Ranking the 20 Best NFL Nicknames of All Time

In the colorful world of the NFL, a player’s nickname can often become as iconic as their on-field achievements.

Celebrated for their uniqueness and the stories behind them, these monikers capture the personalities, playing styles, and legacies of the athletes who bear them. From hall-of-famers to fledgling talent, each nickname in this list tells a tale of grit, charisma, and influence on the history of the game.

20. “Mr. Irrelevant” – Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy has embraced his “Mr. Irrelevant” nickname, given to the last pick in the NFL Draft. Despite the moniker, Purdy led the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, proving his relevance. He’s stated he’ll “continue to wear it with pride,” transforming the nickname from a joke into a symbol of perseverance.

19. “The Snake” – Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler earned his reptilian moniker for his elusive running style in high school. The left-handed quarterback slithered his way to NFL stardom, leading the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory. Stabler’s cool demeanor and clutch performances solidified “The Snake” as one of football’s most iconic nicknames.

18. “Too Tall” – Ed Jones

Ed Jones earned his nickname at Tennessee State when a teammate commented on his ill-fitting football pants, saying he was “too tall for football.” Standing at 6’9″, Jones became the first player from an HBCU to be selected as the No.1 overall pick in the 1974 NFL draft. He played 15 seasons as a formidable defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys.

17. “Hacksaw” – Jack Reynolds

Jack Reynolds earned his nickname in 1969 after using a hacksaw to cut an abandoned car in half following a devastating loss. The linebacker’s intense dedication to football was legendary, showing up to team breakfasts in full pads and eyeblack. His toughness and leadership were crucial to the 49ers’ Super Bowl victories in the 1980s.

16. “The Assassin” – Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum, a hard-hitting safety for the Oakland Raiders, earned the nickname “The Assassin” for his fierce playing style and bone-crushing tackles. Known for his intimidating presence on the field, Tatum’s aggressive approach embodied the Raiders’ tough image in the 1970s. His controversial hit on Darryl Stingley in 1978 remains one of the most infamous moments in NFL history.

15. “The Nigerian Nightmare” – Christian Okoye

Christian Okoye, a former Kansas City Chiefs fullback, earned this intimidating moniker for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. Standing 6’1″ and weighing 260 pounds, Okoye’s combination of size and speed made him a formidable force on the field, leading the NFL in rushing in 1989.

14. “Iron Mike” – Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka earned the nickname “Iron Mike” for his rugged playing style as a tight end. Known for his toughness and ability to gain yards after the catch, Ditka revolutionized the tight end position. His physical prowess and tenacity on the field made him a formidable opponent, solidifying his legendary status in NFL history.

13. “The Galloping Ghost” – Red Grange

Harold “Red” Grange earned this ethereal moniker for his elusive running style and pale complexion. The University of Illinois star became the NFL’s first superstar, legitimizing professional football in the 1920s. His legendary performance of four touchdowns in 12 minutes against Michigan cemented his ghostly reputation.

12. “Crazy Legs” – Elroy Hirsch

Elroy Hirsch’s unique running style, with legs twisting in multiple directions, earned him this iconic nickname. The Hall of Famer’s 1951 season was legendary, setting records with 1,495 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. His nickname perfectly captured his electrifying on-field presence, making him a fan favorite.

11. “Honey Badger” – Tyrann Mathieu

Tyrann Mathieu earned his “Honey Badger” moniker at LSU for his fearless play style and tenacious defense. The nickname, inspired by a viral video, was bestowed by his college defensive coordinator John Chavis. Mathieu’s aggressive on-field demeanor and blonde mohawk further cemented the comparison to the fierce animal. The nickname has followed him throughout his NFL career.

10. “The Bus” – Jerome Bettis

Jerome Bettis earned the nickname “The Bus” for his powerful running style, plowing through defenders like a bus through traffic. The moniker originated at Notre Dame and stuck throughout his NFL career with the Steelers. Bettis embraced the nickname, which perfectly captured his bruising, unstoppable presence on the field.

9. “Mean Joe” – Joe Greene

Joe Greene’s nickname originated from North Texas State’s “Mean Green” defense. Ironically, Greene disliked the moniker, preferring to be remembered for his stellar 13-year career and four Super Bowl wins with the Steelers. His aunt gave him the name “Joe” due to his resemblance to boxer Joe Louis.

8. “Night Train” – Dick Lane

Dick Lane earned his iconic nickname during his 1952 rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams. Teammate Tom Fears frequently played the hit song “Night Train” by Jimmy Forrest, and the moniker stuck. Lane initially disliked the racial connotations but embraced it after a headline read “Night Train Derails Choo-Choo,” referencing his tackle on Charlie “Choo-Choo” Justice.

7. “The Minister of Defense” – Reggie White

Reggie White earned this powerful nickname for his dual roles as an ordained minister and a dominant defensive end. With 198 career sacks, White’s on-field prowess matched his spiritual calling. His impact on and off the field made “The Minister of Defense” one of the most fitting and respected nicknames in NFL history.

6. “Broadway Joe” – Joe Namath

Joe Namath earned his iconic nickname “Broadway Joe” in 1965 after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jets offensive tackle Sherman Plunkett coined the moniker when he saw Namath’s photo shoot on Broadway, exclaiming, “There goes Broadway Joe.” The nickname stuck, perfectly capturing Namath’s charismatic personality and New York City stardom.

5. “Beast Mode” – Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch’s “Beast Mode” perfectly captures his powerful running style. The nickname originated during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became known for breaking tackles and powering through defenders. Lynch’s iconic 67-yard touchdown run in the 2011 playoffs, dubbed the “Beast Quake,” cemented the nickname’s legendary status in NFL history.

4. “The Refrigerator” – William Perry

William Perry, the 335-pound defensive tackle, earned his iconic nickname during his freshman year at Clemson. A teammate remarked he was “about as big as a refrigerator” when they squeezed into an elevator together. Perry’s popularity soared during the Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl-winning season, where he occasionally played as a fullback, scoring touchdowns and cementing his legendary status.

3. “Prime Time” – Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders earned his iconic “Prime Time” nickname in high school after a stellar 37-point basketball performance. The moniker perfectly captured his flashy style and big-game prowess throughout his Hall of Fame NFL career. Sanders’ nickname has evolved into “Coach Prime” as he leads the Colorado Buffaloes football program.

2. “Megatron” – Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson earned the nickname “Megatron” from teammate Roy Williams in 2007. The moniker, referencing the Transformers villain, perfectly captured Johnson’s imposing 6’5″ frame and superhuman abilities on the field. The nickname stuck, becoming synonymous with Johnson’s dominant NFL career as he set records and terrorized defenses for the Detroit Lions.

1. “Sweetness” – Walter Payton

Walter Payton’s nickname perfectly captured his graceful running style and kind personality. Originally meant to tease his high-pitched voice, Payton embraced “Sweetness” and made it legendary. The Chicago Bears running back’s smooth moves on the field and gentle nature off it solidified this moniker as one of football’s most iconic.

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