NFL

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Notable sports deaths of 2013 Notable sports deaths of 2013 /mlb/gallery/sports-deaths-2013-013113 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2013/01/31/013113-Sports-Deaths-Gallery-SW-PI_20130131161224454_136_102.JPG
Shocking and tragic sports deaths Shocking and tragic sports deaths /mlb/gallery/Shocking-and-tragic-sports-deaths http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2010/09/27/092710-MLB-Nick-Adenhart-PI_20100927155701_136_102.JPG
Sports personalities who served We honor those who served our country, including athletes such as Pat Tillman. Here are more athletes who have served our country. /nfl/gallery/athletes-in-military-pat-tillman-david-robinson-052312 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/05/23/052312-NFL-Pat-Tillman-PI_20120523132527199_136_102.JPG
NFL rookie mini-camps /nfl/gallery/rookie-minicamp-manti-teo-san-diego-chargers-051013 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2013/05/10/San-Diego-Chargers-linebacker-Manti-Teo_20130510194707206_136_102.JPG
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NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30376034 What did you just call me? What+did+you+just+call+me%3F NFL

What did you just call me? This nickname is a pretty good one for Randy Moss given the way he elevated the offenses of his teams. This is a list of some other NFL nicknames that are truly fitting and very entertaining...

Don McPeak - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/15/moss_20111115172307680_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/15/moss_20111115172307680_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349891 Darren McFadden Darren+McFadden NFL

The explosive Oakland Raiders' running back (watch clips of him playing) has an alias cleverly derived from his initials. What is it?

Steve Mitchell - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G1-AA_20121003181034497_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G1-AA_20121003181034497_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349888 LeSean McCoy LeSean+McCoy NFL

LeSean McCoy surely doesn't want his nickname to be descriptive of his playing style for the Philadelphia Eagles. Luckily, he has had the name since childhood. Who gave him the name?

Howard Smith - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G2-AA_20121003181034492_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G2-AA_20121003181034492_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349889 Robert Griffin III Robert+Griffin+III NFL

Robert Griffin III is a member of the Roman numeral club, but not in the traditional sense. The Washington Redskins' quarterback took a unique approach to his nickname and prefers an unconventional alternative. How does he use numbers in his name?

Paul Jasienski - AP Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G3-AA_20121003181034493_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G3-AA_20121003181034493_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349890 Cam Newton Cam+Newton NFL

Descriptive of his moves on the field (watch highlights), Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (strangely enough) nicknamed himself. What does he refer to himself as?

Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G4-AA_20121003181034494_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G4-AA_20121003181034494_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349892 Peyton Manning Peyton+Manning NFL

Peyton Manning is taking over the reins of a new team (its name?), making his nickname quite fitting. What's he known as?

Ron Chenoy - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G5-AA_20121003181034496_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G5-AA_20121003181034496_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349887 Chris Johnson Chris+Johnson NFL

Chris Johnson's record-breaking rushing season (when was it?) for the Tennessee Titans is documented in his nickname. What's he known as?

Brett Davis - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G6-AA_20121003181034495_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G6-AA_20121003181034495_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349893 Devin Hester Devin+Hester NFL

Good thing Devin Hester plays in Chicago: The city provides the perfect backdrop for his blustery alias. What's his nickname?

Bradley Leeb - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G7-AA_20121003181108499_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G7-AA_20121003181108499_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349894 Michael Turner Michael+Turner NFL

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (watch clips of him playing) takes advantage of a rhyme scheme with his nickname. What's he known as?

Daniel Shirey - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G9-AA_20121003181110503_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G9-AA_20121003181110503_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349896 Terrell Suggs Terrell+Suggs NFL

This defensive star (watch clips of him playing) for the Baltimore Ravens always brings the heat, hence his on-fire alias.

Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G10-AA_20121003181120505_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G10-AA_20121003181120505_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349895 Ed Jones Ed+Jones NFL

At close to 7 feet tall (what's his exact height?), Jones' nickname should be obvious. What is the former Dallas Cowboy known as?

- Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G11-AA_20121003181125507_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G11-AA_20121003181125507_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349897 Jack Tatum Jack+Tatum NFL

Jack Tatum wasn't the only hard-hitting safety to garner a nickname. However, he's most likely the only safety with a nickname like this (what was he called?). The origin of the name? His injury-invoking hits, like his unfortunate take-out in 1978.

Michael Zagaris - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G12-AA_20121003181131509_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G12-AA_20121003181131509_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31351046 Mike Ditka Mike+Ditka NFL

Mike Ditka was the unquestioned leader of one of the toughest Chicago Bears squads in history, so his nickname (what is it?) is fitting.

Harry How /Allsport - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G13-AA_20121003181135511_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G13-AA_20121003181135511_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31354908 Brian Dawkins Brian+Dawkins NFL

Former NFL safety Brian Dawkins could deliver devastating hits (watch clips). Consequently, his nickname sounds just as dangerous. What does the name reference?

Justin Edmonds - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2010/09/19/091910-Brian-Dawkins-SW_20100919192248_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2010/09/19/091910-Brian-Dawkins-SW_20100919192248_70_70.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349899 Torry Holt Torry+Holt NFL

Torry Holt caught a lot of balls for the St. Louis Rams (watch clips of him playing). He also played in a few high-profile games for the franchise, earning him this nickname.

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G14-AA_20121003181145513_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G14-AA_20121003181145513_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31349900 Andre Rison Andre+Rison NFL

Is there anything better than being nicknamed after a Creedence Clearwater Revival song (hear it)? We think not.

Andy Lyons /Allsport - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G15-AA_20121003181154515_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G15-AA_20121003181154515_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31351047 Ted Hendricks Ted+Hendricks NFL

This former NFL linebacker stands tall at 6 feet 7. His height and idiosyncratic personality earned him his nickname. What is it?

Al Messerschmidt - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G16-AA_20121003181158517_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Nicknames-G16-AA_20121003181158517_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354081 Sammy Baugh Sammy+Baugh NFL

No secret here. Sammy Baugh is one of the legendary quarterbacks in football. In his career, Baugh racked up over 21,000 passing yards. He threw it in an era dominated by tough, hard-core running backs. That passing tendency earned him the nickname (what did they call him?).

Nate Fine - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/8_20111109204404651_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/8_20111109204404651_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354082 Elroy Hirsch Elroy++Hirsch NFL

Elroy Hirsch was a running back in the NFL in the 1940s and '50s. His style of running hadn't been seen before and earned him his nickname. What was it?

Vic Stein - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/7_20111109204404652_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/7_20111109204404652_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354083 Joe Greene Joe+Greene NFL

Which came first: the player or the nickname? One might assume that Joe Greene got his nickname while a member of the hard-nosed "Steel Curtain" defense of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers. Although fitting, that's not where the nickname comes from; it actually came from the nickname of his college football team. What was his nickname?

Bonus: Remember his classic Coca-Cola commercial? Watch it.

Focus on Sport - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/9_20111109204404656_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/9_20111109204404656_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354084 Red Grange Red+Grange NFL

Harold Grange, commonly known as "Red," was an oddity in the 1920s NFL. He possessed speed and maneuverability that were not the norm for the league in those days. Taking that into consideration, his nickname seems highly appropriate (what was it?).

MLB Photos - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/12_20111109204404653_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/12_20111109204404653_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354085 Gale Sayers Gale+Sayers NFL

Gale Sayers played college football at Kansas, and that had a lot to do with how he wound up with his nickname. Sayers broke records with touchdown runs and gained yards at an astounding rate, shooting up the ladder of NCAA running backs before going on to play for the Chicago Bears. What was his nickname?

Vernon Biever - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/11_20111109204404655_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/11_20111109204404655_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354086 Paul Hornung Paul+Hornung NFL

Paul Hornung was given his nickname (what was it?) for reasons besides his looks. Although the name might seem obvious given his appearance (see him in his prime on the cover of Sports Illustrated), there's a second reason for the moniker. Hornung was an essential figure and face of the Green Bay Packers when he played for them.

Focus on Sport - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/10_20111109204404654_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/10_20111109204404654_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354087 Raghib Ismail Raghib+Ismail NFL

No need to mince words when it comes to Raghib Ismail. The dude was fast. So fast, in fact, his nickname (what is it?) seems obvious to those who saw him play.

Vince Bucci - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/14_20111109204420658_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/14_20111109204420658_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354088 Craig Heyward Craig+Heyward NFL

Words like "big," "tough," "gritty" and "eager to mix it up" come to mind after hearing former NFL fullback Craig Heyward's nickname (what is it?). The nickname was pretty intimidating even before Heyward's massive brawn is brought into question.

Mitchell Layton - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/15_20111109204423661_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/15_20111109204423661_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354089 Christian Okoye Christian+Okoye NFL

Christian Okoye was born in Nigeria (where in Africa is that?), which accounts for the first part of his nickname. The second part? It was clear when you saw Okoye's brutal running style and the difficulty opponents had trying to tackle him. As an NFL defender, what comes to mind when thinking about facing a guy like that? Probably something like his nickname. What is it?

- Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/16_20111109204423664_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/16_20111109204423664_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30354090 Michael Irvin Michael+Irvin NFL

With 11,904 receiving yards, 750 receptions and 65 touchdowns, retired Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin's stats speak for themselves. All the man did was make plays. It started at the University of Miami, where he came up with this simple nickname for himself.

George Rose - Getty Images http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/13_20111109204421659_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/13_20111109204421659_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30348637 Marshawn Lynch Marshawn+Lynch NFL

Anyone who saw Marshawn Lynch's run for the Seattle Seahawks against the New Orleans Saints in the 2010 NFL playoffs (watch it) will not question his nickname (what do they call him?). The name describes Lynch's running style to a T. If he gets going, best to step out of the way, because he'll bowl over most anything in his path.

Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G3_20111109200800880_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G3_20111109200800880_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30348636 Flozell Adams Flozell+Adams NFL

Flozell Adams' nickname is a product of his considerable size and an easy rhyme. Nobody has ever accused the longtime Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle (currently a free agent) of being a small guy. In fact, at his position, size is quite an asset. But Flozell rhymes with the nickname (what is it?), and there you have a ready-made alias.

Matthew Emmons - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G1_20111109200800879_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G1_20111109200800879_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 31356213 BenJarvus Green-Ellis BenJarvus+Green-Ellis NFL

"Did you see that run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis? Hope BenJarvus Green-Ellis breaks a tackle on this run." Green-Ellis' given name is a bit of a mouthful. The hyphenated last name reminds many fans of a convoluted law partnership. That might be one reason many football fans avoid getting tongue-tied with all the syllables and simply refer to this Cincinnati Bengals running back by his nickname (what is it?)

Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Bengals-RB-Green-Ellis-DG_20121003171008458_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/10/03/100312-NFL-Bengals-RB-Green-Ellis-DG_20121003171008458_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30348638 Darrelle Revis Darrelle+Revis NFL

Darrelle Revis is known as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. The New York Jets player earned his nickname by locking down receivers ... making them feel isolated. Almost as if they were on an island. Hence the nickname.

Ed Mulholland - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G4_20111109200800883_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G4_20111109200800883_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30348640 Maurice Jones-Drew Maurice+Jones-Drew NFL

Maurice Jones-Drew's nickname turns out to be a pretty accurate descriptor. Like the Greek demigod he's named after, he's got muscles that give him major strength and power. His smaller stature actually works to his advantage in the Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield. What's his nickname?

Matt Stamey - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G2_20111109200800881_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/11/09/110911-NFL-NICKNAMES-AM-G2_20111109200800881_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048787 Joe Namath Joe+Namath NFL

Joe Namath famously guaranteed a New York Jets victory in Super Bowl III. The Jets went on to win that Super Bowl and Namath spent all but one of his NFL seasons as QB for the Jets. It is this streak, playing in the city with the bright lights of Broadway, that led to his nickname (what was it?).

Malcolm Emmons - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery2-JW_20110802141034210_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery2-JW_20110802141034210_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048784 Ben Roethlisberger Ben+Roethlisberger NFL

At 6'-5" and 241 lbs., Ben Roethlisberger has always been on the larger end of the quarterback spectrum. Standing tall behind the line of his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates, Roethlisberger definitely seems as massive as his nickname implies (what is it?).

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery1-JW_20110802141034211_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery1-JW_20110802141034211_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048789 Jevon Kearse Jevon+Kearse NFL

Jevon Kearse began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans in 1999, and that same year Kearse won AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. An 86-inch wingspan and extraordinary speed earned Kearse his nickname (what is it?).

Fernando Medina - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery4-JW_20110802141034213_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery4-JW_20110802141034213_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048786 William Perry William+Perry NFL

William Perry got his nickname for one reason ... his size. Perry primarily played defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears and was listed at 6'2" and 335 lbs. Perry won a Super Bowl with the '85 Bears and as a testament to his size, Perry required a size--25 ring (what was his nickname?).

Manny Rubio - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery5-JW_20110802141034215_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery5-JW_20110802141034215_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048792 Deion Sanders Deion+Sanders NFL

Deion Sanders began and ended his 14-year NFL career as a cornerback. However, due to his versatility, Sanders started at wide receiver for five games during the 1996 season. Sanders was both controversial and electrifying ... willing to do what it took to captivate fans and remain in the spotlight. Whether that meant high-stepping into the end zone for a touchdown or flashing smiles to the media, Sanders embodied his nickname (what was it?).

Jayne Kamin-Oncea - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery11-JW_20110802141431227_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery11-JW_20110802141431227_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30050460 Adrian Peterson Adrian+Peterson NFL

Adrian Peterson has a signature upright running style that is rare when combined with his power and agility. Peterson burst onto the NFL scene in 2007, racking up over 1,300 yards in his rookie season, earning him this moniker.

Howard Smith - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery15-JW_20110802144750245_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery15-JW_20110802144750245_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048791 Walter Payton Walter+Payton NFL

Walter Payton is widely considered one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time. His 16,726 career rushing yards are second most in NFL history. His durability was unquestioned - Payton only missed one NFL game in his 13 seasons. While his nickname could accurately describe his amazing stats, it does not describe Payton's on-field demeanor. Never one to shy away from contact, Payton wasn't afraid to take a hit or dish one out (what was his nickname?).

1986 by US PRESSWIRE - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery12-JW_20110802141430222_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery12-JW_20110802141430222_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048790 Jerome Bettis Jerome+Bettis NFL

Jerome Bettis was widely considered one of the NFL's best running backs before his retirement in 2006. His footwork allowed for remarkable agility for a running back his size. It was his power, however, that paved the way for his nickname. It was an accurate descriptor of Bettis' ability to run over opponents (what was his nickname?).

Joe Robbins - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery3-JW_20110802141034212_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery3-JW_20110802141034212_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30049554 Terry Bradshaw Terry+Bradshaw NFL

Terry Bradshaw played for the Pittsburgh Steelers during their dominant run in the 1970s. Bradshaw had a knack for stepping up when it mattered most. Three of his best passing performances came in Super Bowls. His blond locks and powerful arm combined to give him his nickname (what was it?).

Malcolm Emmons - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery21-JW_20110802144810251_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery21-JW_20110802144810251_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048793 Joe Montana Joe+Montana NFL

Joe Montana put together a Hall of Fame career in his 16 years in the NFL. Montana won all four Super Bowls he played in and was elected to the Pro Bowl eight times, but his specialty was comeback wins. Montana engineered 31 come-from-behind fourth- quarter wins over the course of his career. Montana's knack for remaining calm under pressure inspired his nickname (what was it?).

1990 US PRESSWIRE - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery8-JW_20110802141431224_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery8-JW_20110802141431224_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048795 O.J. Simpson O.J.+Simpson NFL

O.J. Simpson became the first running back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in 1973 while he played for the Buffalo Bills. Simpson was elected to the football Hall of Fame in 1985, but his nickname is derived from his unique initials (what was his nickname?).

Malcolm Emmons - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery7-JW_20110802141430223_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery7-JW_20110802141430223_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048796 Matt Ryan Matt+Ryan NFL

Matt Ryan has been the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons since they drafted him in 2008. Ryan's nickname started before his professional football career. In his senior year at Boston College, Ryan launched a website and the nickname stuck (what is it?).

Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery9-JW_20110802141431225_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery9-JW_20110802141431225_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30049550 Calvin Johnson Calvin+Johnson NFL

Calvin Johnson is a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. Johnson possesses a number of physical skills, the combination of which give him the ability to switch up on defenders like an Autobot - hence the nickname (what is it?).

Michael Sackett - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery16-JW_20110802144750247_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery16-JW_20110802144750247_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30050459 Brett Favre Brett+Favre NFL

Brett Favre's NFL journey is well documented so his nickname should come as no surprise. Favre has never been afraid to let the ball fly and demonstrate his passion for the game. Favre's aggressiveness and determination gave him the persona of a Wild West cowboy (what was his nickname?).

Derick E. Hingle - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery14-JW_20110802144750244_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery14-JW_20110802144750244_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30050382 Dante Hall Dante+Hall NFL

Dante Hall spent the majority of his NFL career as a punt-return specialist. Hall spent nine seasons lighting up the special teams units for the Kansas City Chiefs and later the St. Louis Rams. Hall possessed notable speed and agility. It was this unique maneuverability that led to his nickname (what was it?).

Kyle Terada - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery13-JW_20110802141657238_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery13-JW_20110802141657238_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30048788 Jared Lorenzen Jared+Lorenzen NFL

After playing his collegiate football at the University of Kentucky, Lorenzen was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. Lorenzen shared in the Giants' Super Bowl as a backup quarterback but is widely remembered for his meaty frame and left-handed throwing motion (what was his nickname?).

James Lang - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery6-JW_20110802141034214_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery6-JW_20110802141034214_107_80.JPG
NFL 5 1580 Best NFL Nicknames 30050458 Troy Polamalu Troy+Polamalu NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers use Polamalu in a number of defensive plays at multiple defensive positions, though he most often fills the safety position. He is known for his strength, speed and ferocity. Polamalu is always around the ball and flying all over the field demonstrating incredible endurance (what is his nickname?).

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery18-JW_20110802144750246_600_400.JPG http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/08/02/080211-NFL-Best-Nicknames-Gallery18-JW_20110802144750246_107_80.JPG
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