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Top 25 NFL Player Nicknames Of All-Time

By Neal Lynch

Nov 8, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts with guard Senio Kelemete (65) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans won, 34-28, in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts with guard Senio Kelemete (65) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans won, 34-28, in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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#2. “The Minister Of Defense” Reggie White

The 13-time Pro Bowler and 8-time First-Team All-Pro earned his nickname while at the University of Tennessee when he became an ordained Baptist minister. White was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 (with the Philadelphia Eagles) and 1998 (with the Green Bay Packers). Reggie’s fifth all-time on Pro Football Reference’s Career Approximate Value leaderboard and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s First-Team All-1980s and All-1990s rosters. The Minister is also second on the NFL’s all-time sacks leaderboard behind Bruce Smith and would probably hold the record had it not been for two seasons spent in the USFL with the Memphis Showboats (great team name, btw).

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) wears a mask during warm-ups prior to the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) wears a mask during warm-ups prior to the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

#1. “Beast Mode” Marshawn Lynch

While playing at the University of California for the Golden Bears, Lynch earned the nickname “Money”, presumably for being so money toting the rock. That handle is also used in his Twitter username. According to SB Nation, the first recorded instance of “Beast Mode” as Lynch’s nickname came in a pre-draft interview in 2007 when Marshawn was asked to describe his attitude.

However, that tag didn’t start trending until November / December 2010, a month or so after he was traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Seattle Seahawks. Then came the “Beast Quake” in January 2011, one of the most memorable runs in NFL postseason history. Uncle Marshawn broke nine tackles during a long touchdown rumble that included tossing New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter to the ground.

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The 5-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2013 and 2014. Lynch is fourth all-time on the Seahawks rushing leaderboard and second in rushing touchdowns. “Money” is now monetizing the “Beast Mode” name by opening up a store and selling branded apparel and merchandise.

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