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List of North American football nicknames

{{Short description|none}}

{{More citations needed|date=August 2023}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}

This is a list of nicknames in the sports of American football and Canadian football.

Players

  • "A-Train" – Mike Alstott, running back{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1403423-mike-alstott-the-last-true-fullback-in-nfl-history#articles/1403423-mike-alstott-the-last-true-fullback-in-nfl-history|title=Was Mike Alstott the NFL's Last True FB?|first=Greg |last=Maiola|website=Bleacher Report |publisher=}}
  • "All Day" – Adrian Peterson, running back{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2013/10/17/adrian-peterson-attended-sons-funeral-tyrese-robert-ruffin/3003117/|title=Adrian Peterson: Son's death is 'devastating'|date=October 17, 2013|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=November 25, 2013}}
  • “Action Jackson”— Lamar Jackson, Quarterback
  • "The Assassin" - Jack Tatum, Oakland Raiders, safety
  • "Avatar" – Jimmy Graham, tight end{{cite news|title=Jimmy Graham Talks Drew Brees' Nickname for him, Rob Gronkowski and More from Super Bowl Week|url=http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2013/2/1/3940350/saints-jimmy-graham-drew-brees-nickname-rob-gronkowski-super-bowl|publisher=canalstreetchronicles.com|date=February 1, 2013}}
  • "Bad Moon" - Andre Rison, many teams, wide receiver
  • "Baggadonuts" - Frank Winters, Green Bay Packers, center
  • "The Bearded Pony" - Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts, named for his amazing beard and the fact that he plays for the Colts.
  • "Beast Mode" – Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks, named for his violent running style and unusual ability to break tackles{{cite news| url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2012/11/14/marshawn-lynch-and-the-evolution-of-beast-mode | work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer | title=Marshawn Lynch and the evolution of 'Beast Mode'}}
  • "Big Dick Nick" - Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
  • "Big Phil" - Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle{{cite news|last1=Burnfin|first1=J. Levi|title=Buster history mural the highlight of DPAC renovation|url=http://www.gctelegram.com/sports/buster-history-mural-the-highlight-of-dpac-renovation/article_8c5ebdfd-1168-529b-ae9b-e582869cfa79.html|work=Garden City Telegram}}{{cite web|last1=Wobschall|first1=Mike|title=Thank You, Big Phil|url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Thank-You-Big-Phil/bb60d219-dba0-4996-a813-ec46e55a564f|website=vikings.com|date=July 26, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026082049/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Thank-You-Big-Phil/bb60d219-dba0-4996-a813-ec46e55a564f|archive-date=October 26, 2016|url-status=dead}}
  • "Blood" - John McNally, Green Bay Packers, running back
  • "Boob" - Bernard Darling, Green Bay Packers, center
  • "Boomer"- Bob Brown, tackle
  • "Broadway Joe" - Joe Namath, New York Jets, quarterback
  • "Buckets" - Charles Goldenberg, Green Bay Packers, guard/running back
  • "The Bus" - Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers, running back
  • “Butt Kicker” - Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs, placekicker{{Cite web |last=D'Andrea |first=Christian |date=October 3, 2017 |title=Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is now 'butt kicker dot com,' according to Andy Reid |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/10/3/16409342/chiefs-kicker-harrison-butker-is-now-butt-kicker-dot-com-according-to-andy-reid |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}
  • "Captain Comeback" - Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys, quarterback
  • "The Claymaker" – Clay Matthews III{{cite news|title=Clay Matthews: The Predator|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/clay-matthews-the-predator.html|publisher=Bodybuilder.com|date=May 10, 2012}}
  • "Cool Brees" – Drew Brees{{cite news|title=Purdue Graduation Briefs — Brees throws touchdowns in game of life|url=http://www.purdue.edu/uns/html3month/2001/010427.Graduation.briefs.html|publisher=Purdue University|date=April 27, 2001}}
  • "The Cowboy" – Justin Smith{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8894385/super-bowl-xlvii-justin-smith-just-does-job | title=Justin Smith just does his job | date=January 29, 2013 | access-date=January 18, 2014}}
  • "Crazy Legs" – Elroy Hirsch, running back/wide receiver
  • "Curly" - Earl Louis Lambeau, Green Bay Packers, founder, halfback and coach
  • "Danimal" – Dan Hampton{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?player_id=87|title=Dan Hampton Bio - Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site|publisher=}}
  • "Danny Dimes" - Daniel Jones, New York Giants, quarterback
  • "Deacon" - David Jones, Los Angeles Rams, defensive end
  • “Dicker the Kicker” - Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers, placekicker
  • "The Diesel" - John Riggins, Washington Redskins, running back
  • "Dirty Dozen" = 1975 Dallas Cowboys team
  • "The Dodger" – Roger Staubach, quarterback
  • "The Dome Patrol" – the New Orleans Saints football team's linebacker corps of the late 1980s and the early 1990s. The Dome Patrol was rated by NFL Network as the #1 linebacker corps of all-time.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-top-ten/09000d5d80748277/Top-Ten-Linebacking-Corps-Jim-Mora-s-Saints|title=Top Ten Linebacking Corps: Jim Mora's Saints|website=NFL.com |publisher=}}
  • "Easy E" – Eli Manning, quarterback, named for his relaxed demeanor even in pressure situations{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/eli-manning-super-sense-future-high-school-article-1.345714 | work=New York Daily News | title=Eli Manning had Super sense of future while still in high school}}
  • "Edge" - Edgerrin James, running back
  • "Famous Jameis" - Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, quarterback
  • “Fat Randy” - Randy Bullock, Cincinnati Bengals, placekicker{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2020 |title=Cincinnati Bengals K Randy Bullock Misses Two Field Goals, Enraged Fans Cause 'Fat Randy' To Trend |url=https://www.outsider.com/sports/cincinnati-bengals-k-randy-bullock-misses-two-field-goals-enraged-fans-cause-fat-randy-trend/ |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Outsider |language=en-US}}
  • "Fatso"- Art Donovan, defensive tackle
  • "The Freak" - Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans, defensive end
  • "The Fridge" – William Perry (American football), defensive tackle
  • "The Ghost" - Dave Casper, Tight End who participated in two famous Oakland Raiders Plays: "Ghost to the Post" & "Holy Roller (American football)"
  • "Golden Boy" - Paul Hornung, Green Bay Packers, half back/kicker{{cite web|url=http://www.packers.com/history/hall-of-famers/hornung-paul.html|title=Packers.com - Paul Hornung|publisher=|access-date=December 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222085358/http://www.packers.com/history/hall-of-famers/hornung-paul.html|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=dead}}
  • "The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga" - Tony Canadeo, halfback
  • "Greasy"- Earle Neale, coach
  • "The Gunslinger" – Brett Favre, quarterback{{cite web|url=http://staugnews.com/2011/11/03/the-gunslinger-brett-favre.html |title=Page not found - StAug News |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921001321/http://staugnews.com/2011/11/03/the-gunslinger-brett-favre.html |archivedate=September 21, 2012 }}
  • "The Hangman"- Chris Hanburger- linebacker
  • "Highway 63" - Gene Upshaw, Hall of Fame Guard who won two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders
  • "The Hogs" – 1980s/1990s Washington Redskins offensive line
  • "The Intellectual Assassin" - Ron Mix, offensive tackle
  • "Joe Cool" - Joe Montana, quarterback
  • "Johnny Football" - Johnny Manziel, quarterback
  • "The Juice" – O. J. Simpson, running back
  • "JJ "Swatt" – J. J. Watt, Houston Texans, named for his ability to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage
  • "Jug" - Francis Louis Earp, Green Bay Packers, center
  • "K-Gun" - the name given to the Buffalo Bills offense of the mid 1990s that was based on a similar offense called “run and shoot”, known for its no-huddle shotgun formations
  • "The Kraken" - Greg Hardy, defensive end
  • "Law Firm" - BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Running Back, because of his segmented name
  • "Legatron" – Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles Rams, placekicker
  • "Legion of Boom™" – defensive backfield of the Seattle Seahawks (Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas), named for their hard-hitting and physical style of play{{cite news|title=SEAHAWKS PREVIEW: Meet the 'Legion of boom'|url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/09/03/2278722/meet-the-legion-of-boom.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925031736/http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/09/03/2278722/meet-the-legion-of-boom.html|date=September 3, 2012|archivedate=September 25, 2012 }}
  • "The Lion"- Leo Nomellini, defensive tackle
  • "Machine Gun Kelly" - Jim Kelly, quarterback, Buffalo Bills
  • "The Manster" – Randy White, defensive tackle
  • "Mean Joe" - Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive end
  • "Megatron" – Calvin Johnson, wide receiver{{cite news|first=Larry|last=Large|url=http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/sports-25/1193051645113350.xml&storylist=newsmichigan|title=Calvin Johnson shows why Lions made him No. 2 pick in the draft|publisher=mlive.com|date=October 22, 2007|accessdate=October 23, 2007|archive-date=October 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024142322/http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fsports-25%2F1193051645113350.xml&storylist=newsmichigan|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10012021/calvin-johnson-detroit-lions-gets-megatron-action-figure-own|title=Calvin Johnson of Detroit Lions gets Megatron action figure of his own|last=Rothstein|first=Michael|date=November 22, 2013|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 25, 2013}}
  • "The Minister of Defense" - Reggie White, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, defensive end
  • "The Missile" - Qadry Ismail, wide receiver
  • "Minitron" - Julian Edelman, wide receiver
  • "MJD" - Maurice Jones-Drew, running back
  • “Money Badger” - Michael Badgley, Detroit Lions, placekicker
  • “Money Mac” - Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals, placekicker
  • "The Muscle Hamster" – Doug Martin, running back{{cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/06/doug-martin-i-cant-shake-muscle-hamster-worst-nickname-ever/|title=Doug Martin: I can't shake Muscle Hamster, "worst nickname ever"|last=Smith|first=Michael David|date=November 6, 2012|work=ProFootballTalk|publisher=NBC Sports|accessdate=November 25, 2013}}
  • "The New York Sack Exchange" - the New York Jets defensive line during the early 1980s
  • "Night Train" – Dick Lane,[http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?player_id=120 Hall of Famers — Dick (Night Train) Lane] a reference to his fear of flying and resultant travel to road games on night trains.
  • "The No Fly Zone" – defensive backfield of the Denver Broncos
  • "Orange Crush" – the 3–4 defense of the Denver Broncos during the late 1970s and early 1980s{{cite news| url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_7935674 | work=Denver Post | first=Dick | last=Kreck | title=True gridiron grit | date=January 13, 2008}}
  • "Optimus Grimes" - Brent Grimes Cornerback
  • "The Pocket Hercules" – Maurice Jones-Drew, running back
  • "Pot Roast" – Terrance Knighton, defensive tackle{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/4/12/15280512/terrance-knighton-pot-roast-retires-coaching/|title=Terrance Knighton, aka 'Pot Roast,' will retire from NFL to pursue coaching|last=Lyles Jr.|first=Harry|date=April 12, 2017|work=SB Nation|accessdate=July 25, 2018}}
  • "Primetime" – Deion Sanders, cornerback{{cite news|title=How Deion Conceived of 'Prime Time'|url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/How-Deion-Conceived-of-Prime-Time-3047668.php|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=January 24, 1995}}{{cite news|title=Deion's drive fueled by bond with mom|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/6840787/love-hate-deion-sanders-never-let-anyone-define-him|publisher=ESPN|date=August 7, 2011}}
  • "Purple Jesus" - Adrian Petersen, Minnesota Vikings, running back{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1248290-50-best-nicknames-in-nfl-history/page/39|title=Greatest Nicknames in NFL History|first=Tony|last=Santorsa|website=Bleacher Report |publisher=}}
  • "The Purple People Eaters" - the Minnesota Vikings defensive line during the 1970s
  • "The Refrigerator" - William Perry, Chicago Bears, nose tackle
  • "Robo-QB" - Todd Marinovich - quarterback
  • "Robo-sack" - Rob Johnson, quarterback known for a reputation of being sacked frequently
  • "Robokicker" - Dave Ridgway - place kicker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, one of the most accurate placekickers in CFL history
  • "Rocket" - Raghib Ismail - wide receiver
  • "Shady" – LeSean McCoy, running back
  • "The Sheriff" – Peyton Manning, quarterback{{cite news|title=Player On Spot: Peyton Manning, Colts|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/09/09/player-on-spot-carson-palmer-bengals/|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=September 9, 2004}} a reference to Manning's pre-snap routine, which is one of the most recognizable in the NFL.
  • “Shooter” - Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals, placekicker
  • "Showtime" - Patrick Mahomes, quarterback
  • "The Silver Rush" - the Detroit Lions defensive line during the early 1980s
  • "Smoking" – Jay Cutler, quarterback{{cite web|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/11/08/real-jay-cutler-likes-smokin-jay-cutler/|title=Real Jay Cutler Likes Smokin' Jay Cutler|date=November 8, 2012 |publisher=}}
  • "Snacks" – Damon Harrison, Defensive Tackle.
  • "The Snake" - Kenny Stabler, Hall of Fame quarterback who won Super Bowl XI with the Oakland Raiders
  • "Steel Curtain" – the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line during the 1970s
  • "The Stork" - Ted Hendricks, Hall of Fame Linebacker who won Super Bowls with the Baltimore Colts and Oakland Raiders
  • "Swede" - Chester Johnston, Green Bay Packers, running back
  • "Sweetness" – Walter Payton, running back{{cite news| title=Sweetness, Till the Bitter End| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/daily/nov99/02/wilpayton2.htm | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=June 14, 2000}}
  • "Tiny" - Paul Engebretsen, Green Bay Packers, guard
  • "Too Tall" - Edward Lee Jones, Dallas Cowboys, defensive end
  • "The Toolbox" - Ed West, Green Bay Packers, tight end
  • "The Tyler Rose" – Earl Campbell, an allusion to his hometown Tyler, Texas
  • "White Shoes" – Billy Johnson, wide receiver
  • "World" - Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver

Teams

This is a list of nicknames of professional and college football teams. Many are merely abbreviations or diminutives of the team's name; otherwise, the origin of the nickname (if known) is noted. An asterisk (*) after a nickname indicates that the name is pejorative, insulting, or has at least a negative intent, and is often used by opponents or detractors (including fans when the team is performing poorly).

Note on abbreviations: CFL – Canadian Football League; NFL – National Football League; NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association

= American football =

By nickname

  • "Ain'ts*" – New Orleans Saints, NFL; rhyming play on the non-standard English negative ain't{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=254364|title=Sporting News - NFL - NCAA - NBA - MLB - NASCAR - UFC - WWE|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002020015/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=254364|archivedate=October 2, 2007}}
  • "America's Team" – Dallas Cowboys, by sports media{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C8AO2|title=NFL Films - The Dallas Cowboys - The Complete History|date=November 25, 2003|publisher=|via=Amazon}}
  • "B.I.L.L.S.*" – Buffalo Bills, by detractors, acronyms for "Boy I Love Losing Super Bowls", in reference to the team's failure to win the Super Bowl in four straight tries during the early 1990s{{cite web|url=http://out-route.gloriousnoise.com/2006/08/shattering_the_culture_of_losing.php|title=The Out Route - Shattering The Cbrushers baked beans murluulture of Losing|accessdate=November 15, 2006}}
  • "Big Blue (Wrecking Crew)" – New York Giants, NFL; from the color of their jerseys, influenced by the nickname of IBM{{cite web|url=http://www.bigblueinteractive.com/|title=BigBlueInteractive - New York Giants News and Discussion|publisher=}}
  • "The Black and Gold" – Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL; from their uniform colors[http://www.blackandgoldbrigade.com/ Welcome To The Black and Gold Brigade!]
  • "Black and Blue Division" – NFC North, NFL; from the division's rugged style of play in the 20th century (also "Frostbite Division")
  • "The Blue Giants" – Used for New York Giants because of the team color
  • "Bolts" – Los Angeles Chargers, NFL; from the lightning bolt design on their helmets{{cite web|url=http://www.chargers.com/team/history/index.html|title=History|date=July 8, 2014|publisher=}}
  • "Bucs/Buckies" – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL; abbreviation of team name
  • "The Bungles" – Cincinnati Bengals, NFL; mainly used by detractors{{cite news|url=http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/556002/Cincinnati-looks-like-same-old--Bungles-.html?nav=818|title=Cincinnati looks like same old 'Bungles'|last=Mehno|first=John|date=December 5, 2011|work=Altoona Mirror|accessdate=November 25, 2013}}
  • The Cardiac Cats – Carolina Panthers, coined in 2003 due to their frequent 4th-quarter comebacks and/or losses
  • "Cheeseheads" – Nickname used for residents of Wisconsin in reference to the state's large dairy industry. Sometimes employed derogatorily by neighboring states, the moniker was embraced by residents, particularly Green Bay Packers fans, and has become synonymous with Wisconsin's football culture. (While the state is presently known for cheese production, the Packers team itself was originally named for the Indian meat packing company in Green Bay, WI.){{cite web|url=http://www.packers.com/history/birth-of-a-team-and-a-legend.html|title=Packers.com - Birth of a Team & a Legend|access-date=January 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218235758/http://www.packers.com/history/birth-of-a-team-and-a-legend.html|archive-date=February 18, 2014|url-status=dead}}
  • "Cheatriots" -New England Patriots,NFL; Used by detractors as a reference to the Patriots cheating allegations during Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era
  • "The Chefs" – Kansas City Chiefs, NFL; origin Snickers candy bar commercial; however, the NFL has licensed official "Kansas City Chief Head Chef Cookie Jars"[http://mvp.com/sm-memory-company-kansas-city-chiefs-cookie-jar--pi-2105066.html CBSSportsStore.com - Memory Company Kansas City Chiefs Cookie Jar]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
  • "The Chesapeake Watershed Region Indigenous Persons" – Washington Redskins, NFL; translation of team name into politically correct terms{{cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/7630560 |title=Archived copy |website=NFL.com |accessdate=January 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060104110345/http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/7630560 |archivedate=January 4, 2006 }} It was later changed to "Potomac Drainage Basin Indigenous Persons" (see below) since the Baltimore Ravens also share the Chesapeake Bay region.
  • "Clowns" - Cleveland Browns, NFL; used by detractors.
  • The Cowgirls - Dallas Cowboys, by detractors.
  • "Da Raidahs" – Las Vegas Raiders, NFL; The way Chris Berman of ESPN says, "The Raiders",[http://thebwp.com/wire/DA.cfm?ArticleID=1038 This N' That with Tony Mack:NFL Picks: Week 11] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114123857/http://www.thebwp.com/wire/DA.cfm?ArticleID=1038 |date=November 14, 2004 }} a spoof of Raiders team owner Al Davis' accent.
  • "Dawgs" – Cleveland Browns, NFL; according to Hanford Dixon, then a cornerback with the original Art Modell-owned Browns, he gave his defensive teammates this nickname to inspire them before the 1985 seasonhttp://66.181.85.108/news_room/history/arts/1180.0.html{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
  • "DeadSkins" – Washington Redskins, NFL; rhyming play on team name; used by detractors or disgruntled fans.{{cite web |url=http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/11/20/163558/96 |title=TPMCafe || deadskins |accessdate=January 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129033240/http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/11/20/163558/96 |archivedate=November 29, 2005 }}
  • "Detroit Lie-downs" – Detroit Lions, NFL; so called because they just lie down and let other teams run over them.
  • "The Dirty Birds" – Atlanta Falcons, NFL; team dubbed themselves by this name during their race to Super Bowl XXXIII[http://www.atlantafalcons.com/history/1990s.jsp Atlanta Falcons | Media Lounge | We're Sorry] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505153614/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/history/1990s.jsp |date=May 5, 2006 }}
  • "The Dolts" – Indianapolis Colts, NFL; rhyming play on name with a term for "idiot"; by detractors{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnote.com/this&that/99_4-19_mike27.htm|title=Sidelines....|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050101061857/http://www.sportsnote.com/this&that/99_4-19_mike27.htm |archive-date=1 January 2005 |url-status=usurped}}
  • "The Donks" – Denver Broncos, used by detractors.
  • "The Empire" - Used by detractors to refer to either the Dallas Cowboys, due to their reputation of having a large fanbase, plentiful funds, and several Super Bowl rings, and the New England Patriots, due to their own reputation of also being one of the most hated teams in the NFL and being the de facto villain for the league, and because of their recent Super Bowl dynasty. The "role" of the Emperor is usually filled by Jerry Jones or Bill Belichick.
  • "The Flaming Thumbtacks" – Tennessee Titans, NFL; a humorous interpretation of their team logo, actually a flaming stylized letter "T"[http://pittsburghdish.typepad.com/pittsburgh_dish/2005/09/bra_rah_rah_the.html Pittsburgh Dish: Bra Rah Rah: The Flaming Thumbtacks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627032638/http://pittsburghdish.typepad.com/pittsburgh_dish/2005/09/bra_rah_rah_the.html |date=June 27, 2006 }}
  • "The Fins" – Miami Dolphins, NFL; play on abbreviation of name with the appendages of a dolphin{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2005/10/friday_night_fo.html|title=Miami Dolphins - Sun-Sentinel Blogs: Friday night football?|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051108165007/http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2005/10/friday_night_fo.html|archivedate=November 8, 2005}}
  • "The Fish" – Miami Dolphins, NFL; while the mascot and team logo of bottlenose dolphins are not fish, but mammals. The rhyme detractors used when they played in the Orange Bowl was, "squish the fish in the Orange Dish." Now rarely used due to the Florida Marlins, who are also called "The Fish".
  • "The Forty-Whiners/The Whiners" – San Francisco 49ers, used by detractors.
  • "G-Men" – New York Giants, NFL; initial of team name, possibly a play on the term for a government (e.g., FBI) agent[http://www.thewbalchannel.com/nfl079/5822677/detail.html G-Men Have Carolina In Their Mind - NFL - New York Giants News Story - WBAL Baltimore]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
  • "Goats" – Los Angeles Rams, NFL; when playing poorly[http://insidepulse.com/article.php?contentid=28419 Tailgate Crashers: Second And Long - 10.27.04] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060107042507/http://www.insidepulse.com/article.php?contentid=28419 |date=January 7, 2006 }}
  • "Honolulu Blue Wrecking Crew" – Detroit Lions, NFL; from a primary color of the uniform
  • "The Houston No-Wins" – Houston Texans, NFL; rhyming play on name when team is performing poorly
  • "Iggles" – Philadelphia Eagles, NFL; reference to how some Philadelphians pronounce "Eagles"{{cite book|last=McCarthy|first=Iris|title=Food Lovers' Guide to Philadelphia: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TKkROvfuWoQC&pg=PA9|accessdate=November 25, 2013|date=September 18, 2012|publisher=Globe Pequot|isbn=9780762788965|page=9}}
  • "Jags" – Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL; abbreviation of team name
  • "Gang Green" – New York Jets, NFL; used by supporters (reference to medical condition that is difficult to overcome)(Green Bay Packers), NFL; used by supporters since the mid-1970s; also the name of the unofficial team mascot who is given home field credentials.
  • "Jest" – New York Jets, NFL; humorous misspelling of team name; used when team is performing poorly

[http://www.newyorkjest.com/ New Page 2]

  • "Jints" – New York Giants, NFL; used occasionally by local media, as eye dialect for the team's name. Also used for the baseball team while it was in New York.
  • "Jokeland (Faders/Traitors)"* – Las Vegas Raiders, by detractors
  • "Lambs" – Los Angeles Rams, NFL; a lamb being a soft, cuddly, meek baby sheep (as opposed to a ram, being an aggressive full-grown male sheep); rhyming nickname used by detractors when team performs poorly[http://www.fantasyinfocentral.com/football/predictions/004379.php MAC Attack! | Out on a Limb: Fantasy Football Predictions - Fantasy Information Central] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060319201211/http://www.fantasyinfocentral.com/football/predictions/004379.php |date=March 19, 2006 }}
  • "Monsters of the Midway" – Chicago Bears, NFL; originally applied to the University of Chicago "Maroons", a strong (former) college football team; "Midway" refers to the Midway Plaisance, a long, green swath of boulevard space bordering the southern end of the campus. The University discontinued its football program in 1939, and the Bears adopted the nickname.{{cite web|title=Monsters of the Midway|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/monstersofthemidway.asp|work=chicagobears.com|access-date=October 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624144651/http://www.chicagobears.com/monstersofthemidway.asp|archive-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=dead}}
  • "'Niners" – San Francisco 49ers, NFL; abbreviation of team name
  • "The Oilers" – Tennessee Titans, NFL; a reference of the team's name before it moved to Tennessee, the Houston Oilers
  • "The Tennessee Titanics"* – NFL, reference given to the team after their 0–6 start in 2009 including a 59–0 loss to the Patriots, this after going 13–3 in 2008
  • "The Pack" – Green Bay Packers, NFL; abbreviation of name, and a play on the collective term for a group of animals such as dogs or wolves[http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/Football/2006/01/13/1392094-sun.html edmontonsun.com - Football - New leader of the Pack]
  • "Pats" – New England Patriots, NFL; abbreviation of team name
  • "The Patsies" – New England Patriots, NFL; play on nickname "Pats" (above) and the term [http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=patsy patsy], "a person who is easily manipulated or victimized"{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,946720,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050323033305/http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,946720,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 23, 2005|magazine=Time|title=Sport: New England: Patsies No More|date=October 18, 1976|accessdate=May 8, 2010}}
  • "The Potomac Drainage Basin Indigenous Persons" – Washington Redskins, NFL; translation of team name into politically correct terms, popularized by NFL columnist and Washington, D.C. resident Gregg Easterbrook in his weekly column Tuesday Morning Quarterback.
  • "Seagulls" – Seattle Seahawks, term often said by detractors when Seahawks are playing poorly.{{cite web|url=http://www.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Go-Seagulls-/Designs-63/Marketplace/Designs/detail/design/901157|title=Overview - Customized t shirts and hats : Spreadshirt|last=Spreadshirt|publisher=}}
  • "The Silver and Black" – Las Vegas Raiders, NFL; from the colors of the uniforms{{cite web|url=http://www.silverandblackattack.com/|title=Silverandblackattack.com|publisher=}}
  • "Sinners" – New Orleans Saints, NFL; "sinner" is often a paired opposite of "saint"; used by detractors,{{cite web|url=http://www.dustbury.com/archives/001666.html|title=dustbury.com: Not to mention the New Orleans Sinners|publisher=}} but also as a result of New Orleans Saints Bounty Scandal
  • "'Skins" – Washington Redskins, NFL; abbreviation of team name
  • "'Stillers" – Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL; how native Pittsburghers (Picksbergers) pronounce the name of their team{{cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghese.com/glossary.ep.html?type=sports|title=Pittsburghese: sports|publisher=}}
  • "Tennessee Traitors " * – Tennessee Titans, NFL; derisive nickname of the former Houston Oilers, usually aimed at owner Bud Adams by former Oilers fans
  • “That Team Up North” or “TTUN” – Michigan Wolverines, NCAA; used by Ohio State Buckeyes and their fans in relation to the Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry.{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Dan |date=2025-01-21 |title=Ohio State identifies Michigan as 'The Team Up North' on national champions shirt |url=https://www.on3.com/college/ohio-state-buckeyes/news/ohio-state-identifies-michigan-as-the-team-up-north-on-national-champions-shirt/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=On3 |language=en}}
  • "Vikes" – Minnesota Vikings, NFL; abbreviation of team name{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=52730|title=Sporting News - NFL - NCAA - NBA - MLB - NASCAR - UFC - WWE|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002114402/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=52730|archivedate=October 2, 2007}}

= Canadian football =

See also

{{portal|Lists}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Football Nicknames}}

Nicknames

Nicknames

Category:Nicknames in American football

Category:Canadian football