Nicknames are how people are remembered. Ideally, it characterizes them in an entertaining way and sounds catchy. That’s certainly the case with these 20 current and former NFL players who have the best nicknames in the history of the sport.
20. Mike Alstott - A-Train
Getty ImagesAnyone who's ever been hit by one of the greatest fullbacks of all time knows why he's called "A-Train". Having him run you over actually feels like being hit by a train. He would lower his shoulder and mow you down no matter how big you were which made him one of the best to ever do what he did.
19. Chuck Bednarik - Concrete Charlie
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Bednarik is one of the legends of the game, and he also had one of the greatest nicknames in the history of the sport. The rough-and-tough two-way player would grind out games with a sense of style unmatched before or since. He truly earned his tough-sounding pseudonym.
18. Elroy Hirsch - Crazylegs
Getty ImagesThere's a good chance you've never seen Elroy Hirsch, the ex-NFL receiver, run. But if you had, you'd know why he's called "Crazylegs". His high-stepping style earned him a great nickname and helped him be remembered for longer than he likely would have otherwise.
17. David Jones - Deacon Jones
Getty ImagesNobody quite knows why Deacon got his nickname, but it certainly made him sound more intimidating. Very few people would have been intimidated by David Jones. Well, maybe after they saw him play, they would've been scared no matter what his name was.
16. Chris Johnson - CJ2K
Getty ImagesIt's hard to believe now, but Chris Johnson used to be the best back in the NFL. Back in the 2009 season, he rushed for over 2,000 yards (hence the nickname) and set a record by picking up 2,509 yards from scrimmage. He may not be great anymore, but he will always be remembered as CJ2K because of his incredible sophomore campaign.
15. Jack Tatum - The Assassin
Jeff Curry-USA Today SportsAs one of the hardest hitting safeties of all time, it's not hard to figure out how Tatum got his moniker. He never shied away from lighting anyone up and would likely get fined consistently in today's NFL. However, most of what he did back then was completely legal.
14. Rob Gronkowski - Gronk
Getty ImagesThis is one of the simpler nicknames on the list, but it definitely works. Somehow it captures his goofy, fun-loving attitude in just five letters. There are very few NFL fans who don't like the star tight end and that makes the nickname stick even more.
13. Christian Okoye - The Nigerian Nightmare
Getty ImagesOkoye was an absolute bruiser who also happened to be from Nigeria. The alliteration is perfect here and it really fits the player. He really was a nightmare for opposing defenses, because he would run you over. If you wanted to tackle him, you really had to be dedicated to the play.
12. Ben Roethlisberger - Big Ben
Getty ImagesAnother simple, but effective nickname here. Big Ben has won two Super Bowls and could win one or two more before it's all said and done. His gigantic frame helped earn him his nickname. He may not be as big as the famous clock in London, but on some days, he seems pretty darn close.
11. Sammy Baugh - Slingin' Sammy Baugh
Getty ImagesAll this nickname does is add a word to the player's name, but it really fits one of the best quarterbacks ever. Baugh knew how to sling it before many did, especially when the NFL was still a run-happy league. This name really just rolls off the tongue which is what makes it great.
10. Marshawn Lynch - Beast Mode
Getty ImagesThis nickname requires little explanation. Lynch tended to go off on unbelievable runs from time to time, and it's those singular plays that he will be remembered for. Of course, his most famous run came against the Saints in the 2011 NFL Playoffs that helped him earn the nickname in the first place.
9. William Perry - The Refrigerator
Getty ImagesYou know you're a big guy when you're named after a large household appliance. Perry was a key player on the 1985 Bears, generally regarded as one of the best football teams ever assembled. He could stop you on the run or run you over with a fullback dive. Perry didn't dominate for very long, but he certainly made an impact on the league.
8. Roger Staubach - Captain Comeback
Getty ImagesMore alliteration here, and boy, does it fit the signal-caller. Staubach was one of the most impressive quarterbacks ever, and a lot of that traces back to his ability to erase late deficits in a hurry. The Cowboy great had a knack for getting it done in the clutch which is what he'll be remembered for.
7. Dick Lane - Night Train Lane
Getty ImagesLane was one of the best cornerbacks of his day, although it isn't clear how he got his nickname. Perhaps, because like a train in the night, he could sneak up on you. He certainly snuck up on opposing quarterbacks, especially in his rookie season, where he snatched 14 interceptions, a record that still stands today.
6. Calvin Johnson - Megatron
Getty ImagesLike a Transformer, the recently retired Calvin Johnson can transform from speed to power in a hurry. The freak athlete is one of the best receivers to ever play the game, despite only playing in nine seasons. He's a good bet to make it to the Hall of Fame, and the nickname should certainly be included on his bronze bust.
5. Walter Payton - Sweetness
Getty ImagesThere was never a sweeter runner in NFL history than Walter Payton. Many still regard him as the greatest running back to ever live, along with the likes of Jim Brown and the league's all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith. He certainly had a sweet running style, but he was also a sweet human being. Those factors combined to give him one of the greatest nicknames of all time.
4. Joe Greene - Mean Joe Greene
Getty ImagesThis nickname was certainly made more famous by a certain Coke commercial, but he was already a huge figure of the day. Off the field, he didn't seem so mean, but between the lines, Greene behaved like a very angry human being. That made him a defender you didn't want to get anywhere near.
3. Red Grange - The Galloping Ghost
Getty ImagesAs a charter member of Pro Football's Hall of Fame, Grange was an absolute legend. He would scurry away from defenders and sometimes it seemed like you couldn't tackle him. No wonder he was likened to a ghost. In terms of NFL history, though, he's far from a ghost. The running back will always be remembered.
2. Joe Namath - Broadway Joe
Getty ImagesNamath, a golden boy, always had a flare for the dramatic. He put that on full display when he guaranteed the underdog Jets would win Super Bowl III and then actually pulled off the upset over the Colts. That was the high point of his career, but it didn't keep him out of the spotlight for the next couple decades.
1. Deion Sanders - Prime Time
Getty ImagesDeion was one of the most electrifying performers in NFL history and his nickname was spot on. When the lights were on and the people wanted to see a show, Deion delivered. It was because of this "clutch gene" he possessed that he was able to develop his famous "Prime Time" persona.
