What's in a name? Plenty if it's an appropriate nickname
This is the first in a three-part series of blogs covering the very best in nicknames of the NFL - according to me. For as long as I can remember, nicknames have been a vital part of sports. Ever since I heard the name Dizzy Dean, nicknames have been a high priority for me, which is kind of weird since I never, ever had a nickname to call my own. You'd think being left-handed, at least I could have been deemed Lefty, but no, I was never so fortunate.So, in lieu of that misfortune, I must revel in the glory of the sporting world's finest nicknames, and that has to be enough. I chose the NFL because we are in the heart of the NFL season, so it seemed appropriate.
We begin Nicknames, Part I with a nod to the best in team names, going from 10th to best.
Fort Knox — This moniker was aptly given to the pass pocket created by the 1981 Buffalo Bills offensive line that allowed quarterback Joe Ferguson to throw deep; the name was a play on the name of Bills head coach Chuck Knox. Because Fort Knox is considered one of the most impenetrable places on earth, it is a perfect nickname to protect Ferguson, who won't ever be mixed up with Fran Tarkenton in his ability to scramble.
Air Coryell — Don Coryell's teams of the 1980s knew how to throw — a lot. Led by waddling bearded quarterback Dan Fouts, who looked more apt to throwing his weight around the buffet table than the football field, Coryell gave Fouts his blessing to hoist the ball as much as he desired, thus creating one of the most accurate nicknames ever. Fouts responded by taking Coryell at his word, racking up all kinds of gaudy numbers.
The Greatest Show on Turf — The pre-new millennium St. Louis Rams had electric players at every turn. Whether it was grocery boy-cum laude Kurt Warner at QB, lighting quick versatile running back Marshall Faulk, or Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, twin threats at receiver, this crew could move the ball down the field at a spectacular rate, sadly so for opposing defenses.
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. In addition, years later, the Dolphins also had the Killer B's, a defense dubbed appropriately since defensive starters Bob Baumhower, Bob Brudzinski, Doug Betters, Charles Bowser, Glenn Blackwood and Lyle Blackwood all had names that began with B.
The Electric Company — The 1970s Buffalo Bills offensive line. You can't name one of them, but you sure as heck know the guy they were blocking for. Think what you want about O.J. Simpson, he was awesome in his days on the field, and the guys on the line who provided avenues to run through for Simpson "turned on the 'Juice'" by paving the way for the star halfback, who was nicknamed "Juice," because a common nickname for orange juice is also O.J.
The Fun Bunch — This early 1980s Washington Redskins wide receivers and tight end core featuring All-Everything wideout Art Monk, Gary Sanders, Charlie Brown, Alvin Garrett and Ricky Walker. These guys made the "F" in NFL stand for fun, as they gyrated around the end zone following a score. The groups choreographed touchdown celebrations led to a league-wide ban of "excessive celebration" in 1984, and put a damper on everything that was great about end zone celebrations.
Purple People Eaters — The 1970s Minnesota Vikings defensive line has always had a special place in my heart. Gritty, tough, afraid of nothing – outside of maybe winning the Super Bowl. Specifically, the combination of Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, and Gary Larsen created headaches, at times literally, for offensive lines and quarterbacks.
Kardiac Kids — All right, I may be a homer on this one, but who doesn't get goose bumps when you talk about the Brian Sipe Show. Besides, who could ever forget those nail-biting suspenseful games where Sipe resurrected the Browns one more time, arising from the ashes? And, who could ever forget, 'The Browns in the playoffs, Dave Logan leapin', Doug Dieken blockin', DeLeone a hackin', Cardiac Kids a-winnin', Darden interceptin', Newsome a-catchin', both the Pruitt's moves... Alzado attackin', Brian Sipe a-passin', Don Cockcroft kickin' on a Rutigliano Super Bowl Team.
Monsters of the Midway — Perhaps the classiest of the nicknames. Originally applied to the Chicago Bears of the early 1940s, but revived for the 1980s Bears, it demands that you sit up and remember guys like Mike Singletary and Dick Butkus, and respect the "C." Originally used for the University of Chicago Maroons college football team. "Midway" was the name of the park on campus, and is so fitting.
The Steel Curtain — The 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers defensive team, widely considered to be one of the most dominant defenses in the history of the NFL, are the apex for teams to shoot for as their goal. In 1976 during a nine-game stretch, the Steel Curtain allowed only 28 points, including five shut-outs. The Steel Curtain of the '70s produced four Hall of Fame players, more than any defensive unit ever, including Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Joe Greene, and Mel Blount. LC Greenwood and Donnie Shell have both been Hall of Fame finalists several times. And the nickname is simply spot-on perfect.