List of NFL nicknames - wikipedia List of NFL nicknames The following are nicknames throughout the history of the National Football League ( NFL ). Contents 1 Teams and units 2 Players 3 Places 4 Fans 5 Rules named after NFL figures 6 Other 7 See also 8 References 9 External links Teams and units Nicknames for entire teams, or whole offensive or defensive units. Ain'ts : Nickname given to the New Orleans Saints after their 1980 season of 14 consecutive losses. The name persisted somewhat as, although they would later qualify for the playoffs several times since then, they did not win a playoff game until their defeat of the defending Super Bowl champion Rams in the Wild Card round of the 2000 -- 01 playoffs. America 's Team : Nickname given to the Dallas Cowboys for having a large number of fans outside its immediate local area. ( The term itself is likely derived from the title of the team 's 1978 highlight film. ) Big Blue : An abridged version of the New York Giants nickname Big Blue Wrecking Crew Big Blue Wrecking Crew : Name of the New York Giants defensive team during the 1980s and into the early 1990s. This defense is considered one of the greatest of all time, and is perhaps the greatest 3 -- 4 defense in NFL history. Bills West : The 2001 San Diego Chargers, so named because of the signing of the Buffalo Bills ' former general manager, John Butler, along with several Buffalo Bills players, including quarterback Doug Flutie. Blitzburgh : Name of the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive unit since the mid-1990s and their tendency to relentlessly attack opposing quarterbacks. Bruise Brothers : San Diego Chargers defensive line in the 1970s and 1980s Bull Elephant backfield : running backs of the 1950s Rams : Dick Hoerner, Paul `` Tank '' Younger, and `` Deacon '' Dan Towler. Bulls on Parade : Refers to the Houston Texans defense, starting in the 2011 season. After the hiring of Wade Phillips, the defense went from almost last ranked in the NFL to ranked second at the end of the 2011 season, winning the AFC South for the first time and reaching the post-season for the first time in franchise history. The name is taken from the Rage Against The Machine song of the same name. Bungles : Name referring to the Cincinnati Bengals teams of the 1990s and 2000s, whose string of losing seasons with records 8 -- 8 or worse spanned 14 consecutive years in addition to numerous draft busts. Name also used for any failing Cincinnati Bengals team thereafter. Cardiac Cardinals ( Cards ) : the St. Louis Cardinals NFC East championship teams of 1974 ( 10 -- 4 ) and ' 75 ( 11 -- 3 ). Noted for their come - from - behind wins under their head coach, Don Coryell. The name was resurrected for the 1998 team that upset Dallas in the wild card game. Cardiac Cats : nickname originally given to the 2003 Carolina Panthers and later to the Detroit Lions of the 2010s. Cardiac Jags : the Jacksonville Jaguars earned this nickname because of making several comeback wins and / or winning nail - biters. Da Bears : Slang nickname given to the Chicago Bears made popular by the Bill Swerski 's Superfans sketches of the early 1990s on Saturday Night Live. Sometimes used to retroactively refer to the 1985 Bears. The Deadskins : Given to the Washington Redskins squads under Daniel Snyder ownership for the team 's poor performances, particularly during the 2000s. Dirty Birds : The 1998 Atlanta Falcons ( but is still a nickname for the Falcons ). The name originates from an end zone dance started by Jamal Anderson that was adopted by all the players upon scoring. Doomsday Defense : The 1970s Dallas Cowboys defensive team. Doomsday I, the unit that led the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl VI, was anchored by future Pro Football Hall of Fame members Herb Adderley, Bob Lilly, and Mel Renfro, while Doomsday II, which spearheaded the drive to the title in Super Bowl XII, featured Hall of Famer Randy White and fellow defensive linemen Harvey Martin and Ed `` Too Tall '' Jones. Electric Company : The 1970s Buffalo Bills offensive line. They were given that name because they `` turned on the ' Juice ' '' by paving the way for star halfback O.J. Simpson, who was nicknamed `` Juice '', because a common nickname for orange juice is also O.J. Evil Empire : Name associating the New England Patriots dynasty of the 2000s. Coach Bill Bellichick was deemed `` evil '' after the Spygate scandal and the term is a play on Belichick 's frequent use of hooded sweatshirts on the sideline, making him resemble the Emperor Palpatine character from the Star Wars motion picture series. Fearsome Foursome : The 1960s Los Angeles Rams defensive line. G Men : Nickname of the New York Giants. Gang Green : Nickname of the New York Jets, or the Philadelphia Eagles defensive team from 1987 to 1990, when the team was coached by Buddy Ryan. The Greatest Show on Turf : The 1999 -- 2001 St. Louis Rams record - breaking offensive team. They were recognized as one of the greatest offenses to play in NFL history. ( Note : The first team referred to as `` The Greatest Show on Turf '' was the 1992 Houston Oilers, the title of their 1993 NFL Films highlight film. The Oilers employed the wide - open run - and - shoot offense. ) Gritz Blitz : Nickname for the 1977 Atlanta Falcons defense that allowed the fewest points per game ( 9.2 ) in NFL history. Ground Chuck : Nickname for the conservative, ball - control offense favored by coach Chuck Knox. Homeland Defense : Nickname for the New England Patriots defense during their runs to Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX. Hogs : The Washington Redskins ' offensive line, considered one of the largest and strongest in football history, originally consisting of Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm, Mark May, George Starke, and Jeff Bostic. Kardiac Kids : The 1980 Cleveland Browns, who had a penchant for having games decided in the final moments. The Killer Bees : The 1982 Miami Dolphins defensive team ; six of their 11 starters had last names that began with the letter `` B '' ( Bob Baumhower, Bill Barnett, Lyle Blackwood, Kim Bokamper, Glenn Blackwood, Charles Bowser, Doug Betters, and Bob Brudzinski ). They allowed only 131 points in the strike - shortened, nine - game regular season. The Killer B 's : Three members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, consisting of Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and sometimes Chris Boswell. Name was first used during the 2016 NFL season. Legion of Boom : The dominant secondary of the Seattle Seahawks, consisting of 2013 All - Pro safety tandem Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor as well as the league 's largest set of corners in 6'4 '' Brandon Browner and 6'3 '' All - Pro Richard Sherman. Marty Ball : Coach Marty Schottenheimer 's football strategy. Mile High No Fly Zone : Self - named defense for the 2015 Denver Broncos. It refers to the team 's All - Pro Secondary that included Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib, combined with a top of the league pass rush led by Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. Wade Phillips 3 - 4 defense led the league in most defensive categories and was wisely considered the best of the NFL. Million Dollar Backfield was given to two historical backfields. It was first used to refer to the backfield of the then -- Chicago Cardinals in 1947 after owner Charles Bidwill spent an unprecedented amount of money to lure several of the era 's top players to the team. The term was resurrected again in 1954 for the backfield of the San Francisco 49ers, which would go on to produce four Hall of Famers. Monsters of the Midway : Originally applied to the Chicago Bears of the early 1940s, but revived for the 1980s Bears and subsequent successful Bears defensive teams. Originally used for the University of Chicago Maroons college football team. `` Midway '' was the name of the park on campus. New York Sack Exchange : The New York Jets defense of the early 1980s, led by defensive end Mark Gastineau along with Joe Klecko, and interior linemen Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam. Fans began showing up at Shea Stadium with `` NY Sack Exchange '' signs, then the team itself began to promote that moniker. Name references the New York Stock Exchange on New York 's Wall Street. No - Name Defense : The 1970s Miami Dolphins defensive team, especially that of its undefeated 1972 season, which performed excellently despite a lack of recognizable stars. They earned their nickname the previous year when Dallas coach Tom Landry said in an interview prior to Super Bowl VI that he could not remember the names of the Miami defensive players. Orange Crush : The 1970s Denver Broncos defensive team, led by defensive end Lyle Alzado and linebacker Randy Gradishar. Over-the - Hill Gang : The George Allen -- coached Washington Redskins of the early 1970s, so named because of the large number of veteran players on the team. Many of those players also played for Allen when he coached the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 -- 1970. Patsies : Poorly performing New England Patriots squads, a play on the nickname `` The Pats ''. Purple Pain : This Baltimore Ravens nickname stems from the team 's color, purple. It is also an allusion to the movie and song `` Purple Rain ''. Purple People Eaters : The 1970s Minnesota Vikings defensive line, specifically the combination of Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, and Gary Larsen. The name is a reference to both the purple uniforms of the Vikings and the 1958 Sheb Wooley song `` Purple People Eater. '' Purple Murder : The Baltimore Ravens ' color is purple. A group of crows is called a `` murder of crows '', and Ravens are similar to crows. Technically, a group of Ravens is referred to as an `` unkindness of ravens ''. Purple Unkindness is a less catchy nickname. Sack Pack : The defensive line of the Baltimore Colts in the mid-to - late 1970s. The Sack Pack were defensive tackles Joe Ehrmann ( # 76 ) and Mike Barnes ( # 63 ) and defensive ends Fred Cook ( # 72 ) and John Dutton ( # 78 ). In 1975, the Sack Pack established itself with 59 sacks. It had 56 the following year and 47 in 1977 before slowing down due to injuries. Sacksonville : A portmanteau of the word sack and the city of Jacksonville. `` Sacksonville '' is used to refer to the Jacksonville Jaguars defense which is known to cause a high number of sacks, interceptions, and turnovers San Diego Super Chargers : Nickname given to the San Diego Chargers from its fight song. The song is often cited by Chris Berman and Tom Jackson. Steel Curtain : Nickname given to the defensive line of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers, the backbone of a dominant defense. The nickname was a play on the phrase Iron Curtain during the height of the Cold War. Sons of Anarchy : The New York Jets defensive line of the early 2010s consisting of Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, and Sheldon Richardson. Alludes to the FX television series of the same name which was highly popular at the time. SWAT team : Name of the Cincinnati Bengals ' secondary of David Fulcher, Solomon Wilcots, Eric Thomas, and Lewis Billups coached by Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau during the 1988 season. Three Amigos : Denver Broncos wide receivers Mark Jackson, Vance Johnson, and Ricky Nattiel The Triplets : Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith, the offensive stars of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys three - time Super Bowl winning teams Players Nicknames for individual players, or small groups of individual players. Nickname Player ( s ) Description A-Train Allstott, Mike ! Mike Alstott How he was as difficult to tackle as a freight train ; `` A '' is a reference to his surname initial Ageless Wonder Green, Darrell ! Darrell Green His remarkable ability to maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20 - year career. All Day or AD Peterson, Adrian ! Adrian Peterson Given to him by his parents because he would run `` all day '' Amish Rifle Fitzpatrick, Ryan ! Ryan Fitzpatrick Given to him by Buffalo Bills fans because of his scraggly beard during the 2010 NFL season. Anytime Hester, Devin ! Devin Hester His ability to return kicks and punts for touchdowns any time. Inspired from his mentor Deion `` Prime Time '' Sanders. The Assassin Tatum, Jack ! Jack Tatum Given for his pure brutality. Bad Moon Rison, Andre ! Andre Rison Given nickname by ESPN 's Chris Berman in reference to CCR 's song `` Bad Moon Rising ''. BallSoHard Suggs, Terrell ! Terrell Suggs Suggs claims that the reason he plays so toughly and aggressively is because he went to BallSoHard University ; however, he did admit in an interview during the 2011 NFL season that he got the name from the commonly known lyric in the Jay Z song `` Niggas in Paris '', feat. Kanye West. Ball Hawk Reed, Ed ! Ed Reed Reed was always there to make a play on the ball ( i.e. pass defense or interception ). Bambi Alworth, Lance ! Lance Alworth For his speed, and his spectacular and graceful moves. Beast Mode Lynch, Marshawn ! Marshawn Lynch He used this term to describe himself during an interview. Afterward fans continued to use the term. Big Ben Roethlisberger, Ben ! Ben Roethlisberger His imposing size, a nod to the large clock on the Elizabeth Tower in London Big Game Holt, Torry ! Torry Holt Goes back to his college career at North Carolina State when he had great performances in games such as against No. 2 ranked Florida State Seminoles scoring two + 60 yards touchdowns and thus helped stunning the Seminoles 24 - 7 for the program 's biggest upset in 31 years. He also set Rookie Super Bowl Records for Receptions an Receiving yards in his first Super Bowl in the 1999 season, he also added a touchdown. Big Daddy Wilkinson, Dan ! Dan Wilkinson His 6'5 ``, 340 lb frame Big Snack Hampton, Casey ! Casey Hampton Apparent reference to his large size and penchant for eating Big Z Zenner, Zach ! Zach Zenner Nickname referring to his bruising play style, as well as the first letter in his first and last name Black Unicorn Martellus Bennett Blonde Bomber Bradshaw, Terry ! Terry Bradshaw His blond hair combined with his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, hence `` bomber '' Blood John McNally Inspired by the film Blood and Sand, McNally took the first name to hide his identity while he first went professional, hoping someday to return to college football ( he never did ). Boobie Dixon, Anthony ! Anthony Dixon The nickname comes from Boobie Miles, of Friday Night Lights fame, and was bestowed by his teammates in college. Brickwall Lewis, Ray ! Ray Lewis Lewis had the ability to hit players very hard and often injured them. Many players compared one of Lewis 's hits to the feeling of running into a brick wall. Broadway Joe Namath, Joe ! Joe Namath Reference to the wide avenue that ran through New York -- the city where he played QB with the New York Jets Breesus Brees, Drew ! Drew Brees Play on Brees 's last name and his perception as the savior of Saints Football. Buck Javorius Allen His high school teammates referred to him as `` young buck '' as he was a freshman on the varsity team. Bullet Bob Hayes, Bob ! Bob Hayes Reference to his incredible speed. Won gold medal and set world record in the 100 m at 1964 Summer Olympics. Burner Turner, Michael ! Michael Turner Given both because of his ability to break long runs and because it rhymes with his last name. Got the name in college. The Bus Bettis, Jerome ! Jerome Bettis Because of his ability to carry tacklers on his back like a `` bus '' Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Csonka, Larry ! Larry Csonka & Jim Kiick Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974 ; named after the movie about the famous outlaws. Cadillac Williams, Carnell ! Carnell Williams A high school broadcaster at Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama compared Williams ' running to a luxury car. Captain Checkdown Edwards, Trent ! Trent Edwards Name given to quarterback Trent Edwards for his refusal to throw the deep ball, preferring instead to dump off to running backs or tight ends. Captain Chaos Chris Cooley Adapted from Dom DeLuise 's character in The Cannonball Run ; possibly due to shared initials. Captain Kirk Kirk Cousins Nickname adapted from the Star Trek character James Kirk. Captain Comeback Staubach, Roger ! Roger Staubach Name given to quarterback Roger Staubach during his career with the Dallas Cowboys during the 1970s for his ability to bring back his team from being down during important games. Also referred to as Captain America for his strong old fashioned beliefs likening him to the comic book hero. Comeback Kid Joe Montana Nickname given to Joe Montana for his comeback wins and in college and pros. Concrete Charlie Bednarik, Chuck ! Chuck Bednarik Bednarik worked as a concrete salesman during the NFL 's offseason and was known for his hard hits and persistent endurance. Crazy Legs Hirsch, Elroy ! Elroy Hirsch Named for his unusual running style. Crystal Chandelier Chandler, Chris ! Chris Chandler Was plagued by concussions and injuries, referencing his presumed fragility Crunch Bunch New York Giants 1981 ! Harry Carson, Brian Kelley, Lawrence Taylor and Brad Van Pelt The 1981 -- 83 New York Giants linebacking corps noted for their hard - hitting play and for generating many quarterback sacks, Taylor in particular. Mario Sestito of Troy, New York is credited with coining the name after a NY Giants newsletter at the time called ' Inside Football ' held a contest to name this defensive unit. Deebo Harrison, James ! James Harrison His similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie Friday played by Tom Lister, Jr. Diesel Riggins, John ! John Riggins Because of his powerback style of play -- compared to a truck that ran on diesel. Dr. Death Thomas, Skip ! Skip Thomas Because of his physical tackling, and apparent resemblance to the cartoon character Do n't Cross The Moats, Arthur ! Arthur Moats Name bestowed after Moats laid a clean, but particularly devastating hit on Brett Favre, ending Favre 's streak of consecutive starts as well as leading to Favre 's retirement at the end of the 2010 season. Moats are large trenches surrounding castles that served as a line of defense. Double Trouble Williams, DeAngelo & Jonathan Stewart ! DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart Carolina Panthers running back duo from 2008 to 2014, previously known as Smash and Dash Dump Truck Davenport, Najeh ! Najeh Davenport Allusion to an incident which allegedly occurred when he was in college as well as a take on one - time teammate Jerome Bettis ' nickname, `` The Bus '' Dwight Hicks and the Hot Licks San Francisco 49ers 1984 ! 1984 San Francisco 49ers defensive secondary led by Dwight Hicks Dynamic Uno Wilson, David ! David Wilson His all - around skills at running back Edge James, Edgerrin ! Edgerrin James Shortening of his first name Earth, Wind and Fire New York Giants 2008 ! Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw 2008 NY Giants running backs ; Jacobs = Earth, Ward = Wind, Bradshaw = Fire ELIte Eli Manning Play on his first name, Eli, and the word Elite. Used by New York Giants fans in reference to quarterback Eli Manning claiming that he considers himself in the same elite class of quarterbacks as Tom Brady during a preseason interview. Manning backed up this claim by beating Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI The Face Cleaver Weaver, Leonard ! Leonard Weaver Famous Jameis Jameis Winston A nod to Winston 's high public profile during his college and professional careers, as well as a play on the Famous Amos cookie brand. Winston has filed for a trademark on the nickname. Fast Willie Parker, Willie ! Willie Parker His speed Fatso Donovan, Art ! Art Donovan A reference to his large frame. Fearsome Foursome Grier, Rosey, Lundy, Lamar, Olsen, Merlin, Jones, Deacon ! Rosey Grier, Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen, and Deacon Jones A name given to the 1960 's Rams dominant defensive line of the era and arguably of all time. Feeva Island Jason Verrett During his media session at the combine, Verrett explained that his nickname is Feeva Island because he 's `` a player that 's always hot '' like he has a fever and he often plays man - to - man coverage `` on an island. '' Fitz Larry Fitzgerald ! Larry Fitzgerald Fitzmagic Fitzpatrick, Ryan ! Ryan Fitzpatrick His ability to turn around a long - struggling Buffalo Bills offensive attack after several years of mediocrity. Flash 80 Rice, Jerry ! Jerry Rice His stunning plays combined with his number, 80 Flash Gordon Josh Gordon Gained by outrunning defenders The Flyin ' Hawaiian Polamalu, Troy ! Troy Polamalu His style of diving into receivers and diving into pass paths for interception, and for Polamalu 's Polynesian ancestry Fragile Fred Taylor, Fred ! Fred Taylor Perception of being injured constantly Freak Moss, Randy ! Randy Moss His freakish athletic abilities Freak Kearse, Jevon ! Jevon Kearse Combine stats off the charts for someone his size The Freezer Raji, B.J. ! B.J. Raji A play off the nickname of William `` The Refrigerator '' Perry whom the Bears utilized in a similar manner during the 1980s. `` Freezer '' also alludes to the Packers home stadium, Lambeau Field, which is known for its freezing temperatures in December and February. Fun Bunch Washington Redskins 1981 ! Early 1980s Washington Redskins wide receivers and tight ends This group 's choreographed touchdown celebrations led to a league - wide ban of `` excessive celebration '' in 1984. Galloping Ghost Grange, Harold ! Harold `` Red '' Grange Golden Boy Hornung, Paul ! Paul Hornung A reference to his blond hair and his alma mater, Notre Dame, with its gold helmets and the golden dome of the main building on the Notre Dame campus. Notre Dame students and alumni are also referred to as `` Golden Domers ''. Gronk Gronkowski, Rob ! Rob Gronkowski Shortening of his last name which is Gronkowski. Also a play off of the Incredible Hulk due to Rob 's size, power, and dominance. Greg the Leg Zuerlein, Greg ! Greg Zuerlein The nickname in question refers to Zuerlein 's ability of making field goals from a distance. Hausch Money Hauschka, Steven ! Steven Hauschka Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, coined the nickname in response to Hauschka 's ability to kick field goals in clutch situations. The name was revived, possibly independently, when Hauschka joined the Buffalo Bills and continued to make key field goals, often from long range. He Hate Me Smart, Rod ! Rod Smart Self - bestowed nickname Smart used on the back of his jersey during his time in the XFL. Smart credits the nickname with helping him break into the NFL after the XFL folded. Hit and Run Jones, Thomas ! Thomas Jones and Leon Washington New York Jets running back duo from 2008 to 2009 Honey Badger Tyrann Mathieu ! Tyrann Mathieu His ball instincts and his dyed blonde hair Hogs ! Hogs Washington Redskins ! 1980s and early 1990s Washington Redskins offensive line Name first used by offensive line coach Joe Bugel during the team 's 1982 training camp prior to winning Super Bowl XVII. The Human Joystick Hall, Dante ! Dante Hall Nickname given to him by coach Vermeil because of his big play ability in the return game Iceman Huerta, Carlos ! Carlos Huerta Bestowed in college, Huerta was renowned for keeping his composure ( staying cool ) in stressful situations. Intellectual Assassin Mix, Ron ! Ron Mix Mix had a degree in law at the time he played professional football. Iron Head Heyward, Craig ! Craig Heyward Heyward had an unusually large head, which he often used as a battering ram. Iron Mike Ditka, Mike ! Mike Ditka Jackrabbit Jenkins, Janoris Janoris Jenkins Joe Cool Montana, Joe ! Joe Montana and Joe Flacco Joe Montana 's ability to remain calm in pressure situations earned him the nickname. It has been used for Joe Flacco for his cool demeanor, especially during the postseason. Juice Simpson, O.J ! O.J. Simpson Based on the initials of his first and middle name ( OJ ) Kansas Comet Sayers, Gale ! Gale Sayers `` Kansas Comet '' was stuck on him by the Director of Sports Information at the University of Kansas. The Kitchen Newton, Nate ! Nate Newton Since he was presumably larger than `` William `` Refrigerator '' Perry '' The King Corcoran, Jim ! Jim Corcoran Corcoran, a journeyman quarterback whose NFL career was quite brief, earned a reputation for pomposity in high school when Corcoran, coming onto the field in a clean uniform after a rainstorm, drew a cheer of `` hail to the King ! '' from a spectator. The King McElhenny, Hugh ! Hugh McElhenny Because he was `` the most feared running back in the NFL. '' L.T. Taylor, Lawrence ! Lawrence Taylor His initials LT Tomlinson, LaDainian ! LaDainian Tomlinson His initials Law Firm Green - Ellis, BenJarvus ! BenJarvus Green - Ellis Play on the length of his full name and its resemblance to the name of a law firm Legion of Boom Sherman, Richard ; Kam Chancellor ; Easrl Thomas ; Byron Maxwell ! Seahawks defensive backs ( Richard Sherman / Kam Chancellor / Earl Thomas / Byron Maxwell ) Hard hitting nature of the Seahawks defensive backs. A play on the Legion of Doom, a team of comic book supervillains. Lights Out Merriman, Shawne ! Shawne Merriman Because of his reputation of being a hard hitter ; has been shortened to `` Lights '' by teammates in interviews M - 80 Malcom Floyd His first initial and jersey number combined, also for his deep play ability. Machine Gun Kelly Kelly, Jim ! Jim Kelly Jim Kelly was perhaps best known for running the Bills ' `` No - Huddle Offense '', which was fast - paced and denied opposing defenses the opportunity to make timely substitutions, establishing the Buffalo Bills as one of the NFL 's most successful and dangerous offenses. A reference to mobster George `` Machine Gun '' Kelly. The Mad Bomber Daryle Lamonica Lamonica tended to throw, or `` bomb '', the ball deep during unnecessary situations. Mad Duck Karras, Alex ! Alex Karras Because of his short legs, he appeared to waddle like a duck. Marion the Barbarian Barber, Marion III ! Marion Barber III Because of his physical running style and reputation for repeatedly breaking tackles Marks Brothers Clayton, Mark ! Mark Clayton and Mark Duper Prolific Miami Dolphins wide receiver duo of the 1980s who shared the same first name ( also a reference to the Marx Brothers. They were also christened `` Mark Twain. '' ) Matty Ice Ryan, Matt ! Matt Ryan In reference to Matt Ryan 's ability to have long game - winning drives under pressure ; also a play on `` Natty Ice '', a low - end beer brewed by Anheuser Busch InBev Meast Taylor, Sean ! Sean Taylor Half Man, half beast Megatron Johnson, Calvin ! Calvin Johnson A reference to his large frame, comparing him to a Transformers character The Minister Of Defense Reggie White A reference to his Christian ministry as an ordained Evangelical minister and his preferred position as a defensive end on the teams for which he played Minitron Edelman, Julian ! Julian Edelman While not many would draw comparisons between the diminutive Julian Edelman and the monstrous Calvin Johnson, Tom Brady did just that by giving Julian a new nickname : `` Minitron '' Mongo McMichael, Steve ! Steve McMichael Taken from the character in the film Blazing Saddles, played by Alex Karras. Moose Johnston, Daryl ! Daryl Johnston Given to him by Cowboys backup quarterback Babe Laufenberg for his blocking ability and opening holes for runningback Emmitt Smith. Muscle Hamster Doug Martin Originally the nickname of his college girlfriend who was a short but powerful gymnast and later became Martin 's nickname as well due to his short stature. Mr. Automatic Greg Zuerlein Another nickname used to describe Zuerlein 's ability to make field goals from a distance. Nigerian Nightmare Okoye, Christian ! Christian Okoye To his homeland as well as to the difficulty he posed to defenses Night Train Lane, Night Train ! Dick `` Night Train '' Lane Due to his fear of flying, Lane road a night train to away games while the rest of the team flew Nuk Hopkins, DeAndre ! DeAndre Hopkins From his mother. Named after the brand of pacifier he enjoyed as a baby. Ocho Cinco Johnson, Chad ! Chad Johnson Self - bestowed pidgin Spanish reference to his uniform number ( 85 ) ; originally named Chad Johnson, legally changed name to `` Chad Ochocinco '' in 2008 ( changed back to Johnson in 2012 ). Also self - refers as `` Esteban Ochocinco ''. Papa Bear Halas, George ! George Halas The founding father of the Chicago Bears The Playmaker Irvin, Michael ! Michael Irvin For his ability to defeat tight coverage, even double coverage, and make big plays. ; possibly self - bestowed Posse Monk, Art ! Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders Trio of wide receivers on the Washington Redskins of the late 1980s through the early 1990s : Prime Time Sanders, Deion ! Deion Sanders His ability to step up at critical moments and make big plays ; possibly self - bestowed Purple People Eaters Minnesota Vikings ! Late - 1960s to 70 's Minnesota Vikings defensive line of Alan Page, Carl Eller, Gary Larsen and Jim Marshall Reference to the purple uniforms of the Vikings and a takeoff of the 1958 Sheb Wooley song `` Purple People Eater. '' Quiet Storm Colston ! Marques Colston Reference to Colston 's shyness and ability to make big plays. The Refrigerator or The Fridge Perry, William ! William Perry His immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen Revis Island Revis, Darrelle. ! Darrelle Revis His ability to cover wide receivers was compared to being stranded on an island RG3 Griffin III, Robert ! Robert Griffin III His name Rocket Ismail, Raghib ! Raghib Ismail His speed ; given to him while he was at Notre Dame Run DMC McFadden, Darren ! Darren McFadden His speed ; given to him in beginning of 2011 season, also a play on his initials. Also reference to the hip - hop group Run - D.M.C. Sausage Sherman, Anthony ! Anthony Sherman Given to him by Kansas City Chiefs play - by - play announcer Mitch Holthus. Shady McCoy, LeSean ! LeSean McCoy His mother game him the nickname as he had lots of mood changes when he was young. The Sheriff Manning, Peyton ! Peyton Manning Well known for calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage and hurry - up offense. Silverback Harrison, James ! James Harrison His strength, which is likened to that of a silverback gorilla Sixty Minute Man Bednarik, Chuck ! Chuck Bednarik 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. Bednarik is generally recognized as the last to have r Slingin ' Sammy Baugh, Sammy ! Sammy Baugh His affinity for passing the ball, particularly deep downfield Smash and Dash Johnson, Chris & LenDale White ! Chris Johnson & LenDale White Running back duo of the Titans starting in 2008 ; White being Smash for his ' power running back ' skills and Johnson being Dash because of his astonishing breakaway speed Snacks, Big Snacks Harrison, Damon ! Damon Harrison Based on his refusal to eat Rice Krispie Treats left for him by the coaching staff The Snake Stabler, Ken ! Ken Stabler Earned his nickname from his coach following a long, winding touchdown run The Snake Plummer, Jake ! Jake Plummer His ability of `` snaking '' around out of pressure in the pocket ; also a play on the wrestler Jake `` The Snake '' Roberts ' nickname Smurfs Clark, Gary ; Alvin Garrett ! Gary Clark, Alvin Garrett, and Charlie Brown 1980s Redskins ' receiving corps ; because of their diminutive size ( Garrett was 5'7 ``, Clark was 5'9 '', and Brown the tallest at 5'10 `` ), comparing them to the tiny blue comic and cartoon characters Spiderman Webb, Joe ! Joe Webb Drafted as a wide receiver by the Minnesota Vikings, on Brett Favre 's insistence Joe Webb was signed to the team as a back - up QB. Went on to lead Vikings to a win in Philadelphia, against Michael Vick and the Eagles playing a must - win game. Lovingly called Spiderman, due to his last name. Superman Cam Newton, Cam ! Cam Newton Due to both his unusually athletic physique and habit of pretending to rip open his jersey to reveal a `` S '' underneath when scoring a rushing touchdown. Sweet Feet White, James ! James White A nickname that carried on from high school to the pros due to his quickness while running the ball. Sweetness Payton, Walter ! Walter Payton Earned in college at Jackson State University for his slick moves on the field, his amazing dancing skills, and his friendly personality. TD Davis, Terrell ! Terrell Davis His initials, also referring to the abbreviation for `` touchdown '' ; Davis holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in one Super Bowl game with three The Kid Goff, Jared ! Jared Goff Often referred to by fans and anchors as `` a '' or `` the '' kid because of his facial young look to him. T - Mobile Tyrod Taylor From the wireless carrier T - Mobile, Taylor 's initials and his scrambling style of play T.O. Owens, Terrell ! Terrell Owens His initials Three Headed Monster Duce Staley, Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook Trio of star running backs that all played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2003. Thunder and Lightning Muncie, Chuck Chuck Muncie and Galbreath, Tony Tony Galbreath 1976 -- 1980 New Orleans Saints dynamic running back duo known as `` Thunder and Lightning ''. The nickname is credited to former Saints Head Coach Hank Stram. Tuel Time Tuel, Jeff ! Jeff Tuel A play on the show - within - a-show Tool Time on the 1990s sitcom Home Improvement. Tuna Parcells, Bill ! Bill Parcells Bestowed in 1980, well after his ( very brief ) NFL playing career ended, when Parcells was an assistant with the New England Patriots, as an homage to the advertising icon Charlie the Tuna. Tyler Rose ! The Tyler Rose Campbell, Earl ! Earl Campbell Campbell is from Tyler, Texas Two Point Tupa Tupa, Tom ! Tom Tupa Tupa took advantage of the legalization of the two - point conversion in the 1994 NFL season ; as holder on extra points, he picked the ball up and ran for the conversion three times that season, the first NFL player to score that way. Uncle Rico Orton, Kyle ! Kyle Orton Orton bore a resemblance to Uncle Rico, a washed - up former high school backup quarterback in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, especially during his time with the Buffalo Bills. Prior to his signing with the Bills, he earned the nickname Neckbeard for his facial hair. Uptown Upshaw, Gene ! Gene Upshaw A play on his name, but also his role as a guard when run - blocking. Weapon X Dawkins, Brian ! Brian Dawkins His hard - hitting, game - changing play style. As well as his flying tackles. White Shoes Johnson, Billy ! Billy Johnson His choice of footwear at a time when most players wore black cleats Wheaton Iceman ! The Wheaton Iceman Grange, Harold ! Harold `` Red '' Grange A part - time job he once held delivering ice in his hometown of Wheaton, Illinois Wildman Nitschke, Ray ! Ray Nitschke Williams Wall Pat Williams & Kevin Williams The duo is largely responsible for the Vikings fielding such a stiff run defense, and they make it nearly impossible for the opposition to consistently gain yardage between the tackles. Windy City Flyer Hester, Devin ! Devin Hester Hester 's speed and a nickname for the city of Chicago, in which he plays ; bestowed by WBBM 780 radio - announcer Jeff Joniak WD40 Alstott, Mike Mike Alstott and Dunn, Warrick Warrick Dunn For Dunn 's initials and Alstott 's jersey No. 40 World Rice, Jerry ! Jerry Rice He acquired the nickname `` World '' at Mississippi Valley State University because there was no pass in the world he could not catch. Zeus Travis Kelce Places The Big Crabcake given to M&T Bank Stadium by announcers for the Baltimore, Maryland area being known for its love of seafood, particularly Maryland crabs and crab cakes Big Sombrero : Nickname given to Tampa Stadium, first home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so named because of its curved outline that resembled the brim of a sombrero. Raymond James Stadium, the Buccaneers ' home since 1998, was christened The New Sombrero by ESPN anchor Chris Berman. Black Hole : Name of the section behind the south end zone at Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Raiders, known for having some of the most rabid fans in the NFL. City of Brotherly Hate : Nickname given by NFL.com to fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly after the team 's underperformance during the 2011 season, for the fanbase 's notorious discontent. The name is a play on the `` city of brotherly love '', the English translation of the city of Philadelphia 's ( Greek ) name. The Clink : A play on the name of CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. Dawg Pound : Name of the bleacher section behind the east end zone in Cleveland Browns Stadium, also known for having one of the most loyal fans in the NFL. The name was originally applied to the same section of Cleveland Municipal Stadium, which formerly stood on the site. The Factory of Sadness : FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. Coined in a YouTube video by comedian Mike Polk Jr. after a 30 - 12 loss to the Houston Texans on Nov. 7, 2011. The nickname is additionally used as the name of a Browns fan site FedEx name based on FedExField where the Washington Redskins play Frozen Tundra ( of Lambeau Field ) : Nickname given to the home field of the Green Bay Packers. The phrase was allegedly first uttered by NFL Films narrator John Facenda as he described the 1967 NFL Championship Game, or `` Ice Bowl '', during which Lambeau 's undersoil heating system failed and the field froze. However, Steve Sabol of NFL Films denies that Facenda used the phrase ; it is thought that an impersonation of Facenda by Chris Berman popularized the phrase. Without a heating system, the severe winter climate of Green Bay, Wisconsin would frequently cause the field to freeze. ( The name itself is redundant, since, by definition, all tundra is frozen. ) House of Pain : House of Pain was used to refer to the Houston Astrodome during NFL games played by the Houston Oilers. This was during the days that Warren Moon was the quarterback, and the Oilers defense was a force to be reckoned with, particularly during the Jerry Glanville years. Peanut Heaven : The orange - colored seats in the upper decks of Pittsburgh 's Three Rivers Stadium. JerryWorld : AT&T Stadium, named after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. See stadium 's article for full list of current nicknames. The Jungle : The nickname for Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati and also at the Bengals current home. The name largely derived in the 1980s from the Guns ' N ' Roses ' song `` Welcome to the Jungle ''. The Bengals are also known for the `` Who Dey '' chant. The `` Jungle '' name has since applied other teams ' stadiums with similar mascots. The Linc : Nickname for Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Q : A nickname for Qualcomm Stadium, the old home of the San Diego ( now Los Angeles ) Chargers. The stadium was also nicknamed `` The Murph '' after its original name of Jack Murphy Stadium. The Ralph : Shortened nickname of Ralph Wilson Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills ( now called New Era Field, or the Cap ). The stadium was aptly named after Bills founder Ralph Wilson. Razor : New England Patriots stadium Gillette Stadium. Rockpile : The seating section underneath the scoreboard at New Era Field. Considered one of the most raucous environments in the NFL, this section was named after War Memorial Stadium ( the home of the Bills prior to New Era Field ) which was referred to locally as `` The Rockpile ''. The Swamp : Giants Stadium 's nickname in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The ' Stick : Common nickname for Candlestick Park in San Francisco. 700 Level : The notorious upper levels of the former Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia between 1971 and 2002. This section was infamous for brawls between Philadelphia Eagles fans and those of visiting teams, especially Cowboys fans. Titletown : Referring to both the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin and the 13 - time NFL champion Packer teams, including those of legendary coaches Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau. The Vault : Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Home of the Carolina Panthers. Fans The 12th Man / The 12 's : Nickname given to the fans of the Seattle Seahawks because of the impact of their loud cheering on the opposing team 's offensive linemen, leading to false start penalties. Since 1990, the Seahawks have had to pay licensing fees to Texas A&M University at College Station, because of the college filing a trademark on the phrase that year. Used to a lesser extent by the Buffalo Bills, also under license. 49ers Faithful : Nickname given to the fans of the San Francisco 49ers. 4th Phase : Fans of the Chicago Bears. Infers the fans are the 4th phase of the game, after Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Big Easy Mafia : ( Motivated Authentic Fans In Alliance ) is a premier New Orleans Saints fan club that holds massive tailgate parties before every home game in front of the Superdome, and also meet up in numbers at a local venue for the away games. The popular costume wearing `` Saints Superfans '' are also a big part of this club, participating in charity events and fundraisers in and around New Orleans. Bills Backers : Buffalo Bills fans. Because of the massive population displacement of Western New Yorkers, `` Bills Backers Bars '' can be found in almost every major city throughout the United States. Bills Elvis : Entertainer and Elvis impersonator John R. Lang, who appears with a large white guitar that he uses as a billboard. He is one of the Bills ' most recognizable individual fans. Black Hole : Oakland Raiders fans who sit in a section of the Oakland Coliseum known as the ' black hole ' ( sections 104, 105, 106, and 107 ) which is mostly occupied by rowdy fans. Boo Birds : Philadelphia Eagles Though used by other teams as well, largely refers to Philadelphia Eagles fans who are known for their tendency to boo for almost any reason and especially at their own team when the Eagles are performing poorly. Browns Backers : The fan club for the Cleveland Browns that has over 100,000 members Cheeseheads : A name given to people of Wisconsin ( mainly Green Bay Packers fans ) by Chicago Bears fans after the Bears won the Super Bowl. The name mocks Wisconsin 's love of cheese. The name eventually gained acceptance. Chief Zee : Fan who attended nearly all Washington Redskins games from 1978 to 2016 and was considered the unofficial mascot of the team. He wore an Indian headdress, large rimmed glasses, with a red jacket and carried a tomahawk. Fireman Ed : Fan at NY Jets home games who wore a green fireman helmet with a Jets logo on the front. Known for leading the `` J-E-T-S '' chants. He retired the `` Fireman Ed '' character immediately after the infamous Butt Fumble game, although he still attends games. Franco 's Italian Army : Fans of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris. Gerela 's Gorillas : Fans of Pittsburgh Steelers placekicker Roy Gerela. Hogettes : A group of about twelve Washington Redskins fans who dress in drag and wear pig - noses. The name is a takeoff of the Redskins ' `` Hogs '' offensive line. Never Miss a Super Bowl Club : An exclusive group, who have attended every Super Bowl game to date. Niner Empire : Fans of the San Francisco 49ers. Due to the 49ers Super Bowl dynasty of the 1980s and part way into the 1990s. Packer Backer : Fan of the Green Bay Packers. Sometimes used derisively by Bears fans. Pinto Ron : Ken Johnson, a well - known fan of the Buffalo Bills known for appearing at all the Bills ' home and away games, his bushy beard, his tailgating on a 1980 Ford Pinto ( hence his name ), and the infamous practice of serving shots of liquor out of a bowling ball, a practice that the league has since banned. Ravens Flock : Fans of the Baltimore Ravens. Redskins Nation : Fans of the Washington Redskins. Raider Nation : Oakland Raiders fans. The first team in the NFL to be characterized as a `` nation ''. The rest of the teams quickly adopted the title and therefore coined a variety of various team `` nations ''. Steeler Nation : Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers. SuperSkin : Die - hard Superfan of the Washington Redskins, who has attended each home game at FedEx Field since 1999 dressed in a burgundy and gold superhero costume while motivating other fans to cheer loudly. The Sea of Red : Nickname given to the loudest NFL fans of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Who Dat Nation : New Orleans Saints fans. Rules named after NFL figures 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. The following is a partial list of such rule changes : Baugh / Marshall rule : A forward pass that struck the goal posts was automatically ruled incomplete. Enacted in 1946, it is named after Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh and team owner George Preston Marshall. In the previous year 's NFL Championship Game, the Rams scored a safety when Baugh, throwing the ball from his own end zone, hit the goal posts ( which were on the goal line between 1933 and 1973 ). The two points were the margin of victory as the Rams won 15 -- 14. Marshall was so mad at the outcome that he was a major force in passing this rule change. ( The rule is now mostly obsolete, as the goal posts are now on the end lines and thus out of the field of play. ) Bert Emanuel rule : The ball can touch the ground during a completed pass as long as the receiver maintains control of the ball. Enacted in 2000 due to a play in the 1999 NFC championship game, where Emanuel, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had a catch ruled incomplete since the ball touched the ground. Bill Belichick rule : Two defensive players, one primary and one backup, will have a radio device in their helmets allowing the head coach to communicate with them through the radio headset, identical to the radio device inside the helmet of the quarterback. This proposal was defeated in previous years, but was finally enacted in 2008 as a result of Spygate. Brian Bosworth rule : Linebackers are allowed to wear jersey numbers between 40 and 49. Named for Bosworth, who unsuccessfully sued the NFL, and had himself listed as a safety, to be allowed to wear the number 44 as a linebacker, the rule was passed long after Bosworth 's retirement. Bronko Nagurski rule : Enacted in 1933, forward passing became legal from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage. Enacted in response to a controversial call in the 1932 NFL Playoff Game, in which Nagurski completed a two - yard pass to Red Grange for the Chicago Bears ' winning touchdown. The rule at the time mandated that a forward pass had to be thrown from at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage. Nagurski appeared to have not dropped back five yards before passing to Grange, but the touchdown stood. Calvin Johnson rule : A receiver must maintain possession of the football throughout the completion of the play. This was more precisely a clarification of the existing rules regarding catches, made in 2010 in response to a play by Calvin Johnson, who caught the ball in the end zone, and placed it on the ground before standing up. This was ruled incomplete upon review, and upheld, though it generated a lot of discussion about what constituted a catch. Carson Palmer rule : A rushing defensive player wo n't be allowed to forcibly hit a quarterback below the knees, unless they are blocked into. Enacted in the 2006 NFL season after Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was injured in the 2005 AFC Wild Card game after he was hit below by Steelers defender Kimo von Oelhoffen, as well as similar injuries to the Steelers ' Ben Roethlisberger and the Bucs ' Brian Griese. Dave Casper rule : See the `` Ken Stabler '' rule. Deacon Jones rule : No head - slapping. Enacted in 1977 in response to the defensive end 's frequently used technique against opponents. Deion Sanders rule : Player salary rule which correlates a contract 's signing bonus with its yearly salary. Enacted after Sanders signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995 for a minimum salary and a $13 million signing bonus. ( There is also a college football rule with this nickname. ) Ed Hochuli rule : Instant replay can be used to determine whether a loose ball from a passer is definitely a fumble or an incomplete pass. This was enacted in 2009 in response to a play in the San Diego Chargers -- Denver Broncos Week 2 regular season game where, in the final minutes, referee Ed Hochuli ruled that Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler threw an incomplete pass. Replays clearly showed it was a fumble, but the play was previously not reviewable. Emmitt Smith rule : A player can not remove his helmet while on the field of play, except in the case of obvious medical difficulty. A violation is treated as unsportsmanlike conduct. Enacted in 1997. The Dallas Cowboys running back was the most high - profile player who celebrated in this manner immediately after scoring a touchdown. Fran Tarkenton rule : A line judge was added as the sixth official to ensure that a back was indeed behind the line of scrimmage before throwing a forward pass. Enacted in 1965 in response to Tarkenton, who frequently scrambled around in the backfield from one side to the other. Greg Pruitt rule : Tear - away jerseys became illegal starting in 1979. Pruitt purposely wore flimsy jerseys that ripped apart in the hands of would - be tacklers. Such a jersey was most infamously seen in a 1978 game between the Rams and Oilers in which Earl Campbell 's jersey ripped apart after several missed tackles. Hines Ward rule : The blocking rule makes illegal a blindside block if it comes from the blocker 's helmet, forearm or shoulder and lands to the head or neck area of the defender. Enacted in 2009 after the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver broke Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers 's jaw while making such a block during the previous season. Jerome Bettis rule : Enacted in 1999, the rule states all calls for coin flips will occur before the referee tosses the coin in the air, and at least two officials will be present during the coin toss. This is in response to a call considered one of the `` worst in history. '' In a Thanksgiving Day game with the Detroit Lions on November 26, 1998, Bettis was sent out as the Steelers ' representative for the overtime coin toss. Bettis appeared to call `` tails '' while the coin was in the air but referee Phil Luckett declared that Bettis called `` heads '' and awarded possession to Detroit, who would go on to win the game before Pittsburgh had the chance to have possession. Jim Schwartz rule : Modifying the `` no - challenge '' rule adopted prior to the 2012 season to eliminate the automatic `` no - review '' penalty when a coach challenges a play that is subject to automatic review by the replay booth ( turnovers, scoring plays, and any play inside of the two - minute warning ). This change was prompted after the 2012 Thanksgiving Day game when Detroit Lions ' head coach Jim Schwartz threw a challenge flag on a play where replay clearly showed Houston Texans ' running back Justin Forsett 's knee touched the ground, but was able to get up and score a touchdown. Due to the way the rule was written at the time the penalty for the errant challenge prevented the play from being reviewed. Under the revised rule teams will be charged a time - out ( or an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty if the team is out of time - outs ) when a coach throws a challenge flag on a booth - reviewable play, but the play will still be reviewed if the replay booth believes a review is necessary. Jimmy Graham rule : Effective the 2014 NFL season, the action of `` dunking '' the football through the goal post / crossbar as a prop in touchdown celebrations is now considered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty ( 15 yards ). This rule was in response to Graham 's tendency to dunk the football after scores while playing for the New Orleans Saints. One of his dunks during the Saints ' 2013 Week 12 Thursday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons bent the goal posts so much that the game was delayed several minutes in order for the stadium crew to make adjustments. Additionally, the league extended the height of the goal posts from 30 to 35 feet, adding extra weight and therefore increasing the chances that it could collapse. Justin Tucker rule : First named during the controversial Sunday Night Football game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots in Week 3 of the 2012 season ( one of the most memorable games that took place during the 2012 NFL referee lockout ), commonly referred to simply as the `` Tucker Rule, '' and named after Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker, this rule states that if the ball is kicked directly over one of the posts during a field goal attempt, then the field goal is deemed good. This is, indeed, what happened during the game, as Tucker made a successful kick like this on the final play of the game. Ken Stabler rule : On fourth down at any time in the game or any down in the final two minutes of a half, if a player fumbles forward, only the fumbling player can recover and / or advance the ball. If that player 's teammate recovers the ball, it is placed back at the spot of the fumble. A defensive player can recover and advance at any time of play. Enacted in 1979 in response to the 1978 `` Holy Roller '' play that resulted in a last - minute game - winning touchdown over San Diego, in which Oakland Raiders quarterback Stabler fumbled the ball forward, and tight end Dave Casper eventually performed a soccer - like dribble before falling on it in the end zone. Lester Hayes rule : No Stickum allowed. Enacted in 1981 in response to the Oakland Raiders defensive back, who used the sticky substance to improve his grip. Lou Groza rule : No artificial medium to assist in the execution of a kick. Enacted in 1956 in response to Groza, who used tape and later a special tee with a long tail to help him guide his foot to the center spot of the football. Mel Blount rule : Officially known as illegal use of hands, defensive backs can only make contact with receivers within five yards of the line of scrimmage. Enacted in its current form in 1978. While playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive back Blount frequently used physical play against receivers he was covering. Mel Renfro rule : Allows a second player on the offense to catch a tipped ball, without a defender subsequently touching it. Enacted in 1978. One of the first high - profile `` victims '' of the old rule was Dallas Cowboys defensive back Renfro in Super Bowl V ; his tip of a pass allowed the Baltimore Colts ' John Mackey to legally catch the ball and run in for a 75 - yard touchdown. NaVorro Bowman rule : Enacted in 2014, this rule subjects plays in which a loose ball has been recovered to instant replay. Named for Bowman, who during an incident in the previous season 's NFC Championship Game recovered a fumble after the officials had blown the play dead. Neil Smith rule : Prevents a defensive lineman from flinching to induce a false start penalty on the offense. Enacted in 1998. Smith had frequently used that technique while playing for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. Odell Beckham Jr. rule : Any player who accumulates two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a game is automatically ejected. The original draft of the proposed rule would have counted any two personal fouls toward ejection and drew its name from Beckham, who committed three personal fouls during a game in the 2015 season. The rule, as enacted for 2016, would not have applied to Beckham. Phil Dawson rule : Certain field goals can be reviewed by instant replay, including kicks that bounce off the uprights. Under the previous system, no field goals could be replayed. Enacted in 2008 in response to an unusual field goal by the Cleveland Browns kicker in a 2007 game against Baltimore : the ball hit the left upright, then hit the rear curved post ( stanchion ), then carried again over the crossbar, and landed in the end zone in front of the goalpost. It was initially ruled by the officials as `` no good '', but was reversed `` upon discussion ''. Red Grange rule : Prohibits college football players from signing with NFL teams until after their college class had graduated. The rule was enacted after Red Grange and Ernie Nevers joined the Chicago Bears and Duluth Eskimos, respectively, immediately after their final college football games in 1925. Ricky ( Williams ) rule : Rule declared that hair could not be used to block part of the uniform from a tackler and, therefore, an opposing player could be tackled by his hair. Enacted in 2003. Rule was so - named after running back Williams ' long dread - locks. ( Dan ) Rooney Rule : Requires teams to interview minority candidates for a head coaching opportunity. Enacted in 2003. Pittsburgh Steelers owner Rooney was a major proponent of such a change. Roy Williams rule : No horse - collar tackles. Enacted in 2005 after the Dallas Cowboys safety broke Terrell Owens 's ankle and Musa Smith 's leg on horse - collar tackles during the previous season. ( Paul ) Salata rule : A team is not allowed to pass on a draft pick at the end of the draft in an effort to secure the last pick. Named after Paul Salata, who many years after his playing career established the Mr. Irrelevant ceremony ; it became so popular that in the 1979 NFL Draft, the two teams with the last selections repeatedly passed to each other hoping the other would pick and they would get the Mr. Irrelevant publicity, necessitating the rule change. Shawne Merriman rule : Bans any player from playing in the Pro Bowl if he tests positive for using a performance - enhancing drug during that season. Enacted in 2007 after the San Diego Chargers linebacker played at the 2007 Pro Bowl after testing positive and serving a four - game suspension during the preceding season. Steelers rule : The details have yet to be finalized, but the NFL has announced that in coming seasons, not just players, but teams could face fines if a series of illegal hits is seen from any particular organization. The rule has been met with significant criticisms, understandably from the Steelers organization, and from others that fear the new rules will dampen the spirit of the game and make professional football `` too soft ''. Steve Tasker rule : On punt returns, gunners receive a 15 - yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for deliberately running out of bounds to avoid blocks, a tactic frequently used by Tasker before the rule was implemented. Tom Brady rule : A clarification to the Carson Palmer rule ; prohibits a defender on the ground from lunging or diving at a quarterback 's legs unless that defender has been blocked or fouled into the signal - caller. Enacted in 2009 in response to a play by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, who on the ground sacked Brady and injured the Patriots quarterback 's MCL and ACL, sidelining him for the rest of the 2008 season. Tom Dempsey rule : Any shoe that is worn by a player with an artificial limb on his kicking leg must have a kicking surface that conforms to that of a normal kicking shoe. Enacted in 1977. Dempsey, who was born without toes on his right foot and no right arm, wore a modified shoe with a flattened and enlarged toe surface, generating controversy about whether such a shoe gave him an unfair advantage kicking field goals. Dempsey 's game - winning 63 - yard field goal in 1970 was the longest in NFL history until the Denver Broncos ' Matt Prater kicked a 64 - yard field goal on December 8, 2013. Ty Law rule ( also known as the Rodney Harrison rule ) : Enacted in 2004, placed more emphasis on the Mel Blount rule. Enacted after Law, Harrison, and the rest of the New England Patriots defense utilized an aggressive coverage scheme, involving excessive jamming of wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, in the 2003 AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. Other Boise Rule : A rule instituted by the NFL in 2011 banning non-green playing surfaces. `` Boise '' refers to Albertsons Stadium ( then known as Bronco Stadium ), the home field of Boise State University, famous for its blue playing surface. The rule was viewed as a reaction to potential sponsor influence, as no NFL team had considered adopting a non-green surface. The Duke : A nickname for the late Wellington Mara, longtime owner of the New York Giants. The nickname stems from the Duke of Wellington, an actual English hereditary title. This nickname was extended to the official game ball used by the NFL `` The Duke '' named in honor of Mr. Mara. To this day one can notice the moniker `` THE DUKE. '' branded into every official NFL football just to the left of the NFL Shield. ( In Denver, the same nickname was given to quarterback John Elway, after a teammate noticed that his walk to the huddle before The Drive in 1987 looked like John Wayne 's. ) Harbaugh Bowl : Rare games when brothers John and Jim Harbaugh, both NFL head coaches, met as opponents, which included Super Bowl XLVII, the first Super Bowl in which brothers were opposing coaches. The games have also been given nicknames like the `` HarBowl ''. Ickey Shuffle : Dance done by Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods whenever he scored a touchdown. Woods was forced to move the dance to the sidelines behind the Bengals ' bench after officials starting penalizing him for unsportsmanlike conduct. K - Gun : Nickname referring to the no - huddle offense used by the Buffalo Bills with quarterback Jim Kelly during the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. Lambeau Leap : During home games at Lambeau Field, some players from the Green Bay Packers would leap into the stands after scoring a touchdown. Originally created by LeRoy Butler, it was made popular by Robert Brooks. Players in other stadiums imitate the leap. The Legend of Kiko Alonso : Humorous anecdotes about linebacker Kiko Alonso, done in the style of Chuck Norris facts. Manning Bowl : Rare games when quarterback brothers Peyton ( formerly of the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos ) and Eli Manning ( New York Giants ) met as opponents. Mile High Salute : A touchdown celebration used by Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis during his playing career, in which he would salute his fellow teammates ( and sometimes the fans ). A simplified variant ( including only the salute portion ) has been used by Broncos players ever since. No Fun League : Used by various reports criticizing the league for its sanctions imposed on teams. Popularized by the XFL. Sack Dance : New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau was nationally famous for doing his signature `` Sack Dance '' after sacking an opposing quarterback. However, he had to stop when the NFL declared it `` unsportsmanlike taunting '' in March 1984 and began fining players for it. Tebowing : A pose imitating Tim Tebow 's stance when praying. Terrible Towel : a banner conceived by the late Myron Cope ( long time Steeler commentator ) used by fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers to cheer for their team, consisting of a yellow towel with the words `` Terrible Towel '' in black, to be waved in the air. The Carolina Panthers also began a spin - off known as the `` Growl Towel ''. Also spoofed by the Packers following their third Super Bowl victory as the `` Title Towel ''. Similar traditions have also started in other sports, as Towel Power used by the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and the Homer Hanky used by Major League Baseball 's Minnesota Twins. See also Tuesday Morning Quarterback # `` TMQ '' team nicknames Lists of nicknames -- nickname list articles on Wikipedia References Jump up ^ Bishop, Greg ( February 4, 2010 ). `` Beneath Brown Bags, Saints Had Loyal Fans ''. The New York Times. Retrieved May 25, 2016. Jump up ^ `` NFL Films : The Dallas Cowboys ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` A look back at the many New York Giant handles, aliases, and nicknames ''. Retrieved 2015 - 03 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the NY Giants ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` The Best NFL Defensive Unit Nicknames ''. Bleacher Report. 2010 - 08 - 07. Retrieved 2012 - 10 - 04. Jump up ^ Roth, Leo. Bills East vs. Bills West. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. 23 October 2001. Jump up ^ Banks, Don. AFC is where all the action is lately. SI.com. 19 October 2001. Jump up ^ `` Steelers ' D making a name for itself ''. Archived from the original on November 1, 2005. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` No. 16 : Chargers ' best draft class ''. ESPN.com. March 28, 2009. Retrieved March 7, 2013. The 2001 class was good, but the 1975 class ranks the best. San Diego had four of the first 33 picks in the draft, and the Chargers selected three defensive linemen that would form the nucleus of `` The Bruise Brothers '' and once formed three - fourths of the AFC Pro Bowl defensive line. ( subscription required ) Jump up ^ Goldstein, Richard ( 2001 - 09 - 19 ). `` Tank Younger, 73, First Star From Black College to Play in N.F.L., Dies ''. New York Times. Retrieved 2008 - 07 - 25. Jump up ^ `` Houston Texans Blog ''. Archived from the original on 2011 - 12 - 08. Retrieved 2011 - 12 - 04. Jump up ^ Jason La Canfora. `` Cincinnati Bungles ''. Washington Post. Retrieved 2007 - 11 - 01. Jump up ^ `` Cardinal Chronicle XX ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` NFL Playoffs Begin with Wild Card Weekend ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Cardiac Cats strike again ''. Retrieved 2017 - 10 - 14. Jump up ^ `` Reebok Detroit Lions Cardiac Cats T - shirt ''. Retrieved 2017 - 10 - 14. Jump up ^ `` No Lions comeback this time : Cardiac Cats rest easy ''. Retrieved 2017 - 10 - 14. Jump up ^ `` Leftwich, Cardiac Jags Stun Kansas City ''. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Da Bears Fan Blog ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. ^ Jump up to : `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Atlanta Falcons ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Dallas Cowboys ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` November in Buffalo Bills History ''. Archived from the original on December 6, 2006. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Pats embrace image as new Evil Empire ''. Mike Celizic. MSNBCj. 2007 - 09 - 17. Retrieved 2008 - 01 - 20. Jump up ^ `` Don Shula on Patriots : ' the Spygate Thing Has Diminished What They 've Accomplished ' ''. Michael David Smith. AOL Sports. 2007 - 11 - 06. Retrieved 2008 - 01 - 29. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the LA Rams ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Strahan re-signs with G - Men ''. Archived from the original on July 21, 2006. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Where Are They Now ? William Thomas ''. Archived from the original on March 17, 2006. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` New York Jets Fan Site ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Rams Greatest Show or Turf Toe ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Pyros can not escape Lyons den ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ Kawakami, Tim ( 1992 - 09 - 02 ). `` FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Just Call Him ' Air Chuck ' ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010 - 05 - 08. Jump up ^ `` Patriots 4 - 1 at bye ; return to action Oct. 22 ''. Retrieved 2008 - 01 - 30. ^ Jump up to : `` Joe Bugel ''. Archived from the original on 2006 - 12 - 31. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Cleveland Browns ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Miami Dolphins ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ CJOnline Blogs -- Martyball : The way it 's played Archived 2011 - 07 - 08 at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` The Cards ' dream season in ' 47 ''. History Release. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2010 - 09 - 03. Jump up ^ Tameta, Andre. `` San Francisco 's Million Dollar Backfield : The 49ers ' Fabulous Foursome ''. Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 2011 - 06 - 09. Retrieved 2010 - 09 - 03. Jump up ^ Dodd, Mike ( 2005 - 11 - 11 ). `` Monsters of the Midway finally Bearing ( sic ) their teeth ''. USA Today. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ The Wall Street Journal, 31 October 2009 Jump up ^ `` Sack Exchange Had a Brief, but Glorious, Run ''. Archived from the original on December 15, 2006. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ New York Newsday, December 8, 2002, page 38, Jets Confidential Magazine, Vol 10, Num. 16, page 23 Time to Take Stock Of Sack Exchange / Defensive unit considers its place in history Jump up ^ `` Flashback : Playing to perfection ''. Archived from the original on November 15, 2005. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Gehrke helped build `` Orange Crush '' ``. Archived from the original on December 10, 2006. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` ' 72 Redskins have n't lost their spirit ''. Archived from the original on December 14, 2006. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` New England : Patsies No More ''. Time. 1976 - 10 - 18. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Purple People Eaters ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ http://longstreet.typepad.com/thesciencebookstore/2009/07/an-unkindness-of-ravens-a-murder-of-crows-naming-things.html Jump up ^ `` Sack Pack ''. Retrieved 2010 - 09 - 23. Jump up ^ `` Upon further review : Week 13 ''. Archived from the original on January 14, 2007. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` San Diego Super Chargers Song ''. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007 - 11 - 01. Jump up ^ `` San Diego Super Chargers ''. Retrieved 2007 - 11 - 01. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Pittsburgh Steelers ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/31061/fans-name-d-line-the-sons-of-anarchy. Missing or empty title = ( help ) Jump up ^ Eskenazi, Gerald ( 1989 - 01 - 17 ). `` SUPER BOWL XXIII ; Bengals Hope Defense Will Stay Offensive ''. The New York Times. Retrieved 2010 - 05 - 08. Jump up ^ `` Denver Broncos : Elway -- Through the Years : 1987 ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-cyclopedia : Dallas Cowboys, see 2005 ''. Retrieved 2007 - 03 - 15. Jump up ^ Smith, Katherine ; Keith Morelli ( January 24, 2008 ). `` Bucs ' Alstott ' Sad To Be Walking Away ' ''. Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 19 November 2009. Jump up ^ `` Green, Monk Selected to NFL Hall of Fame ''. Washington Redskins. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved 2008 - 07 - 04. Jump up ^ `` At 216 Games, Green Does His Energizer Imitation ''. Washington Post. 1998 - 08 - 03. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 06. Jump up ^ `` Adrian Peterson, Ex-Oklahoma Running Back ''. CNN. 2007 - 02 - 20. Retrieved 2010 - 05 - 08. Jump up ^ `` The `` Amish Rifle '' Shaves the Beard ``. YNN. 2011 - 03 - 01. Retrieved 2010 - 05 - 08. Jump up ^ Bauer, Ted. `` Six Click : Devin Hester ''. ESPN The Magazine. Retrieved 19 November 2009. Jump up ^ Carillo, David. `` Jack Tatum # 32 The man, the legend, the `` Assassin '' ``. Raiderdrive.com. Retrieved 4 September 2011. Jump up ^ http://todaynewsgazette.com/andre-rison-nicknamed-bad-moon-rison/ Jump up ^ `` Terrell Suggs explains Ball So Hard University ''. tribunedigital - baltimoresun. Retrieved 2016 - 04 - 05. Jump up ^ `` Ed Reed is making the wrong decision ''. ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016 - 04 - 05. Jump up ^ `` HALL OF FAMERS -- Lance Alworth ''. Retrieved 2010 - 10 - 30. Jump up ^ Caple, Christian. Beast Mode goes Speak Mode, optimistic about Seahawks running game. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved October 10, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Official Site of Ben Roethlisberger ''. Retrieved 2008 - 08 - 04. Jump up ^ Thomas, Jim ( October 15, 2009 ). `` A big deal, even in teal ''. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 19 November 2009. Jump up ^ `` His Hugeness : Ohio State 's Dan Wilkinson, All 308 Pounds of Him, Is Fulfilling Family Responsibility as NFL 's Top Draft Prospect ''. LA Times. April 22, 1994. Retrieved October 22, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Brown, Scott ( August 19, 2007 ). `` What 's in a Steelers ' nickname ''. Pittsburgh Tribune - Review. Retrieved 19 November 2009. Jump up ^ ( ( cite web url = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zenner%7Ctitle=Zach Zenner Jump up ^ `` Martellus Bennett : Martellus Bennett believes he 's the complete package for Chicago Bears ''. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 16. Jump up ^ `` Phil Robertson and Terry Bradshaw to Attend Thursday 's Football Game ''. September 11, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Tax, Jeremiah ( 17 December 1984 ). `` A Passel Of Pro Football Immortals Recall The Early Days Of The Game ''. Sports Illustrated. Jump up ^ http://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2014/08/anthony_boobie_dixon_roster_why_called_nickname.html Jump up ^ Gilmartin, Matthew. `` Top 10 Nicknames in Sports ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2016 - 04 - 05. Jump up ^ http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?player_id=161 Jump up ^ `` Per WWL ''. wwl. December 16, 2009. Retrieved December 1, 2012. Jump up ^ `` How Did ' Buck ' Allen Get His Nickname ? ''. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 16. Jump up ^ `` CNNSI.com -- Pro Football -- Ex-Olympic star, Cowboy Bob Hayes dies -- Friday September 20, 2002 02 : 32 AM ''. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2012 - 10 - 04. Jump up ^ D. Orlando Ledbetter ( October 3, 2013 ). `` Falcons miss RB Michael `` The Burner '' Turner in the red zone ``. The Atlanta Journal - Constitution. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Official Site of Jerome Bettis ''. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 09. Jump up ^ Schudel, Matt ( December 3, 1989 ). `` Butch & Sundance The Miami Dolphins ' Jim Kiick And Larry Csonka Have Gone Separate Ways Since They Ambled Into Miami 21 Years Ago On Their Way To Forging One Of The Greatest Football Teams Ever ''. The Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ `` NFL 's best current - player nicknames ''. May 6, 2010. Retrieved December 13, 2014. Jump up ^ Edwards, Trent ( May 6, 2010 ). `` Captain Checkdown Has A Sidekick In Spiller ''. Retrieved October 29, 2010. Jump up ^ Wise, Mike ( January 7, 2006 ). `` Captain Chaos Enjoying the Ride ''. Washington Post. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Clarke, Liz ( November 21, 2015 ). `` ' Captain Kirk ' Cousins may boldly go where few Redskins quarterbacks have gone ''. The Washington Post. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Dallas Cowboys legend Roger Staubach & original Captain Comeback sees same genius in Eli Manning ''. New York Daily News. October 27, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Walters, John ( October 16, 2013 ). `` Where Have You Gone, Concrete Charlie ? ''. Newsweek. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Ross, J.R. ( January 28, 2004 ). `` Elroy ' Crazy Legs ' Hirsch dies at age 80 ''. USA Today. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Player On The Spot : Chris Chandler ''. Chicago Tribune. September 10, 1999. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Mifflin, Lawrie ( September 11, 1982 ). `` SCOUTING ; Crunch Bunch ''. New York Times. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Lawrence, Andrew ( February 11, 2009 ). `` The Eyes Of The Storm ''. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 19 November 2009. Jump up ^ `` Talking Peace and Pork Chops ''. Time. 1984 - 01 - 23. Retrieved 2008 - 01 - 30. Jump up ^ `` Former Raiders cornerback ' Skip ' Thomas dies ''. San Jose Mercury News. July 25, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Skurski, Jay ( October 12, 2011 ). Moats is back in his comfort zone. The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 12, 2011. Jump up ^ ( 1 ) Double Trouble 's official website Jump up ^ `` Time to put fantasy into trades ''. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 18. Jump up ^ Rosaforte, Tim ( January 20, 1985 ). `` Secondary To None Hicks & Licks May Be League ` s Best, And They ` re Out To Prove It ''. Sun - Sentinel. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Dynamic Uno David Wilson Knows Parody Football Player Nickname T Shirt ''. wwwbstshirtscom. Retrieved 2016 - 12 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Seahawks add Edge to running game ''. Retrieved 2010 - 06 - 19. Jump up ^ LaPointe, Joe ( September 15, 2008 ). `` Three Elements Fuse in Giants ' Backfield ''. New York Times. Retrieved 19 November 2009. Jump up ^ `` FOX Sports Accidentally Anointed Eli Manning With a Weird Nickname We Should Definitely Use From Here on Out ''. Complex. Retrieved 2016 - 12 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Leonard Weaver Stats Pro-Football-Reference.com ''. Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2016 - 12 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Winston files trademark for ' Famous Jameis ' ''. ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016 - 12 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Willie Parker Wants To Be A Steeler Again ''. CBS Pittsburgh. May 13, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Skutch, Jan ( August 5, 2013 ). `` Artie `` Fatso '' Donovan -- gone but never forgotten ``. Savannah Morning News. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ ( 2 ) Jump up ^ Administrator, System. `` 2014 NFL combine : TCU cornerback Jason Verrett shows what ' Feeva Island ' is all about ''. www.ohio.com. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 16. Jump up ^ Jung, Alyssa. Bills Fall to Bengals. The Huffington Post. Retrieved October 10, 2011. `` It 's not uncommon for a team to score a sensational cover like the Bills did last week ( words like STAMPEDE and FitzMagic were used ) and then have a ( nearly avoided it ) loss befall them. '' Jump up ^ `` Nike Launches Jerry Rice Tribute Shoe ''. NBC Bay Area. April 10, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Thompson, John B. ( August 31, 2015 ). `` Josh Gordon : Will ' Flash ' Ever Find His Way ? ''. Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Steelers ' Troy Polamalu : The Samoan Headhunter ''. Retrieved 2011 - 10 - 05. Jump up ^ Long, Mark ( September 1, 2011 ). `` Fred Taylor retiring after 13 seasons, 1 Pro Bowl ''. The Washington Times. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Randy Moss : Straight Cash ''. The New Yorker. August 3, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ Sin, Ben ( February 7, 2014 ). `` Jevon Kearse to Compete in Dominican Poker Tournament ''. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 22, 2014. Jump up ^ YouTube -- B.J Raji TD vs Bears and funny celebration - NFC Championship Jump up ^ `` Sooooey ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Red `` The Galloping Ghost '' Grange bio ``. College Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved 20 November 2009. Jump up ^ http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8262185c/printable/boston-te-party-gronkowski-unstoppable-for-patriots Jump up ^ http://nesn.com/2013/09/report-rob-gronkowski-is-5050-to-play-for-patriots-against-buccaneers-on-sunday/ Jump up ^ http://q13fox.com/2016/05/04/seahawks-hausch-money-helps-kick-some-money-over-to-local-charity-for-children/ Jump up ^ http://billswire.usatoday.com/2017/10/05/bills-stephen-hauschka-critical-hot-start-nfl-week-5/ Jump up ^ MLB 's nickname gimmick wo n't solve baseball 's mounting age issues. The Guardian. Retrieved August 11, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Dante Hall Stats ''. Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1989-10-01/sports/8910014020_1_carlos-huerta-yarder-field-goal Jump up ^ `` Hall of Famers '' RON MIX ``. Profootballhof.com. Retrieved January 12, 2011. Jump up ^ Idec, Keith. Rumqstr = eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk1NzEmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY5NDU5MTEmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5 `` Heyward remembered fondly at memorial service '', Herald News, June 9, 2006. Accessed July 12, 2007. `` Heyward played 11 NFL seasons for five franchises and was a Heisman Trophy candidate his junior season at Pitt. But it is what he did during his remarkable run at Passaic High School that they remember most fondly. '' Jump up ^ Litsky, Frank. `` Craig Heyward, Who Was N.F.L. 's Ironhead, Is Dead at 39 '', The New York Times, May 29, 2006. `` He would lower his head into tacklers ' stomachs, and one opponent said it hurt so much that Heyward 's head had to be made of iron. Once, Heyward said, a youngster clubbed him over his size 83⁄4 head with a billiard cue. The cue broke in half. '' Jump up ^ http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/49999/one-of-leagues-best-cornerbacks-only-goes-by-jackrabbit Jump up ^ `` Hall of Famer Q&A with Gale Sayers ''. Pro Football Hall of Fame. 2001 - 12 - 06. Retrieved 2010 - 07 - 18. Jump up ^ Kindred, Dave ( August 12, 2001 ). `` Bodies So Powerful, Yet So Vulnerable ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ Thom Loverro, A journeyman on the field but always a ' King ' off of it, The Washington Times, July 23, 2009, retrieved May 10, 2010. Jump up ^ `` ' The King ' But not at the bank, says Hugh McElhenny ''. The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 8, 1979. p. 22. Retrieved September 10, 2016. Jump up ^ Orr, Conor ( August 13, 2015 ). `` BenJarvus Green - Ellis ' agent in touch with teams ''. NFL.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` On Brink of Retirement, Emotions Fly High for Malcom Floyd ''. 2015 - 12 - 17. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 16. Jump up ^ `` Jim Kelly : NFL Hall - of - Fame Quarterback ''. Big Speak.com. Retrieved 10 September 2010. Jump up ^ Dickey, Glenn ( December 19, 2004 ). `` Where Are They Now / Daryle Lamonica / ' The Mad Bomber ' / Quarterback guided Raiders ' long - ball attack ''. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Top Ten Not in HOF : Alex Karras ''. NFL.com. Retrieved 27 January 2010. Jump up ^ `` By any name, ' Marion the Barbarian ' a vital part of Cowboys offense ''. Jump up ^ `` Miami Dolphins to Honor Marks Brothers ''. Retrieved 2007 - 06 - 04. Jump up ^ Rosenblatt, Richard ( October 7, 2011 ). CJohnson, Sproles, Hester among most explosive. Associated Press. Retrieved October 10, 2011. `` Calvin Johnson, wr, Lions : First, the 6 - foot - 5, 236 - pounder leaped over three defenders for an acrobatic 23 - yard TD that pulled Detroit within 30 - 24, then leaped maybe even higher on 2 - yarder scoring pass with 1 : 39 left that completed a 34 - 30 comeback over the Cowboys. So now, `` Megatron '' is in the NFL history books as the first player with two TD catches in each of the first four games of a season. '' Jump up ^ `` Julian Edelman has a new nickname : Minitron ''. Jump up ^ `` Former Chicago Bears Steve `` Mongo '' McMichael said he 's running for mayor - ESPN Chicago ``. Espn.go.com. 2012 - 08 - 16. Retrieved 2012 - 10 - 04. Jump up ^ Merten, Sam ( 2010 - 12 - 30 ). `` Top 10 Best Draft Picks of the Jerry Jones Era - Dallas - Sports - Sportatorium ''. Blogs.dallasobserver.com. Retrieved 2012 - 10 - 04. Jump up ^ `` Friend who stuck Doug Martin with ' Muscle Hamster ' label : Too late to change ''. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 16. Jump up ^ http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/23/chad-ochocinco-changes-his-name-back-to-johnson/ Jump up ^ http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8457143 Jump up ^ `` Michael Irvin : 2007 Hall of Fame enshrinement speech ''. Retrieved 2008 - 06 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Washington Redskins : Skill Positions ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ Brent Jones ( 2007 - 06 - 30 ). `` No. 16 : Deion played his way into ' Prime Time ' ''. USA Today. Retrieved 2008 - 01 - 29. Jump up ^ Dabney, Shaneika. `` Heartwarming Children 's Book Based on Saints ' Marques Colston ''. Huffington Post. Retrieved 2011 - 01 - 10. Jump up ^ `` Then & Now : William `` The Refrigerator '' Perry ``. CNN. 2005 - 06 - 19. Retrieved 2008 - 01 - 29. Jump up ^ `` NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg changes Manhattan to Revis Island ''. Sports Illustrated. 2010 - 01 - 22. Archived from the original on January 24, 2010. Retrieved 2010 - 01 - 23. Jump up ^ `` Upon Further Review : Coach Reid 's Monday Recap ''. KCChiefs.com. 2013 - 12 - 16. Retrieved 2014 - 11 - 16. Jump up ^ `` The Sheriff : Record - setting Peyton Manning breeds hope, faith, and confidence ''. Mike Revell. Mirror. Retrieved 2012 - 12 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Sixty minute man ''. Ron Flatter. ESPN. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Has ' Smash and Dash ' become ' Smash and Grab ' ? ''. Jump up ^ `` Jets rookie Damon Harrison earns nickname big snacks, motivated by rice krispie treats he wo n't eat ''. Retrieved 2015 - 03 - 17. Jump up ^ `` NFL Season Preview : Redskins ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Helping To Build New Minnesota Vikings Stadiums Since May 10, 2012 ''. Retrieved 2012 - 06 - 25. Jump up ^ `` Jerry Richardson Happy With His Panthers ''. Retrieved 2012 - 01 - 10. Jump up ^ Reiss, Mike. `` The legend of ' Sweet Feet ' : How James White got his unique nickname ''. ESPN. Retrieved 24 June 2017. Jump up ^ ESPN Classic - Sweetness ran and ran and ran Jump up ^ ( 3 ) Jump up ^ Glazer, Jay. Taylor named Bills starting quarterback over Manuel, Cassel. Fox Sports. Retrieved August 31, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Reid : Three - Headed Monster Part II ? ''. Jump up ^ http://www.nosaintshistory.com/New-Orleans-Saints-History-Pictures/Chuck-Muncie_and_Tony-Galbreath-Thunder-and-Lightning Jump up ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/sports/football/chuck-muncie-troubled-nfl-star-dies-at-60.html?_r=0 Jump up ^ http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/63599/injuries-have-bills-reeling-at-quarterback Jump up ^ `` Bill Parcells `` The Tuna '' ``. chickenortuna.com. 1997. Retrieved 2010 - 07 - 27. `` I think it goes back to my first time with the Patriots. There was an old commercial from StarKist with Charlie the StarKist tuna. So my players were trying to con me on something one time, and I said, ' You must think I 'm Charlie the Tuna. ' '' Jump up ^ http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-center/videos/Throwback-Thursday-Two-Point-Tupa/2115c902-8a3b-40b8-9c18-ad69b2781983 Jump up ^ Rose, Bryan ( October 1, 2014 ). Kyle Orton looks like Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite. FanSided ( Sports Illustrated ). Retrieved October 6, 2014. Jump up ^ Schwartz, Larry. `` Galloping Ghost scared opponents ''. ESPN. Retrieved 20 November 2009. Jump up ^ `` Ray Nitschke Stats ''. Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Vikings ' Williams Wall takes on NFL in court Monday ''. USA Today. Associated Press. March 7, 2010. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ Fred Mitchell ( 2007 - 11 - 15 ). `` Bears broadcasters avoid excuses ''. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2008 - 02 - 11. Jump up ^ Didtler, Mark ( November 2, 1998 ). `` Bucs Answer Wake - up Call ''. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ Thorman, Joel ( 2015 - 03 - 20 ). `` This Travis Kelce interview is awesome ''. Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 16. Jump up ^ `` Adios, Sombrero ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Raymond James Stadium ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Black Hole : Just Scare ' Em, Baby ''. The San Francisco Chronicle. 2001 - 01 - 11. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Dawg Pound ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` YouTube -- The Factory Of Sadness ( A Cleveland Browns Fan 's Reaction To Today 's Game Against Houston ) ''. Jump up ^ `` Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Green Bay Packers ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Chapter 12 : The House of Pain ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Note that in rugby union circles, the nickname refers to Carisbrook, a stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Jump up ^ `` Patriots Season Predictions ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Buffalo Bills Ticket Seating Chart ''. Archived from the original on January 13, 2007. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Memories not all bad for this vet of the Vet ''. Archived from the original on December 5, 2005. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` The Glory of Titletown ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 12. Jump up ^ `` The 12th Man ''. Jump up ^ Seahawks, A&M resolve ' 12th man ' dispute -- NFL -- ESPN Jump up ^ `` Letter to the 49ers Faithful ''. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved 2007 - 03 - 16. Jump up ^ `` Bills Backers United -- Fan Site ''. Archived from the original on 2007 - 02 - 02. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ Bills Elvis Jump up ^ `` Official Raider Nation Site ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` BooBirds trademark info site ''. Retrieved 2012 - 12 - 31. Jump up ^ http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/sports/football/browns/browns-backers-worldwide-register-100000th-member Jump up ^ `` Official Cheesehead Site ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ Argetsinger, Amy ; Roberts, Roxanne ( 2007 - 09 - 14 ). `` Super-Fan Chief Zee 's Heartfelt Comfort to the Enemy ''. The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008 - 11 - 05. Jump up ^ `` Official Here 's to you, New York ''. Archived from the original on October 15, 2008. Retrieved 2008 - 11 - 05. Jump up ^ `` Franco 's Italian Army Fan Site ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. ^ Jump up to : Michael Bradley ( 2006 - 01 - 27 ). `` Legendary Steelers owner forged a blue - collar legacy ''. SeattlePI.com. Retrieved 2008 - 12 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Official Hogettes Site ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ Gola, Hank ( October 16, 2011 ). Buffalo Bills, off to a 4 -- 1 start and ready for NY Giants Sunday, have fans & players thinking big Jump up ^ `` Oakland Raiders -- Fans ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Pittsburgh Steelers Nation Site ''. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2007 - 11 - 25. Jump up ^ ( 4 ) Jump up ^ `` Video of SuperSkin dancing ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` About.com Article about the Who Dat 's ''. Retrieved 2007 - 10 - 25. Jump up ^ `` Buccaneers.com -- The Answer Man, Series 3, Vol. 7 ''. 2006 - 01 - 16. Retrieved 2006 - 07 - 07. Jump up ^ `` Hair length proposal delayed until May ; defensive helmet radios approved ''. ESPN. 2008 - 04 - 01. Retrieved 2008 - 04 - 01. Jump up ^ NFL passes `` Brian Bosworth rule, '' linebackers can now wear jerseys numbered 40 - 49 Profootballtalk.com ( 03 / 25 / 2015 ) ^ Jump up to : `` Rules of the Name, or How The Emmitt Rule Became the Emmitt Rule ''. Professional Football Researchers Association. Archived from the original on 2007 - 12 - 11. Retrieved 2009 - 03 - 31. Jump up ^ `` Calvin Johnson catch : Another silly NFL rule ''. SFGate. Retrieved 2012 - 07 - 06. Jump up ^ ESPN.com : NFL votes to rein in TD celebrations, by John Clayton. Retrieved on 18 August 2012. Jump up ^ Pasquarelli, Len ( 2001 - 07 - 20 ). `` CBA inertia ? It 's a first - rounder 's main problem ''. ESPN.com. Retrieved 2006 - 07 - 07. Jump up ^ `` NFL adopts ' Hochuli rule ' to make loose balls reviewable ''. USA Today. March 26, 2009. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 30. Jump up ^ `` Raider Rules ''. raidershistory.net. 2007 - 02 - 21. Retrieved 2007 - 10 - 13. Jump up ^ Bouchette, Ed ( March 24, 2009 ). `` NFL approves ' Hines Ward rule ' ''. Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 28, 2009. Jump up ^ `` The Jerome Bettis Coin Flip Game ''. Bleacher Report. 2009 - 09 - 15. Retrieved 2011 - 09 - 02. Jump up ^ `` The List : Worst calls in history ''. ESPN.com `` Page 2 ''. 2001. Retrieved 2011 - 09 - 02. Jump up ^ Rosenthal, Gregg ( March 20, 2013 ). `` NFL rule changes cause controversy, draw ire ''. NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014. Jump up ^ Garafolo, Mike ( November 23, 2012 ). `` Giants owner wants challenge rule reviewed ( and changed ) ''. USA Today. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014. Jump up ^ `` 2013 Official Playing Rules of the National Football League '' ( PDF ). National Football League. 2013. p. 3. Archived ( PDF ) from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014. Jump up ^ DeFazio, Tony ( 2007 - 01 - 27 ). `` Up Close with Mel Blount ''. Pittsburgh Sports Report. Retrieved 2007 - 02 - 03. Jump up ^ Corbett, Jim ( March 27, 2014 ). New NFL rules include more fumble reviews, higher goalposts. USA Today. Retrieved March 27, 2014. Jump up ^ Goldberg, Dave ( 1998 - 03 - 26 ). `` Upon further review, replay is dead -- again ''. SouthCoastToday.com. Retrieved 2006 - 10 - 02. Jump up ^ Freeman, Mike ( 1998 - 03 - 29 ). `` PRO FOOTBALL : NOTEBOOK ; Now They All Want To Be in Cleveland ''. The New York Times. Retrieved 2006 - 10 - 02. Jump up ^ `` NFL owners approve ' Odell Beckham Rule, ' players will be tossed after two ' unsportsmanlike conduct ' penalties ''. New York Daily News. March 23, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Owners table re-seeding playoffs proposal ; pass other rules ''. ESPN.com. 2008 - 04 - 01. Retrieved 2008 - 04 - 01. Jump up ^ Chris Willis ( 2003 ). `` Joe Carr VisionU '' ( PDF ). Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. 25 ( 5 ) : 1 -- 3. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2010 - 12 - 15. Jump up ^ Wickersham, Seth ( 2008 - 03 - 27 ). `` Hair today, gone tomorrow ? ''. ESPN The Magazine. Retrieved 2008 - 03 - 28. Jump up ^ Thanks to Rooney Rule, Doors Opened Jump up ^ Gosselin, Rick ( 2005 - 05 - 26 ). `` ' Roy Williams Rule ' passed by NFL owners ''. The Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on May 5, 2005. Retrieved 2006 - 07 - 07. Jump up ^ Merron, Jeff ( April 18, 2005 ). `` The strangest NFL draft moments ''. ESPN. Retrieved December 18, 2014. Jump up ^ Klis, Mike ( 2007 - 02 - 07 ). `` Chargers LB supports the `` Merriman Rule '' ``. Denver Post. Retrieved 2007 - 02 - 28. Jump up ^ `` NFL Announces `` The Steelers Rule '' ``. NBC DFW. 2011 - 05 - 25. Retrieved 2011 - 09 - 02. Jump up ^ Bell, Jarrett ( 2011 - 05 - 25 ). `` NFL seeks to hold teams accountable for flagrant fouls ''. USA Today. Retrieved 2011 - 09 - 02. Jump up ^ `` ' Steelers Rule ' will make NFL too soft ''. Fox Sports. 2011 - 05 - 31. Retrieved 2011 - 09 - 02. Jump up ^ Graham, Tim ( 2010 - 12 - 14 ). `` Steve Tasker on Sal Alosi uproar : So what ? ''. NFL Nation Blog. ESPN. Retrieved 2013 - 09 - 10. Jump up ^ Gasper, Christopher L. ( March 24, 2009 ). `` Brady rule : Steps taken to protect QBs ' knees ''. The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2010 - 09 - 21. Jump up ^ `` Rules of the Name, or How the Emmitt Rule Became the Emmitt Rule, ''. Professional Football Researchers Association Jump up ^ `` Official NFL Rulebook 2006 '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2010 - 02 - 16. See Rule 5, Section 3, Article 3 Paragraph ( g ) Jump up ^ `` NFL.com -- Laying down the Law in New England ''. Archived from the original on May 5, 2005. Retrieved 2006 - 07 - 07. Jump up ^ Rosenthal, Gregg ( March 22, 2011 ). `` There will be no blue NFL fields ''. Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved January 30, 2013. Jump up ^ Heisler, Mark ( January 27, 1988 ). `` Go Deep ! I 'll Hit Ya ' : John Elway : He 's a Living Legend, on the Field and in Comic Books ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 13, 2014. Jump up ^ Fendrich, Howard ( January 21, 2013 ). `` Harbaugh brothers take 49ers, Ravens to Super Bowl ''. Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Retrieved March 29, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Will the Ickey Shuffle Rise Again ? ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Colts Attack Draws References to K - Gun ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Greatest Moments in Lambeau Field History ''. Archived from the original on April 19, 2005. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ Kiko Alonso quickly wreaking havoc, becoming ' legend ' as rookie with Buffalo Bills. Associated Press ( October 2, 2013 ). Retrieved October 3, 2013. Jump up ^ Traditions : Mile High Salute. Denver Broncos official Web site. Retrieved October 9, 2014. Jump up ^ Kevin Fixler, Special to SI.com ( 2012 - 09 - 21 ). `` NFL players taking to the trend of customized facemasks -- NFL ''. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2012 - 10 - 04. Jump up ^ `` Saints penalty : Since when NFL stand for ' No Fun League ' ? -- Baltimore Sun ''. Articles.baltimoresun.com. 2012 - 03 - 23. Retrieved 2012 - 10 - 04. Jump up ^ `` Gastineau, King of Sack ''. Jump up ^ Introducing Tebowing. It 's like planking, but dumber. Yahoo ! Sports ( October 27, 2011 ). Retrieved December 4, 2011. Jump up ^ Tebow : ' Tebowing ' craze a ' blessing '. Fox Sports ( October 30, 2011 ). Retrieved December 4, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Terrible Towel Official Site ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Official Growl Towel ''. Retrieved 2008 - 12 - 24. External links Sports Nicknames : 20,000 Professionals Worldwide by Terry W. Pruyne National Football League ( 2017 ) AFC East North South West Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Jets Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Oakland Raiders NFC East North South West Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals Los Angeles Rams San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Seasons Seasons ( by team ) Preseason Hall of Fame Game American Bowl Regular season Kickoff game Monday Night Football International Series Thanksgiving games Christmas games Playoffs Streaks Droughts AFC Championship NFC Championship Super Bowl champions quarterbacks Pro Bowl History League history Executive history Championship history AFL Championship ( 1960 -- 1969 ) NFL Championship ( 1920 -- 1969 ) Playoff Bowl Other Owners Officials Properties Stadiums ( chronology ) Timeline Defunct franchises Franchise moves and mergers Los Angeles team history Records individual team Super Bowl All time win -- loss Last undefeated Awards All - Pro Numbers ( retired ) Hall of Fame Lore Nicknames AFL Merger International Foreign players London Toronto Bills Series List of games played outside the U.S. Media TV NFL Network Radio Management Council Competition Committee Collective Bargaining Agreement NFLPA Player conduct Suspensions Player misconduct Combine Draft Training camp Rivalries NFL Foundation Tied games Canceled games Lockouts Controversies Cheerleading Mascots Color Rush Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_NFL_nicknames&oldid=815842881 '' Categories : National Football League lists Nicknames in sports Hidden categories : Pages containing links to subscription - only content Webarchive template wayback links Pages with citations lacking titles Pages with citations having bare URLs All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from September 2017 Articles with permanently dead external links Articles with dead external links from May 2017 All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from December 2017 Articles with unsourced statements from November 2009 Articles with hCards Articles with unsourced statements from May 2013 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Add links This page was last edited on 17 December 2017, at 15 : 07. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: what nfl team is called the dirty birds
Answer: Atlanta Falcons