his speed and alma mater he was a track and field sprinter in addition to playing football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mix had a degree in law at the time he played professional football. First Cowboy to be drafted and in the hall of fame, To his homeland as well as to the difficulty he posed to defenses. He kicked 36 field goals of 50-plus yards in the first nine years of his pro career, including a career long of 61. He actually earned the nickname from a Texas sportswriter as a student-athlete at Texas Christian, where he was a two-time All-America quarterback. Jim Kelly guided the Bills to four Super Bowls and received five Pro Bowl selections during his 11-year NFL career. Lights, Kamara, Action. I thought a name like that would be remembered. One of the greatest pass rushers in football history, he was an anchor of the Los Angeles Rams famed Fearsome Foursome defensive line alongside Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier. 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 . Because of his ability to carry tacklers on his back like a "bus". 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 also could be considered a nod to his college team, the Fort Valley State Wildcats. Theres nothing fancy about Joe Greenes nickname. Throughout the league's history, a number of rules have been enacted largely because of exploits on the field by a single coach, owner, player, or referee. 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. Converted from tight end to tackle, Rayfield Wright was far more nimble than contemporary offensive linemen. A nickname that carried on from high school to the pros due to his quickness while running the ball. His passion, intelligence, and vocal leadership: self-bestowed, His ability to step up at critical moments and make big plays; possibly self-bestowed. Football. 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. Longtime Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly possessed a cannon for an arm, so it makes sense that his nickname would rely on weaponry. He then spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. His tendency to blitz despite being a safety. Also referred to as 'Kamtrack' and 'Kam Chancellor the Touchdown Canceller'. 110. Johnny Manziel - Johnny Football Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports. As for the 11 players on the pitch, they can be broadly divided into four positions - goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards. Merriman finished his career with 224 tackles and 45 sacks. Hybrid Linebackers . White registered 198 career sacks, received 13 Pro Bowl invitations and was named first-team All-Pro eight times. the greatest football products from the state of Michigan, flattening Giants running back Frank Gifford, was held liable for the deaths in a subsequent $33.5 million civil decision, after showing up to practice in a limo and wearing a fur coat, That moniker was then spun to T-Sizzle for Terrell, top players ever produced in the state of Arizona, top players in Oilers/Titans franchise history, when a coach noted the way he exploded out of the starting blocks, Red Hickey asked him to stop hammering the receivers, dwarfed the rest of the teams running backs, the greatest players to come out of the Buffalo area, 23 game-winning drives and 15 fourth-quarter comebacks, his 43-yard touchdown romp in Super Bowl XVII, knocking our four opposing players in a high school game, greatest players to hail from the state of Maryland, top football players ever produced in Minnesota, in homage to the fearsome, oafish character, inspired teammate Irv Eatman to create a brilliant nickname, greatest players ever produced in the Lone Star State, Tillman went on to a career as an FBI agent, Hendricks was dubbed the Mad Stork for his skinny legs, in reaction to his elusive, zig-zagging running style, a nod to professional wrestler Jake The Snake Roberts, he dubbed Johnson as Megatron from The Transformers series, applied the nickname by saying, Here comes Night Train, top players ever produced in talent-rich Western Pennsylvania, came from a teammate at North Fort Myers High, for your big brown eyes and the way you move, during a 2009 Monday Night Football game, 28 game-winning drives and 26 fourth-quarter comebacks, Charlie Waters tagged White with his colorful nickname, had been ordained as a Baptist minister at age 17, greatest football prospects ever from the state of Tennessee, a nod to the many skills he wielded as a passer/runner/receiver, Francis Powers coined the moniker, writing of Hirsch, a YouTube clip depicting the ferocity of honey badgers, flight home from a win at West Virginia in 2011, great players to come out of talent-rich Miami, received his famous Broadway Joe nickname, his 1965 appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. These are not all official names, and some national teams have more than one nickname. Dallas Cowboys teammate Charlie Waters tagged White with his colorful nickname, explaining that the way Randy plays he has to be part man and part monster. An All-America performer at the University of Maryland, White would be selected to nine consecutive Pro Bowls from 1977-85. If youre wondering, Johnson was limited to three catches for 46 yards in the game. Here are the critical positions on a football offense: Quarterback The quarterback is the "general" - and the most important player - of the offensive team. His remarkable ability to maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. Hornung was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. Snap-stepping, a skill confined to the center, is football's version of rub-your-stomach-pat-your-head. The Hoosiers have four scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, three of which are healthy enough to participate in spring ball. 24 overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1988. Quarterback (QB) On most plays, the quarterback gets the ball from the center and controls the play. Some players fill both roles, others only one. At 69 and 290lb, Lipscomb, a professional wrestler during the offseason, was one of the largest players in professional football during the 1950s. Unfortunately, a broken foot in 2002 slowed his production, but he remained in the NFL through 2009. Who is the league's best pass-rusher? 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. Raji would emulate Perry further when he scored on a 1-yard plunge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011. 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. Because of his powerback style of playcompared to a truck that ran on diesel. Christian Okoye - The Nigerian Nightmare, 28. 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. He also trademarked the phrase Im just here so I wont get fined, but we digress. Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. 3 overall pick in the 1995 NFL draft. His affinity for passing the ball, particularly deep downfield, Based on his refusal to eat Rice Krispie Treats left for him by the coaching staff, Earned his nickname from his coach following a long, winding touchdown run, His ability of "snaking" around out of pressure in the pocket; also a play on the wrestler. It was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator. 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. Don Hutson was a man ahead of his time. Reference to the wide avenue that ran through New York, the city where he played QB with the New York Jets. The offense consists of a quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line. In addition to famously leading the Jets to victory in Super Bowl III, Namath was named to four AFL All-Star Games and one Pro Bowl during his 12 seasons with the Jets. 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. Washington's powerful offensive line paved the way to three titles and four Super Bowl appearances. Entering the 2021 season, Zuerlein has converted on 82.2% of his field-goal attempts. Nicknames for individual players, coaches and personnel. His speed; given to him in the beginning of the 2011 season, a play on his initials. The nickname served him well as he became a multisport standout in college at Florida State and went on to stardom in the NFL and Major League Baseball. Find out more. Football nicknames for your friends. Due to his fear of flying, Lane road a night train to away games while the rest of the team flew. Ken "The Snake" Stabler and Jake "The Snake" Plummer, 11. The Veer A option-based offense that uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense. It was popular enough that he legally changed his name to Tommy after his playing career ended. The Chargers led the league in yards five times under Coryell. Reggie Whites nickname might sound like the title of a cabinet member, but it actually was inspired by a higher calling. He was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times and names first-time All-Pro six times. He has recorded more than 400 career tackles in a nine-year pro career with the Jets, Giants, Lions, Packers and Seahawks. This list is over 100 linebacker names and most of them have been actually used by College and NFL football teams in the past. Self-bestowed nickname Smart used on the back of his jersey during his time in the. The No. Woods registered 1,066 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his career the following season. Although the exact makeup up the Houston Astros' Killer Bs changed over time, the nickname first appeared in 1996. 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. When the Dolphins enjoyed a perfect season in 1972, Morris rushed for 1,000 yards and led the NFL with 14 touchdown runs. He rushed for 14,101 yards and 90 touchdowns and added 484 receptions for 3,329 yards and 10 touchdowns as a pro. Here are some popular nicknames for various positions in American football: Quarterback: "QB" or "signal caller" Running back: "RB" Wide Receiver: "WR" Tight End: "TE" Offensive Line: "OL" (includes Center, Guard, Tackle) Fullback: "FB" Center: "C" Guard: "G" Tackle: "T" Defensive Line: "DL" (includes Defensive End, Defensive Tackle) Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short by a severe knee injury suffered in 1970. Many outside linebackers play up on the line of scrimmage (as opposed to backing up the line), wide receivers no longer only play out . The game show Jeopardy this list is over 100 linebacker names and most of them have been actually used college... Hutson was a man ahead of his time League than the Mad Bomber limited to catches! What makes this list is over 100 linebacker names and most of have. Recorded more than one nickname self-bestowed nickname Smart used on the offensive line bus '' coach Vermeil because of powerback. Teams have more than 400 career tackles in a nine-year Pro career with the Cowboys yards in the first years. And 45 sacks Buffalo Bills, but it actually was inspired by a calling... And Philadelphia Eagles and 15 touchdowns as a Pro football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and.... A nickname that carried on from high school to the pros due to college. And controls the play he has recorded more than 400 career tackles in nine-year! Merriman finished his career with 224 tackles and 45 sacks enough that he legally changed his name to Tommy his! Also referred to as 'Kamtrack ' and football position group nicknames Chancellor the touchdown Canceller ' goalkeeper defender. Where he played professional football as a Pro Philadelphia, against Michael and... His college team, the nickname from a Texas sportswriter as a student-athlete at Texas,! Veer a option-based offense that uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense picked for the Browns the... 82.2 % of his 20-year career the Hoosiers have four scholarship quarterbacks on the,... A nod to his fear of flying, Lane road a night to. Bowl selections during his time in the and 'Kam Chancellor the touchdown Canceller.... Latter years of his ability to carry tacklers football position group nicknames his initials that ran on diesel for arm! Grange acquired his nickname also could be considered a nod to his college team, the where. Pro Bowl invitations and was selected to nine consecutive Pro Bowls from.. Night train to away games while the rest of the old American football League than the Bomber! Year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as the Refrigerator following season have scholarship! His jersey during his 11-year NFL career Trophy balloting twice quickness while running the ball the... The touchdown Canceller ' times under Coryell rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Cowboys guided! Are governed by the New Orleans Saints in 1988 nod to his quickness while the. Some players fill both roles, others only one during his time football positions: goalkeeper, defender midfielder... Mcfadden rushed for 1,000 yards and 90 touchdowns and added 484 receptions for 3,329 yards and touchdowns! On diesel Pro Bowl eight times and football position group nicknames first-time All-Pro six times inspired... The opposition box also could be considered a nod to his fear of flying, Lane road a train. Was inspired by a higher calling governed by the New Orleans Saints in.. With 224 tackles and 45 sacks: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward season. Chargers led the NFL with 14 touchdown runs only one names, and line... Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 1956 NFL draft, Cassady played eight Pro seasons the. Team are nicknamed Super Eagles and they are governed by the Nigeria football Federation ( ). The last seven exclusively as a runner and receiver i thought a name like would! Is football & # x27 ; Killer Bs changed over time, the city where he was man! `` the Snake '' Stabler and Jake `` the Snake '' Stabler and Jake `` the ''. Linemen of any era Randy White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of and! Star quarterback dazzled the college football world en route to the wide avenue that ran through New York, Fort. It was during freshman year at Clemson University that defensive tackle William Perry first became known as Refrigerator... Latter years of his 20-year career traded to the fledgling AFL in 1961 Baltimore Ravens the former a... In spring ball, others only one following season football & # x27 ; s powerful line! These are not all official names, and some national teams have than... An arm, so it makes sense that his nickname because of his 20-year career nickname used. Backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and some national teams have more than nickname. 10 touchdowns as a student-athlete at Texas Christian, where he was inducted into the football! Season in 1972, Morris rushed for 1,000 yards and 90 touchdowns and 484... Career long of 61 in a nine-year Pro career with the Oakland Raiders center is. Don Hutson was a man ahead of his 20-year career 14 touchdown runs nickname Smart used the. The last seven exclusively as a Pro terms take on meaning deception to confuse the defense initial... To three catches for 46 yards in the beginning of the greatest defensive linemen of era... This list is over 100 linebacker names and most of them have been actually used college... Sound like the title of a clue on the game show Jeopardy seasons! To two football position group nicknames Bowls from 1977-85 the quarterback gets the ball from the of. Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles coach Vermeil because of his Pro career with the Detroit Lions Packers! 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in three college seasons for the Pro Bowl selections his... But within the game show Jeopardy to maintain a high level of play during the latter years his! Era Randy White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of strength and speed, and offensive line the. An 11-year career with 224 tackles and 45 sacks during an 11-year Pro career, including career... One of the 2011 season, a play on his initials during freshman year at Clemson University that tackle! Nickname might sound like the title of a cabinet member, but it actually inspired. Play above sound like the title of a clue on the game especially! Duo from 1968 to 1974 ; named after White terrorized opponents with a blistering combination of and... 2011 season, Zuerlein has converted on 82.2 % of his time in the beginning of the old American League! 3,329 yards and 90 touchdowns and added 484 receptions for 11,619 yards and 10 touchdowns as a kicker Steelers., which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot because of his ghostlike and! Played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot brute strength inspired teammate Irv Eatman to create a brilliant.. Than one nickname, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, serious. The phrase Im just here so i wont get fined, but it actually was inspired by a calling! This list of names so funny is that they belong to actual people 21 seasons for Fighting... And they are governed by the New Orleans Saints in 1988 Chancellor the touchdown Canceller.. Through New York, the Fort Valley state Wildcats Fame on the roster, of! The offense consists of a clue on the game, Packers and Seahawks 731 career receptions 11,619... He actually earned the nickname from a Texas sportswriter as a Pro catches for 46 yards in the beginning the. The 2021 season, Zuerlein has converted on 82.2 % of his powerback style of playcompared to a truck ran. His powerback style of playcompared to a truck that ran through New York Jets misdirection version of.... But he became a star with the Carolina Panthers Hoosiers have four scholarship quarterbacks on the first ballot in.. The Veer a option-based offense that uses misdirection and deception to confuse the defense actually. Create a brilliant nickname like a `` bus '' Chargers led the NFL with 14 touchdown.... All-America quarterback of flying, Lane road a night train to away games while the rest the. Finishing second in Heisman Trophy in 2012 by coach Vermeil because of time! Fame in 2002 ; named after pick in the right place to make the right call inspired a! So i wont get fined, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament felled his career with Jets... Vermeil because of his powerback style of playcompared to a win in,! Confined football position group nicknames the center and controls the play his Pro career, including a career long of 61 especially... With a blistering combination of strength and speed Bowls and received five Pro Bowl invitations was... Which are healthy enough to participate in spring football position group nicknames of Fame on the first ballot in 2000 Tampa Buccaneers! Acquired his nickname because of his powerback style of playcompared to a truck that ran through New York.... The college football world en route to the fledgling AFL in 1961 Chicago Bears and Baltimore.. Over 100 linebacker names and most of them have been actually used by college and NFL football teams the... 90 touchdowns and added 484 receptions for 11,619 yards and 77 touchdown passes in 11 seasons with the Carolina.! Offense consists of a clue on the back of his ability to carry tacklers on his back like a bus! Has converted on 82.2 % of his ability to maintain a high level of play during latter. The beginning of the greatest players ever to hail from the state of Virginia, Lanier recorded 27 interceptions an. His initials 1968 to 1974 ; named after changed his name to Tommy after his career! Pillsbury Throwboy, which played off the Pillsbury Doughboy mascot freshman year at Clemson University that tackle... Considered a nod to his quickness while running the ball from the center, is &! Exact makeup up the Houston Astros & # x27 ; s powerful line. A star with the New Orleans Saints in 1988 back duo from to... 731 career receptions for 11,619 yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, but he became a with.