List of NFL nicknames


The following nicknames are given to a unit or a secondary nickname given to some teams used to describe a style of play or attitude of teams at times in accordance with phrases in popular culture of the time. They are not the official franchise nicknames of the National Football League. Since the NFL's inception in 1920, players, coaches, team executives, league officials, and football games have been given nicknames based on either individual achievements, team achievements, historical events, etc.

Teams and units

Nicknames for entire teams, whole offensive units, defensive units, or special teams.
Names which are marked by an asterisk are team nicknames which may have been coined by team members or local media, but never became well known to the public outside of the teams media market for a multitude of reasons, but most likely due to poor performance. The nickname was earned for accomplishments on the field.

A

Nicknames for individual players, coaches and personnel.
NicknamePlayerDescription
A-TrainMike AlstottHow he was as difficult to tackle as a freight train; "A" is a reference to his surname initial
AB, Mr. Big Chest, or Tony-Toe TapAntonio BrownHis initials and his alter ego for making catches on the sideline.
Action JacksonLamar JacksonGiven to him by teammates during high school because of his dynamic play style that produced highlight-reel worthy clips, from the Carl Weathers film of the same name
Ageless WonderDarrell GreenHis remarkable ability to maintain a high level of play during the latter years of his 20-year career.
Air McNairSteve McNairOriginally given to his older brother, McNair earned it due to his impressive throwing talent
Alabama PittsEdwin Pitts Jr.The convict-turned-pro athlete, who briefly played in the NFL in addition to his better-known baseball career, was born in Alabama, in contrast to his father Edwin Sr., who was born in Georgia.
All Day or AD / APAdrian PetersonGiven to him by his parents because he would run "all day" / His initials
Amblin' AmbyAmbrose SchindlerSchindler was one of the earliest scrambling quarterbacks. He chose not to play in the NFL despite being selected in the 1940 NFL draft, but would later return to professional football as an official in the 1960s.
Amish RifleRyan FitzpatrickFitzpatrick has regularly grown a thick beard over the course of the football season, drawing comparisons to the Amish, who have a large community south of Buffalo, where he was playing at the time the name was bestowed in 2010.
AnytimeDevin HesterHis ability to return kicks and punts for touchdowns any time. Inspired from his mentor Deion "Prime Time" Sanders.
The AssassinJack TatumGiven for his pure brutality.
Bad Moon RisonAndre RisonGiven nickname by ESPN's Chris Berman in reference to CCR's song "Bad Moon Rising".
BallSoHard/T SizzleTerrell SuggsSuggs 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 HawkEd ReedReed was always there to make a play on the ball.
Bam BamKam ChancellorFor his devastatingly big hitting ability. Also referred to as 'Kamtrack' and 'Kam Chancellor the Touchdown Canceller'.
BambiLance AlworthFor his speed, and his spectacular and graceful moves.
Bass-O-MaticTyler BassA play on Bass's name and the Super Bass-O-Matic, a Dan Aykroyd sketch from Saturday Night Live that itself parodied the Veg-O-Matic from Ronco.
BeanieChris Wells and Veryl Ebert
Beast ModeMarshawn LynchHe used this term to describe himself during an interview; afterward, fans continued to use the term. Lynch later named his Fan Controlled Football franchise the Beasts in homage to the nickname.
Big Baller BeaneBrandon BeaneGiven to him during his time as Bills GM in the 2020s for his popularity with the team's players. The phrase "Big Baller B—" was originally popularized in 2016 by the Big Baller Brand founded by LaVar Ball.
Big BenBen RoethlisbergerHis imposing size; a nod to the large Big Ben structure in London.
Big CatLeonard WilliamsGiven to him teammate during his rookie season with the New York Jets for his giant size.
Big DaddyDan WilkinsonHis 6′5″, 340 lb frame
Big DaddyGene LipscombAt 6′9″ and 290 lb, Lipscomb, a professional wrestler during the offseason, was one of the largest players in professional football during the 1950s.
Big Dick NickNick FolesConnor Barwin once stated that Foles had the largest penis on the Eagles roster. The moniker became more used following Foles' improbable playoff run, culminating in the Eagles' first Super Bowl victory.
Big GameTorry HoltGoes back to his college career at North Carolina State when he had great performances in games, such as against No. 2 ranked Florida State. He also set rookie Super Bowl records for receptions and receiving yards in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Big Play SlayDarius SlayNickname given to Darius Slay by Mississippi State defensive coordinator Geoff Collins
Big SnackCasey HamptonApparent reference to his large size and penchant for eating
Black UnicornMartellus Bennett
Blitz BoyJamal AdamsHis tendency to blitz despite being a safety
Blonde BomberTerry BradshawHis blond hair, combined with his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, hence "bomber".
BoobieAnthony DixonThe nickname comes from Boobie Miles, a character from Friday Night Lights, and was bestowed by his teammates in college.
BrassErik KramerIn his first play from scrimmage for the Detroit Lions, Kramer, the Lions' backup quarterback at the time, audibled out of the originally called play, prompting a teammate to remark about his audacity that he must have "brass balls."
BrickwallRay LewisLewis 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 JoeJoe NamathReference to the wide avenue that ran through New York, the city where he played QB with the New York Jets. An allusion to Broadway theater, Namath was known for his showmanship.
Breece Lightning/BeastBreece HallA play on "Greased Lightnin'," the car in the musical and film Grease
BreesusDrew BreesPlay on Brees's last name and his perception as the savior of Saints Football.
Brooklyn BulletAbraham BarshofskyThe Russian Jewish immigrant spent his childhood in Brooklyn, and also went by the anglicized name "Johnny Barsha."
BuckJavorius AllenHis high school teammates referred to him as "young buck" as he was a freshman on the varsity team.
Buffalo JoeJoe AndreessenAndreessen has spent most of his life in Erie County, New York, playing high school football in Lancaster, college at the State [University of New York at Buffalo|University at Buffalo], and signing with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Bullet BobBob HayesReference to his incredible speed-won two gold medals and set world record in the 100 m at 1964 Summer Olympics.
BumOial "Bum" PhillipsA contraction of "bumblebee," based on his aunt's thick southern accent
BurnerMichael TurnerGiven both because of his ability to break long runs and because it rhymes with his last name. Got the name in college.
The BusJerome BettisBecause of his ability to carry tacklers on his back like a "bus".
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance KidLarry Csonka & Jim KiickMiami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after the movie about the famous outlaws.
CadillacCarnell WilliamsA high school broadcaster at Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama compared Williams' running to a luxury car.
CannonballJim ButlerA reflection of his 5'9" physique
Captain CheckdownTrent EdwardsName 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 ChaosChris CooleyAdapted from Dom DeLuise's character in The Cannonball Run; possibly due to shared initials.
Captain KirkKirk CousinsNickname adapted from the Star Trek character James Kirk.
Captain ComebackRoger StaubachName 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.
CheetahTyreek HillGiven due to his incredible top speed and acceleration, widely being regarded as one of the fastest NFL players of all time.
Chef Russ, Dangeruss & Mr. UnlimitedRussell WilsonA name given by fans in 2020 along with the slogan "Let Russ Cook". Another name given by fans for his elusive scrambling ability. Calls himself that cause he's corny at times.
CJ2KChris JohnsonGiven to him after rushing for over 2,000 yards during the 2009 season.
Concrete CharlieChuck BednarikBednarik worked as a concrete salesman during the NFL's offseason and was known for his hard hits and persistent endurance.
The CowboyJustin SmithHis Southern accent and his tendency to wear jeans and boots
Crazy LegsElroy HirschNamed for his unusual running style.
Crystal ChandelierChris ChandlerWas plagued by concussions and injuries, referencing his presumed fragility
Danny DimesDaniel JonesCoined by his team's social media department, allegedly for his ability to throw a football with precision as narrow as a dime.
David W. GibsonJoe MontanaA contestant in a San Francisco Chronicle contest to give Montana a nickname noted that Montana's real name sounded too much like a nickname and suggested the realistic-sounding "David W. Gibson" as an alternative. Montana was so amused by the suggestion that he had a placard of the name placed on his locker.
DeeboJames HarrisonHis similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie Friday played by Tom Lister, Jr.
DeeboTyshun "Deebo" SamuelHis similarity in appearance and demeanor to the character in the movie Friday played by Tom Lister, Jr.
DieselJohn RigginsBecause of his powerback style of play—compared to a truck that ran on diesel.
Dr. DeathSkip ThomasBecause of his physical tackling, and apparent resemblance to the cartoon character.
Dr. DoomRobert BrazileTaken from the cartoon character Doctor Doom because he was "death on offensive men".
Don't Cross TheArthur MoatsName 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 TroubleDeAngelo Williams and Jonathan StewartCarolina Panthers running back duo from 2008 to 2014, previously known as Smash and Dash
Dougie FreshDoug PedersonA play on the name Doug E. Fresh. Given to Pederson by Jalen Mills.
Drake "Drake Maye" MayeDrake MayeFrom his team's social media department, reportedly because he was playing so well that his own nickname was enough of an honorific nickname to be repeated as a nickname
DuckDevlin HodgesHodges, in addition to his football playing, is a world-class champion duck caller.
Dump TruckNajeh DavenportAllusion 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 Licks1984 San Francisco 49ers defensive secondary led by Dwight Hicks
Dynamic UnoDavid WilsonHis all-around skills at running back
EdgeEdgerrin JamesShortening of his first name
Earth, Wind and FireBrandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw2008 [New York Giants season|2008 NY Giants] running backs; Jacobs = Earth, Ward = Wind, Bradshaw = Fire
ELIteEli ManningPlay 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 EnforcerKenny EasleyEasley rightfully earned his nickname as “The Enforcer” for this style of play on the field.
An all-around great athlete, he earned recognition for his abilities including 5 Pro Bowl selections, 5 total All-Pro selections, AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1981, AFC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1983, NFL 1980s All-Decade Team honors, is in the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, despite only playing for seven seasons.
Exciting WhitesCooper DeJean and Reed BlankenshipUsing the meme by the same name, Philadelphia Eagles fans began to use a photo of a supermarket wine selection titled "Exciting Whites" to react to outstanding defensive plays by white defenders Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship. The duo embraced the trend by wearing custom exciting whites t-shirts into their week 11 matchup of the 2024 season against the Washington Commanders. During the following offseason, Dejean and Blankenship further demonstrated their acceptance of the nickname by starting a podcast titled "Exciting Mics."
The Face CleaverLeonard Weaver-
Famous JameisJameis WinstonA 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 FreddieJonathan SmithAfter Fred Flintstone—specifically, how Smith's choice of quick, short strides when running resembled Flintstone's when operating the Flintmobile.
Fast WillieWillie ParkerHis speed
FatsoArt DonovanA reference to his large frame.
Feeva IslandJason VerrettDuring 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."
FitzmagicRyan FitzpatrickFitzpatrick has had brief spurts of resounding success, notable examples include when he played with the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins throughout his long career as an NFL journeyman quarterback.
FitztragicRyan FitzpatrickAlong with those brief spurts of success, Fitzpatrick is also notorious for going on cold streaks and drastrically underperfoming in games for multiple weeks.
Flash 80Jerry RiceHis stunning plays combined with his number, 80
Flash GordonJosh GordonAfter the early 20th century multimedia hero Flash Gordon
The Samoan HeadhunterTroy PolamaluHis style of diving into receivers and diving into pass paths for interception, and for Polamalu's Polynesian ancestry
Fragile FredFred TaylorPerception of being injured constantly
FredexFreddie MitchellA play on his first name and FedEx.
The FreezerB. J. RajiA 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.
Galloping GhostHarold "Red" Grange
The General / General LeeSean LeeThe nickname was given to Lee by Bruce Carter, a former teammate of Lee's on the Dallas Cowboys. Carter says that Lee is always in charge and is a great leader. When he talks, everyone listens — "General Lee." The name is also derived from General Robert E. Lee, a former General during the Civil War. But in no ways is the middle linebacker specifically named after the war general.
GEQBUSSam DarnoldAcronym for God Emperor Quarterback of the United States. Has a subreddit called The_Darnold, which is a parody of R/The Donald.
Golden WheelsElbert DubenionJohnny Green, a backup quarterback on Dubenion's Buffalo Bills, gave Dubenion a backhanded compliment admiring his exceptional speed while claiming he couldn't catch a football: "he's sure got those golden wheels."
GravediggerJavon HargraveGiven to him by his defensive coordinator at South Carolina State after getting his first sack.
Gronk Rob GronkowskiShortening of his last name which is Gronkowski. Also a play off of the Incredible Hulk due to Rob's size, power, and dominance.
GrootGreg RousseauA play on his first initial and last name being similar to the Guardians of the Galaxy character. Rousseau was unfamiliar with the character when the nickname was bestowed but came to like the comparison.
Hausch MoneySteven HauschkaPete 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.
HeadhunterJackie WallaceWallace led with his head frequently during his playing career, a tactic that in hindsight Wallace suspected may have caused brain damage later in life.
He Hate MeRod SmartSelf-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.
HollywoodMarquise BrownGiven to him back in college by Oklahoma announcer Gus Johnson back in 2017.
Honey BunsBen CavilNickname given to him for his sweet tooth.
HopalongHoward CassadyA play on his last name and famed Western character Bill "Hop-Along" Cassidy.
Horse WhispererEd OliverIn March 2019, Oliver posted a picture on Twitter of him standing on the back of a horse as a demonstration of his confidence.
The Human Bowling BallDon NottinghamSo named for his short but robust frame.
The Human JoystickDante HallNickname given to him by coach Vermeil because of his big play ability in the return game.
IcemanCaleb WilliamsGiven due to his ability to produce game winning drives in close or comeback games.
IcemanCarlos HuertaBestowed in college, Huerta was renowned for keeping his composure in stressful situations.
Intellectual AssassinRon MixMix had a degree in law at the time he played professional football.
Iron HeadCraig HeywardHeyward had an unusually large head, which he often used as a battering ram.
Jake the SnakeJake PlummerAn homage to Ken Stabler. Both Stabler and Plummer were known for their scrambling abilities; plumber's snakes are augers designed to be able to navigate pipes with curved paths. Similarity in nickname to professional wrestler Jake "The Snake" Roberts, who also took his ring name from Stabler, is coincidental.
JjettasJefferson's Twitter and Instagram usernames.
Jock Strap King & Minshew ManiaGardner MinshewGiven to him by Leonard Fournette from having a habit of doing jock strap-only exercises. A name given to him by fans for his impressive season in 2019 & 2020.
Joe Shiesty and Joe BrrJoe BurrowGiven to him in a viral TikTok by user TrapHouse Sports. Reasons for the nickname are unknown.
Johnny BloodJohn McNallyInspired 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.
JuiceKyle JuszczykBased on his last name.
The JuiceO. J. SimpsonA play on the initials he had used as his de facto first name since infancy, a common abbreviation for orange juice.
K-9Kenneth Walker IIICalled "K9" because he wears jersey number 9 and embodies the tenacious, "dawg" mentality of a Spartan or a "beast", with the nickname combining his number and his fierce running style, similar to a police dog.
Kansas CometGale Sayers"Kansas Comet" was stuck on him by the Director of Sports Information at the University of Kansas.
Kermit'Showtime
The Grim Reaper		Patrick Mahomes"Kermit" based on his voice sounding similar to Kermit the Frog. "Grim Reaper" based upon a speech Mahomes's coach Andy Reid made in a 2022 playoff game: "when it's grim, be the Grim Reaper."
The KitchenNate NewtonSince he was presumably larger than "William "Refrigerator" Perry"
King HenryDerrick HenryHis height and imposing stature.
The KingJim CorcoranA journeyman quarterback whose NFL career was quite brief, Corcoran earned a reputation for pomposity in high school when, coming onto the field in a clean uniform after a rainstorm, he drew a cheer of "hail to the King!" from a spectator.
The KingHugh McElhennyBecause he was "the most feared running back in the NFL."
King of SpringLuis PerezPerez has played seven consecutive seasons of professional spring football: 2019 in the AAF, 2020 in the XFL, 2021 in The Spring League, 2022 in the USFL, 2023 in the XFL and since 2024 in the UFL, appearing in three league championships from 2021 to 2023 and winning the 2023 XFL title. His NFL experience has been limited to preseason games up to 2025. Perez named his autobiography The Spring King.
Law FirmBenJarvus Green-EllisPlay on the length of his full name and its resemblance to the name of a law firm
M-80Malcom FloydHis first initial and jersey number combined, also for his deep play ability.
Machine Gun KellyJim KellyJim 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 Machine Gun Kelly.
The Mad BomberDaryle LamonicaLamonica tended to throw, or "bomb", the ball deep during unnecessary situations.
Mad DuckAlex KarrasBecause of his short legs, he appeared to waddle like a duck.
Mad Maxx & The CondorMaxx CrosbyGiven to him in college for being fueled by relentless anger & motivation. A name given to him football analyst Brian Baldinger for his unusually large wingspan & his pursuit on quarterbacks.
The Mad StorkTed HendricksWhile playing for the University of Miami, the tall, thin Hendricks gained the nickname “The Mad Stork.”
Majik Don MajkowskiA play on the quarterback's unwieldy Polish surname.
Marion the BarbarianMarion Barber IIIBecause of his physical running style and reputation for repeatedly breaking tackles
Marks BrothersMark Clayton and Mark DuperProlific Miami Dolphins wide receiver duo of the 1980s who shared the same first name
Maserati MarvMarvin Harrison Jr.Given to him by Gus Johnson for being one of the fastest receivers in recent memory.
Matty IceMatt RyanIn 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
MCDCDan CampbellStands For "Motor City Dan Campbell"
Mean Joe GreeneJoe GreeneGreene never cared for the nickname
MegatronCalvin JohnsonA reference to his large frame, comparing him to a Transformers character
MinitronJulian EdelmanWhile not many would draw comparisons between the diminutive Julian Edelman and the monstrous Calvin Johnson, Tom Brady did just that by giving Edelman a new nickname: "Minitron"
MongoSteve McMichaelTaken from the character in the film Blazing Saddles, played by Alex Karras.
Mooney WardCharvarius WardGiven to him in reference to his big-time corner play
MooseDaryl JohnstonGiven to him by Cowboys backup quarterback Babe Laufenberg for his blocking ability and opening holes for runningback Emmitt Smith.
Mormon MissileTaysom HillThe utility player is a member of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints].
Mount WashingtonDarnell WashingtonA reference to both his large size, stature, and brute strength, comparing it to that of a mountain. The nickname also alludes to the mountain and neighborhood bearing the Mount Washington name in Pittsburgh.
Mr. RelevantBrock PurdyPicked as the final player in the 2022 NFL draft and showed immediate success afterwards.
MudboneDave KriegGiven to him by Seahawks guard Bryan Millard. Krieg became a permanent consistent fixture at QB for the Seattle Seahawks, like a bone in the mud. He was also nicknamed “The Man From Milton” because he went to Milton College which no longer existed by the time he was a starting NFL QB.
Muscle HamsterDoug MartinOriginally 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.
Night TrainDick "Night Train" LaneDue to his fear of flying, Lane road a night train to away games while the rest of the team flew.
NinoQuandre DiggsOriginally the nickname he got from his teammates back in college.
Ocho CincoChad JohnsonSelf-bestowed pidgin Spanish reference to his uniform number ; originally named Chad Johnson, legally changed name to "Chad Ochocinco" in 2008. Also self-refers as "Esteban Ochocinco".
One Man GangLorenzo AlexanderDuring his early career, Alexander played multiple offensive and defensive positions.
PacmanAdam JonesBestowed in childhood by his grandmother, who surmised he changed directions more often than the popular arcade game character.
Papa BearGeorge HalasThe founding father of the Chicago Bears
Passing PaisanoTommy DeVitoNod to his Italian-American Heritage
PasstronautJosh DobbsIn addition to being an NFL Quarterback, Dobbs double majored in aerospace engineering while playing for the University of Tennessee Volunteers
PinballMichael ClemonsThe punt returner had a scattershot running style akin to a pinball. Though his NFL career lasted only one season, he achieved much greater fame in the Canadian Football League.
The PlaymakerMichael IrvinFor his ability to defeat tight coverage, even double coverage, and make big plays.; possibly self-bestowed
Pooh BearClarence WilliamsBestowed by his grandmother due to a childhood resemblance to Winnie-the-Pooh.
PoopCory JohnsonJohnson once joked that his often fluctuating weight was due to his frequent defecation.
PosseArt Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky SandersTrio of wide receivers on the Washington Redskins of the late 1980s through the early 1990s:
President & Blitz BoyJamal AdamsHis passion, intelligence, and vocal leadership: self-bestowed; blitzes quarterbacks way too much
Presto Podesto from ModestoJohnny PodestoHis last name and place of birth.
Prime TimeDeion SandersHis ability to step up at critical moments and make big plays; possibly self-bestowed
The Prince that was PromisedTrevor LawrenceHis generational talent as an NFL prospect
Punt GodMatt AraizaHis punting power
Quiet StormMarques ColstonReference to Colston's shyness and ability to make big plays.
Quinyonamo BayQuinyon MitchellDue to his overwhelming success in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Quinyon Mitchell gained popularity within the Eagles fan base. The newfound popularity prompted the fan base to begin the search for a nickname. Among the suggest nicknames, the one that stuck was Quinyonamo Bay, a reference to the United States Naval base located in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The Refrigerator / The FridgeWilliam PerryHis immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen
Red RifleAndy DaltonHis ability to throw the ball downfield and his red hair.
Revis IslandDarrelle RevisHis ability to cover wide receivers was compared to being stranded on an island
Rez DawgTucker KraftGrew up on an Indian Reservation in rural South Dakota.
Riverboat RonRon RiveraHis aggressive nature in playcalling
SauceAhmad GardnerGiven to him by one of his youth coaches and originally called "A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner", which was then later shortened.
SausageAnthony ShermanGiven to him by Kansas City Chiefs play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus.
Scary TerryTerry McLaurinGiven to him by teammates for his fast playmaking abilities.
ShadyLeSean McCoyHis mother gave him the nickname as he had many mood changes when he was young.
The SheriffPeyton ManningWell known for calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage and hurry-up offense.
ShipwreckJohn Simms KellyA nod to famed pole-sitter Alvin Kelly, also popularly nicknamed "Shipwreck."
ShnowmanDion DawkinsDawkins coined the word "shnow"—a contraction of "should know"—that quickly became associated with him when he first used it in high school.
SilverbackTrent WilliamsTheir strength, which is likened to that of a silverback gorilla
SilverbackJames HarrisonTheir strength, which is likened to that of a silverback gorilla
Sixty Minute ManChuck BednarikPlaying on both offense and defense ; is sometimes applied generally to any player that does this. Bednarik is generally recognized as the last to have done so.
Slant BoyMichael ThomasHis tendency to run slant routes
Smash and DashChris Johnson & LenDale WhiteRunning 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
Smith Brothers or Smith BrosPreston Smith and Za'Darius SmithFormer Green Bay Packers linebacker duo who shared the same last name.
SmokeyJohn BrownBrown had jet black skin at birth, leading his grandmother to nickname him "Smokey."
Snacks, Big SnacksDamon HarrisonBased on his refusal to eat Rice Krispie Treats left for him by the coaching staff
SnakeKen StablerBoth for his scrambling abilities and his ability to escape criminal charges for his wild off-field antics.
SnoopTyler HuntleyGiven to him by one of his coaches in high school for his resemblance of Snoop Dogg.
SpidermanJoe WebbDrafted 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.
StinkMark SchlerethA nickname coined by his teammates on the Washington Redskins after peeing himself constantly during his career.
Superman CamCam NewtonDue 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.
Swag KellyChad KellyKelly released a rap song about himself in 2012, and the nickname stuck afterwards.
Sweet FeetJames WhiteA nickname that carried on from high school to the pros due to his quickness while running the ball.
SweetnessWalter PaytonEarned in college at Jackson State University for his slick moves on the field, his amazing dancing skills, and his friendly personality.
The GOATTom BradyA name given by fans for being the best QB in NFL history. Short for "The Greatest Of All Time".
The KidJared GoffOften referred to by fans and anchors as "a" or "the" kid because of his facial young look to him.
The TerminatorAaron DonaldA name given by Rams' head coach Sean McVay due to his ability to terrorize opposing offenses.
Thiccer KickerHarrison MevisHis stout frame.
Thunder and Lightning and 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.
TommyE. F. HughittThe origin of this early NFL star's nickname remains unknown. It was popular enough that he legally changed his name to Tommy after his playing career ended.
Tommy CutletsTommy DeVitoHis parents, with whom DeVito still resides as of his rookie professional season, regularly serve chicken cutlets for dinner.
Too TallEd JonesHis tall height
Touchdown JesusJake KumerowNickname given due to his long hair and thick beard resembling a common depiction of Jesus
ToughieFrank StojackNickname given for never having been hurt on the field throughout his collegiate career and first year in the NFL.
Tuel TimeJeff TuelA play on the show-within-a-show Tool Time on the 1990s sitcom Home Improvement.
TuffyAlfonse LeemansNickname adopted due to softness of his given name, Alfonse.
TunaBill ParcellsBestowed in 1980, well after his NFL playing career ended, when Parcells was an assistant with the New England Patriots, as an homage to the advertising icon Charlie the Tuna.
Two Point TupaTom TupaTupa 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 RicoKyle OrtonOrton 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.
Weapon XBrian DawkinsOver the span of his career, Dawkins developed a reputation as a ball-hawking safety and became the unquestioned leader of the Philadelphia Eagles' defense. He earned the nickname "Weapon X," a codename of Marvel character Wolverine, the comic book superhero known for relentless aggression.
The Wheaton IcemanHarold "Red" GrangeA part-time job he once held delivering ice in his hometown of Wheaton, Illinois
WhizzerByron WhiteAn alliterative play on his last name and his speed; White, who led the league in rushing in his short three-year NFL career, was dismayed to find the nickname stuck with him well into his legal career.
WildmanRay Nitschke and Norm Willey
Williams WallPat Williams & Kevin WilliamsThe 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 FlyerDevin HesterHester's speed and a nickname for the city of Chicago, in which he plays; bestowed by WBBM 780 radio-announcer Jeff Joniak
WinkDon MartindaleMartindale shares a last name with media personality Winston "Wink" Martindale.
Winter SoldierJosh AllenNFL Films gave Allen the nickname in reference to his strong arm, imposing size, and Buffalo's cold weather. The "Winter Soldier" name also refers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe character Bucky Barnes and his strong prosthetic arm.
WD40 and For Dunn's initials and Alstott's jersey No. 40, a play on the proprietary lubricant of the same name.
X FactorDante HallHall's prolific special teams success during his prime was an "X factor," a facet of his team's attack plan that most other teams did not have. In acknowledgement of his nickname, he would make an X gesture with his arms during his touchdown celebrations.
YodaSteve LargentFor his ability to use the "force" to visualize himself making any catch.
ZeusTravis Kelce
The Predator'John Abraham-

Places

  • 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, former home of the Las Vegas Raiders, known for having some of the most rabid fans in the NFL. No equivalent exists in Las Vegas's Allegiant Stadium since it eventually opened to the public.
  • 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 Death Star: Nickname for Allegiant Stadium, the home stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders, in Paradise, Nevada due to its resemblance to the fictional space station from Star Wars.
  • The Factory of Sadness: Cleveland Browns Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. Coined in a YouTube video by comedian Mike Polk Jr. after a Browns loss in 2011. The nickname is additionally used as the name of
  • Frozen Tundra : 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.
  • House of Pain: 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.
  • Jerry World: Nickname for AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, after team owner Jerry Jones. The nickname was given to the stadium because of its cavernous nature.
  • The Jungle: Home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Paycor Stadium. This nickname carried over from their previous home, Riverfront Stadium.
  • The Pit: New Highmark Stadium, so named because of its partially below-ground construction. During early stages of construction, several instances of Bills fans illegally trespassing in the bowl led to jokes of "feeding the pit" as a ritual sacrifice to ensure the Bills' success.
  • Razor: New England Patriots stadium Gillette Stadium.
  • Rockpile: War Memorial Stadium, so named for its decrepitude by the time the Bills began playing there; this led to it being replaced with the later Rich / Ralph Wilson Stadium, which named a seating section after the old venue.
  • The Roomba: Allegiant Stadium, so nicknamed because of its resemblance to a Roomba automated vacuum cleaner.
  • 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 Dallas Cowboys fans.
  • Titletown: Referring to both the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin and the 13-time NFL champion Packers teams, including those of legendary coaches Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau.

    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.
  • 49er Faithful: Longtime fans of the San Francisco 49ers as they have been widely known to travel to numerous team away games in support.
  • Bills Mafia: A term for the broad community of Buffalo Bills fans, players, coaches and alumni. Prior to the 2010s, Bills fans were officially known as Bills Backers. "Bills Mafia" originated among a group of Bills fans on Twitter circa 2010 and grew in popularity over the decade.
  • 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 and appears regularly in NFL Films productions.
  • Black Hole: Las Vegas Raiders fans who formerly sat in a section of the Oakland Coliseum known as the 'black hole' which is mostly occupied by rowdy fans when the team played in Oakland.
  • 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 by Chicago Bears fans after the Bears won the Super Bowl. The name mocks Wisconsin's love of cheese. The name eventually gained acceptance.
  • Chiefs Kingdom: Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • ChiefsAholic: Fan known on social media for very frequent attendance at Kansas City Chiefs games, wearing a gray wolf suit and Chiefs gear. Ahead of the 2024 season, he was convicted of multiple counts of armed bank robbery and imprisoned.
  • 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.
  • Flameheads: Fans of the Tennessee Titans wear hats made to look like flames. In Greek Mythology, fire was invented by Prometheus, who was a Titan.
  • 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.
  • License Plate Guy: New York Giants superfan Joe Ruback, who is known for attending Giants games wearing license plates and Giants apparel. He is famous for having attended all 283 games played in the history of Giants Stadium.
  • Mobsquad: Was a nickname given to the Los Angeles Rams from their final season in St. Louis until 2018; following their return to Los Angeles. Though officially discontinued by the team after the 2018 season, the name currently refers to a majority of the Rams fans in Los Angeles.
  • Never Miss a Super Bowl Club: An exclusive group, who have attended every Super Bowl game to date.
  • Pancho Billa: Ezra Castro, a Texas-based Buffalo Bills superfan with a trademark lucha mask whose unsuccessful fight against cancer earned him fame and an appearance at the 2018 NFL draft.
  • 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, and the infamous practice of serving shots of liquor out of a bowling ball, a practice that the league has since banned.
  • Raider Nation: Las Vegas 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".
  • Ravens Flock: the Baltimore Ravens fan base.
  • Red Sea: Fans of the Arizona Cardinals
  • 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.
  • Who Dat Nation: New Orleans Saints fans.

    Games

Throughout NFL history, many significant games have been given nicknames.
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:
  • Bert Emanuel rule: The ball may 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 made a falling catch in the end zone, and placed the ball on the ground soon after he hit the ground and before standing up. This was ruled incomplete upon review, and upheld, though it generated discussion about what constituted a catch.
  • Kam Chancellor/Bobby Wagner rule: Defensive players are now prohibited from running toward the line of scrimmage and leaping or hurdling over offensive linemen on field goal or PAT attempts.
  • 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.
  • 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 cannot 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 1978 [Los Angeles Rams season|Rams] and 1978 [Houston Oilers season|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 2008 [Pittsburgh Steelers season|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 into 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 as the Steelers season|Steelers]' representative for the overtime coin toss. Bettis appeared to call "tails" while the coin was in the air, but referee Phil Luckett declared Bettis called "heads" and awarded possession to Detroit, which went on to win the game before Pittsburgh had a chance to have possession.
  • Jim Schwartz rule: Modifying the "no-challenge" rule adopted prior to the season to eliminate the automatic "no-review" penalty when a coach challenges a play that is subject to automatic review by the replay booth. 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 2012 [Houston Texans season|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 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.
  • Ken Stabler/Dave Casper rule: On fourth down at any time in the game or any down in the final two minutes of a half, if a player on the offensive team fumbles, 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 unless it is recovered for a loss, which places the ball at the spot of the recovery. However, 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 season|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 contact downfield, 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 season|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 2007 [Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore]: the ball hit the left upright, then hit the rear curved post, 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 and from playing both college football and in the NFL in the same season. The rule was enacted after Red Grange and Ernie Nevers joined the Chicago Bears and Duluth Eskimos season|Duluth Eskimos], respectively, immediately after their final college football games in 1925.
  • Ricky 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. Sometimes referred to as the Bernard Pollard rule.
  • 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 fingers on his right hand, 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 set the record for longest field goal, a record that held until 2013.
  • Tua Tagovailoa rule: Enacted in 2022 after the Miami Dolphins quarterback suffered a particularly serious concussion during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which itself had followed what appeared to possibly be another suffered concussion during the prior week’s match against the Buffalo Bills, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to expand the list of concussion symptoms that would prohibit a player’s return to the game if spotted to include ataxia. This rule change has been enforced by independent certified athletic trainers who monitor athletes for concussion symptoms and may remove players from the game if such symptoms are displayed.
  • '''Ty Law 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.

    Gestures and celebrations

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Mile High Salute: A touchdown celebration used by Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis during his playing career, in which he and a teammate would salute each other in homage to the United States Armed Forces. A simplified variant has been used by Broncos players ever since.
  • 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.
  • Trump Dance: A "mix of fist pumps and hip shimmies" popularized by President Donald Trump and increasingly adopted by several NFL players as a celebration dance following his election to a second term in 2024.

    Other

  • The Battle of Los Angeles: The series currently played between the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams as they are the two teams based in Los Angeles. The series originally came into existence in 1982 after the Raiders had relocated from Oakland to Southern California, though the rivalry ended when both teams would relocate following the 1994 season. The series was revived following the Rams and Chargers both relocating back to the city in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
  • Bird Gauntlet: The five teams that use a bird-based team name and mascot. In order to run the bird gauntlet, a team must be scheduled to face all five teams and defeat them all, which has never occurred. Since the Ravens joined the gauntlet in 1996, no team has successfully run the bird gauntlet; the most recent to fail was the 2022 New Orleans Saints. A Cat Gauntlet consisting of the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars exists, but is far rarer due to how each of the four teams is distributed in different divisions and conferences.
  • Boise Rule: A rule instituted by the NFL in 2011 banning non-green playing surfaces. "Boise" refers to Albertsons 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. His father Tim named him in honor of the Duke of Wellington. 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.
  • 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".
  • 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. The K in K-Gun comes from "Killer", the nickname given to Kelly's teammate Keith McKeller.
  • Manning Bowl: Rare games when quarterback brothers Peyton and Eli Manning met as opponents.
  • No Fun League: Used by various reports criticizing the league for its sanctions imposed on teams. Popularized by the XFL.
  • Red Gun: The offense of Jerry Glanville when he was with the Atlanta Falcons
  • Snoopy Bowl: Annual preseason game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The name was coined in 2010 when New Meadowlands Stadium was renamed to MetLife Stadium, stemming from Snoopy being the mascot for MetLife; a Snoopy-themed trophy was also awarded to the winner. The moniker was phased out in 2016 after MetLife stopped using Snoopy in its marketing campaigns.
  • Terrible Towel: a banner conceived by the late Myron Cope 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.
  • Tush Push: A variant of the QB sneak created by the Philadelphia Eagles under Jalen Hurts where the Eagles' O-line and other offensive players "push" Hurts further than a normal QB sneak usually for a touchdown. Also known as the Brotherly Shove or Rugby Sneak. The tush push had been explicitly illegal until 2005, subject to a helping the runner penalty; even when illegal, the foul was seldom enforced.
  • War Room: Another term for the Draft Room, a room at a team's main office space where team executives and others prepare for and make selections during the NFL draft every year.