Johnston was also the first fullback ever elected to the Pro Bowl, a position officially recognized by the NFL because of Johnston's efforts as a blocker and occasional runner. Beginning in March, Tyson will be featured in a six-part series on Animal Planet entitled, "Taking on Tyson." This nickname isn't creative at all, but is so synonymous with the Yankees third baseman it deserves a mention on the countdown. When he recorded atriple-doubleof 36points, 18reboundsand 16assists. Ivan Rodriguez also got his moniker for the same reason. By Jamie Driver Eddie Fiola Interview Lifelounge Daily Goodness", "e*thirteen Rider Steve Peat Breaks UCI World Cup Record Silverfish UK", "Shoes, Ace, Shuffle and the best football nicknames from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates | Goal.com", "SportMob Top facts about Ruud Gullit, the Black Tulip", "The origins of Maradona's many nicknames: El Pelusa, El Cebollita", "Former Fulham and West Ham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop dies aged 42", "Matthew Booth a white knight for the black masses", "World Cup 2010: Matthew Booth the perfect advertisement for integrated South Africa", "Breesus' is the reason for potentially perfect season", "Calvin Johnson shows why Lions made him No. "The Glide" is a member of the Hall of Fame and captured the 1995 NBA championship with the Houston Rockets. "Babe" Ruth: "The Great Bambino/The Sultan of Swat". Also called "The Boilermaker," Jeffries was a world heavyweight boxing champion just before the turn of the 20th century. From popular baby names to more rare ones, choosing a name from this list is a great choice for sporty girls. Between June 2016 and 2017, LeBron earned $86 million. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his nine NFL seasons, led the league in rushing eight times, and earned four MVP awards. 23, even if it was for a short period during his career. Usain Bolt (11%) and Pel (11%) then completed the Top 5. Fred Stabley Jr. of theLansing State Journal, gave him themoniker, despite protest from Johnson's mother, a devout Christian, who claimed it was sacrilegious. Follow your favourite Olympic heroes on their journey to the games. 79, which is kind of interesting, but a few football players have. Michael Jordan, The Last Dance, number 23, David Beckham, LeBron James Another aspect of the game that set it apart from traditional American football were the names on the back of the jerseys. Thomas was a dominant hitter and an icon during his playing days with the Chicago White Sox. These players have left a lasting impression on their respective teams. Truly the champion of the nickname, Ruth is also the symbol of achievement in our nation's greatest past-time. Fans of this era only know his name as the legend, but quotes from players of his day tell the story of Wagner as a dirty player, often clueing infielders and holding baserunners by the jersey as they attempted to round a base. 1. As if the Venezuelan pitcher needs any more names,Garcs' tongue-in-cheek nickname is a poke at his stature, and friends and teammates commonly refer to him by his moniker. The long red locks flowing from his helmet while he seems impenetrable by gravity seems to make this nickname non-inventive, but still a perfect fit. The 75 best sports nicknames of all time | Yardbarker Penny has attributed his successes in life to his grandma, who raised him up as a child while his mother was away working. DiMaggio was given the nickname "The Yankee Clipper" by Yankees announcer Arch McDonald in 1939, when he likened DiMaggio's speed and range in the field to the then-new Pan American airliner. The number is currently vacant at the club, just waiting for the next legend to don the famous #7. He is also one of the most dominant. A six-time NBA All-Star broke into the league in 1989 with the Seattle SuperSonics and got his nickname, according to Wikipedia.org: "after Sonics announcerKevin Calabrosaw a poster with the name and found it fitting to add to his radio broadcasts.". Davis would often cry to his coach, begging the man to let him play with his friends and the coach would say, "stop crying, you big baby!" . One of the greatest athletes ever, Usain Bolt is popular by the nickname 'Lightning Bolt'. Wagner was a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 1936, gaining 95.13 percent of the vote. While most think the successful Alabama Crimson Tide coach was named "Bear" for his personality, it was actually given to him as a child. Simple, yet accurate, this nickname is solid and turned a superb athlete with a common name into a legend. August 10, 2021 9:00 am. His other famous nickname, "The Yankee Clipper," also deserves a mention on the countdown. Payton's defense is the stuff of NBA legend. Author: SI Staff. The Top 10 Athlete Nicknames - Sports Networker 3 Kids seem to believe that stardom carries with it certain "perks," such as that famous athletes get special treatment if they break the law (34%; 39% of teens and 25% of 10-12 year olds) and are Of course, talking about wood is also a perfect fit for this career above-average hitter. What was your favorite jersey number that numerous legends wore? 6 during his days with the Boston Celtics. The nickname given to Camacho seems born out of synergy, contained in, and rhyming with, his last name. As a pass-rusher, Perry dominated offensive backfields and was constantly in the head of opposing quarterbacks. "The Human Highlight Film" has got to be one of the coolest nicknames in sport and it was perfect for Dominique Wilkins. Nothing more creative for a boxer than "Hitman?" 23 Greatest Athletes to Wear No. 23 Quiz Stats - By schredder - Sporcle Also called "The Baddest on the Planet," Mike Tyson won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout12 of them occurring in the first round. He also played for the New York Yankees of the American Football League for just one season before they absolved into the NFL. In this sport, Lee Chong Wei sits on the throne. The 25 Athletes with the Most Nicknames | News, Scores, Highlights During his time with the 49ers, Rice won three Super Bowls and led the league in receiving yardage six times. The world's 50 highest-paid athletes collected an astounding $2.97 billion before taxes and agents' fees over the last 12 months, smashing last year's record total by 8%more than $200 . The Best Athletes Who Wore #23 - Ranker Mo Farah. While his nickname is creative, it is also a prime example of racial prejudice and bigotry. Indiana Pacers ( 70) Aaron McKie. The left-handed hitting slugger is the current face of the Boston Red Sox franchise and spent many years in a potent lineup with Manny Ramirez. Williams is perhaps best known for giving up the game-and-World Series-winning home run to Joe Carter and the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series. (Trivia time: Which Buls player wore No. Quiz Source His accomplishments on the baseball diamond are virtually unparalleled over the course of a century of baseball history. MLB's best player at each uniform number - CBSSports.com Fan Fuel: Greatest players to wear No. 22 - Sportsnet.ca #23 is now retired by both the Chicago Bulls and North Carolina Tar Heels. There are a couple of stories regarding the origin of Randy Johnson's nickname. In any event, Mays is one of the best players to grace a Major League field and will forever be known as, "The Say Hay Kid.". Famous # 32's | More Sports - TigerDroppings 2 Deion Sanders, CB, Florida State (1985-88) Focus on Sport/Getty Images. Bryant would grow up to be one of the most prominent figures in college sports and one of the most successful coaches in college football history, winning six national titles. When Stewart entered the NFL, he was moved from quarterback to receiver, but was often placed under center for certain plays by head coach Bill Cowher. the bat to Trumper. The lefty was also a six-time Stanley Cup Champion and winner of multiple awards. Steelers commentator Myron Cope is responsible for Bettis' legacy as "The Bus," noting a Notre Dame teammates' adjective when calling Bettis "Bussy.". Ranker Sports. "Go ask Mister October", he said, giving Jackson a nickname that would stick. He did however appear in summerstock productions ofDamn YankeesandFiddler on the Roof.". The running back/receiver was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. 6 also crosses over to baseball. Elgin Baylor. 5 Best players to wear No. Fracisco Cordova (Pittsburg Pirates) 8. The switch worked because Magic and the Showtime Lakers won the NBA Title in 1980 and would go on to win four more before the end of Magics career. Sorry Derek Jeter fans, but Big Red was the best thoroughbred race horse of all-time. He retired as the all-time leader in goals scored with 894 and holds the all-time lead in assists with 1,963. Emmitt Smith. Alexander Karelin (Wrestling)- The . Drexler has had his nickname since his days at the University of Houston, named for his speed and athleticism on the court and his pleasant and easygoing nature in his private life. The nickname got so huge that Simpson's offensive line became known as "The Electric Company," since "Juice" isalso a colloquial synonym for electricity or electrical power. Chicago Bulls: What is Michael Jordan's best nickname? Elway retired following two consecutive Super Bowl wins and appeared in five Super Bowls. Howe is a PR dream, the face of the NHL and a legend in the realm of professional hockey. Olajuwon's first name was spelled "Akeem" in his college days at the University of Houston and early into his NBA career. 99 (he originally wore the No. He has worn the iconic #7 for Manchester United as well as the Portuguese National Team and his current club Real Madrid. Each time he reached a new team, he would shout out "Say hey, man" in order to get his teammates attention, and the name stuck with him wherever he went. Brown played . According to an interview on theDan Patrickradio showon10/22/08, the number change had nothing to do with the filmMajor League. The countdown has begun for when the New York Yankees will retire the #2 of their recently retired shortstop, Derek Jeter. Allyson Felix, Track and Field: 9 medals (6 G, 3 S) Felix is the only female track and field athlete to ever win six Olympic gold medals and her nine medals are tied for the most ever won by a . ESPN World Fame 100 - Top Ranking Athletes Likewise, his relationship with his father remains strong; therefore when Chipper was progressing through the ranks of baseball, he decided to keep the name. James has worn different numbers throughout his career but is probably tied together most with the number 23. Nash led the league in assists five times. 88. Deion Sanders dazzled the nation as he high stepped into the end zone after interceptions and punt returns, frustrating football purists and giving birth to the moniker Prime Time. When the Reading Red Roses took the field in 1907, they changed sports history forever. Wilkins earned his alias with gravity-defying dunks and prolific scoring. Considered one of the best players in professional basketball history, Maravich's life ended and began when he suffered a heart attack while playing a pick-up game in Pasadena, Calif. Maravich was a devout Christian and said shortly before his death he would like to be remembered as a follower of Christ, and not a basketball player. ", The NBA Hall of Fame member and current TNT studio analyst is also known as"Sir Charles.". The #7 has been passed down from Kevin Keegan to Kenny Daglish to Luis Suarez, and many others have held the honor of wearing the most iconic number for one of Englands most decorated football clubs. The most frequent answer was Michael Jordan (23%), followed by Cristiano Ronaldo (15%) in second, and Muhammad Ali (12%) in third. We all know Dizzy and Daffy, Crazy Legs, Shoeless Joe, King James, The Great One and Air Jordan. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. This nickname is clever, scores big points for rhyming with the name and personifies Holyfield to the fullest. In his playing days, Jerome was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. Kemp retired in 2003 and now the only thing falling from the sky in Kemp's world are illegitimate children, as he has 11 of them from nine different women last time we checked. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all sported the #7 during their successful exploits with the club. Newton once weighed as much as 400 pounds and was said to be even bigger than William "The Fridge" Perry, therefore earning him the nickname "The Kitchen.". The #7 shirt at Liverpool has a long and storied history that has seen some of the clubs best players wear the number. How do you rank the best nicknames of all time? Lists of nicknames - nickname list articles on Wikipedia The sports television outlet have come up with a formula that combines endorsements with social media following and the amount of intern He became known as "The Ryan Express" when he came into games because of his fastball that easily topped 100 mph on a routine basis. Pele | Biography, World Cups, & Facts | Britannica While Wilt's playing career and infamous personal dealings with women are the stuff of legend, his nickname seems a little weak for his accolades. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019. "AK-47" is simply Kirilenko's initials plus the number on his Utah Jazz jersey. 1 1. It has been a popular jersey number for decades with success of athletes across the board. Gabby Douglas, is an American gymnast who became the first African American in Olympic history to win the individual all-around event at the 2012 Summer Games. Robinsons #42 will never be worn by another Major League baseball player. But those come from the big four traditional sports: baseball, football, basketball and hockey. The longtime Dallas Cowboy was caught with nearly 400 pounds of marijuana combined in two separate incidents. 23: Chamberlin, Guy Chamberlin. Hayes earned many nicknames during his playing days, such as "The Judge" and his self-proclaimed "Jedi" alias for his pre-Super Bowl XVIII quotes stating he was "The only true Jedi in the NFL" (Star Wars was immensely popular in the late '70s and early '80s). Named for his cool demeanor on a basketball court, Gervin played in both the ABA and the NBA, and it has been said at his ABA tryout in Virginia, he made 22-of-25 three-point attempts. HIGHLAND PARK, IL - OCTOBER 21: A gate with the number 23 controls access to the home of basketball legend Michael Jordan on October 21, 2013 in Highland Park, Illinois. There's something about being a football player while making a living in Chicago that attracts nicknames like a moth to a flame. However, soon after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007, Plummer announced his retirement, citing his desire to live a more peaceful life. These individuals are synonymous with these names and will always remember their playing days and the monikers we used to make them legends of the lingo. Gabby Douglas (Gymnastics)- Flying Squirrel. WIZARDS OF CRICKET Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19678, 21 Jackie Robinson passed away on October 24, 1972, at age 53. Popular nicknames of famous athletes at the Summer Olympics Can you imagine trying to pass through airport security with his full name on a passport? PDF Do As I Say, Not as I Do? - KFF Just the mere mention of "The Great One" in reference to hockey brings memories of nearly 900 goals and a memorable trade that landed the hockey star in Los Angeles. Angel Di Maria currently wears the #7 shirt after his blockbuster transfer deal this summer. The 29 Most Decorated Female U.S. Olympians Of All Time - Team USA Forever remembered for his involvement in the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson was known for his lightning-quick feet and agility, earning the moniker that would become inseparable from his legacy. We even remember his name, as "Babe" Ruth, instead of George Ruth. Clayton Kershaw. Steve Nash - Jackson is No. With more than 36 million social media followers on diverse platforms. "Prime Time" was more than just a nickname for Sanders, it became his alter-ego, and it became difficult to separate the man from the legend. He has a career batting average of .356 and 1,772 hits. Hunter is an eight-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion. It has spawned other nicknames involving athletes with the last name "Rodriguez," including the current record holder for most saves in a season, Frankie "K-Rod" Rodriguez. He used the technique of crouching with his left arm out to fight opponents, and experienced many successes. Source: Getty Images Dominique Wilkins. Famous for wearing the number 23 jersey throughout the entirety of his career, Murphy achieved much while playing, including . Top 15 Most Iconic Numbers in Sports - TheSportster Pel - Wikipedia However, "His Airness" seems to be the most creative, citing his incredible leaping ability. He was often compared to film character Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (played byCharlie Sheen) in the1989David S. Wardfilm Major League. His stellar play as a defensive lineman, along with his faith, helped him earn his nickname as "The Minister of Defense.". Either way, the nickname is very fitting of one of the most dominant strike-out pitchers the game has ever seen. 23 Other. The 6'9", 271lb lineman recorded 57 sacks in his career but played before the sack became an official stat in 1982. Best all-time MLB players at each jersey number, 1-99 23: The Human Rain Delay (Mike Hargrove) Hargrove got the nickname for the many time-consuming adjustments he would make between pitches. It's one of the more unique and popular nicknames of the modern era.". mark reinstein/Shutterstock. The obvious alliteration is a testament to his power-hitting prowess and home run tally as a player. The Canadian ice hockey legend got his moniker from his thundering slap shot, which was said to echo through stands and arenas like a sonic boom. "Mr. Hockey" is used to sum up his life, and it is very fitting. Players carefully cultivate their public images in order to maximize their value on and off the field of play. Gervin would go on to be a nine-time NBA All-Star and be elected to the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. The big man also played for the USA Basketball team, was a two-time NBA Champion, won the NBA MVP in 1995 and was a 10-time NBA All-Star. John Cena is number 9 in our list of the top 10 most famous athletes in the world. 3 He was known as the 'Splendid Splinter' and is considered one of baseball's greatest hitters. In true legendary boxer style, Ali gave himself the nickname "The Greatest," but also deserves it. Robinson possessed tremendous self-control, enduring racial slurs, death threats, and hostile fans around the country. Clyde Drexler. Namath's nickname "Broadway Joe" was given him bySherman Plunkett, a Jets teammate. Floyd's nickname is used to describe the consistent look on his face, and how his complexion reminds on-lookers of someone who looks tired or "sleepy.". He wore the #3 for his entire baseball career and has had that number retired by the New York Yankees. Dykstra was a three-time All-Star, World Series champion and Silver Slugger Award winner while playing for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. The Team clue is for the team that that athlete is most notable for while wearing the #23, not their current teams. 10 Tiger Woods Image Credit- PGA Tour. Along with Aaron's power, his longevity also is worth noting. Kukowas a member of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the late '90s, where he gained his nickname for his superb play and country of origin. Load," and "Round Mound of Touchdown," in reference to one of Charles Barkley's many monikers. That brings his total annual income to roughly $80 million. The 1998 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse reported that cocaine was used by 3.8 million Americans. A sporty name from a Paralympic athlete can remind children to never give up. The 10 Most Iconic Jersey Numbers in Sports History Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, before he was dealt in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angeles Kings. Here are the nicknames of some of the other Olympians. Troy Aikman and Johnston remain close friends, having won three Super Bowls together. For certain teams, some numbers hold a special place in club lore and the hearts of the fans. John G. Zimmerman/SI. He was part of the Brazilian national teams that won three World Cup championships (1958, 1962, and 1970). Aside from being a vegan, Salley is known for several other odd mannerisms and goofy antics. Pro Football Hall of Famers by Jersey Numbers Class of 2004 inductee Bob Brown wore #76 with the Eagles, Rams, and Raiders. Williams said he didnt change his number until 1993 because that was his first chance to do it.". Cocaine usage peaked in the United States 1982 with 10.4 million users. Name: Jesse Owens. The 15 Best Athletes Ever to Wear The Number 23 - YouTube The NBA big man grew up in the small community ofGans, Okla., and attended Oklahoma State University. A list of the greatest athletes to wear the number 22 would be incomplete without one of the NHL's most prolific scorers of the late 1970s/1980s. Die-hard Seattle Mariners fans remember the smooth delivery and fantastic catch phrases of broadcaster Dave Niehaus and the way he would refer to Johnson as "The Big Unit" instead of his actual name for the entire duration of the tall lefty's playing days in Seattle. George Herman Ruth, better known as The Babe, the Sultan of Swat, or the Great Bambino was the greatest hitter during one the greatest eras in the history of baseball. In 1993, Williams started wearing the No. Full list of Olympic athletes, including Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps. Although Williams' long mullet locks are long gone, the moniker follows him wherever he goes. Montana became a football great with the San Francisco 49ers, finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and compiled a career rap sheet that looks like this: The Hall of Famer lost his index finger in a gruesome farming accident, in which he was putting material into a feed chopper, slipped and got his hand mangled. The ever-flamboyant star has also had his run-ins with the law but will go down as a tremendous athlete with a killer nickname. 23 in NBA history. "The Glove" was born when Payton's cousin called him during the 1993Western ConferenceFinals series and told him"you're holdingKevin Johnsonlike abaseballin aglove.". Manager Alfred Lawson chose to put numbers on his teams jerseys in order for fans to easily identify each of th. "Real Deal Holyfield" followed Evander throughout his boxing career, as he captured cruiserweight and heavyweight division championships and defeated Mike Tyson twice, losing chunks of both ears the second time around in the famous 1997 bout. The "Golden Bear" moniker given to the famous golfer was the result of Melbourne Age writer Don Lawrencereferring to the "large, strong, and blond" player as the Golden Bear, and the nickname seemed fitting. The 100 Best Nicknames in Sports History - Bleacher Report Here's a look at 19 of the most famous athletes in the world. Famous Athletes - List & Biographies of World Famous Athletes His #13 is retired by both the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Miami Dolphins, and he is the greatest quarterback to ever wear the number. Mookie Blaylock could have been the name of a famous band. Each sprin While attending the University of Michigan, Traylor earned his nickname for his tremendous size, dominance in the paint, and the way "Tractor" just seemed to flow with his last name. Unless he attempts a return to baseball, which isn't likely, he will be eligible for the Hall of Fame following the 2012 season and could be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and definitely deserves to be elected. At the height of his career, Jordan could take off from the free-throw line and dunk the basketball. Douglas, standing at 5' 2", also won . 99 for years because of an admiration for the football playerMark Gastineau, who also wore No. The former Super Bowl champion New York Giant gained the nickname due to his large stature and semi-rare left-handedness. 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Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recognized these qualities and made Johnson head coach of the team in 2004, before Avery moved on to the New Jersey Nets in 2010. The World's Highest-Paid Athletes 2022 - Forbes Quite possibly the athlete with the most nicknames in sports history, Shaquille O'Neal seems to be a fan favorite wherever he goes, and his outgoing personality has earned him numerous sponsorships and TV/Film appearances. During theWorld Seriesagainst theDodgers, Munson was interviewed and suggested that Jackson, because of his past postseason performances, might be the better interview subject. Whether they describe physical appearance, a catch phrase, or an extreme and unique ability, these nicknames follow their host, even beyond the grave. Paralympic athletes are a source of hope and optimism for many people. Top 100 Athletic Girl Names For Your Future Champion | Kidadl From Quiz: American Sports Nicknames. Jones is said to have 106 sacks unofficially and is one of the most notorious pass-rushers in the history of the game. . Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports. Lemieux was rewarded for his efforts with a third Stanley Cup, which he won as the owner in 2009. There are many different stories explaining the origin of the "Say Hey" nickname, but the most common descriptions is as follows: When Mays was coming up in the minor leagues, he moved so frequently through the ranks he didn't know very many of his teammates names. Baseball stars have had success with the number as well with Don Mattingly, Ryne Sandberg, and Zach Greinke thriving with the number 23 in . The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day.