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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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#20. “The Assassin” Jack Tatum

John David Tatum was a three-time Pro Bowl safety who might be best known as the man who hit New England Patriots wide receiver Daryl Stingley during a 1978 preseason game that caused Daryl paralysis from the chest down. The New York Times called Tatum “a symbol of a violent game”. Over 10 seasons, Jack played in 136 games, starting 120, and snatched 37 interceptions. His 30 picks for Oakland puts him tied for fourth most in franchise history. Tatum was also First-Team All-Conference in ‘73, ‘74, ‘75, ‘76, and ‘77, in addition to earning Second-Team All-NFL honors in ‘74 and ‘77. Gotta believe he’d be draped in yellow flags and suspensions in today’s league.

Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) takes the snap against the Detroit Lions in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) takes the snap against the Detroit Lions in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

#19. “Matty Ice” Matt Ryan

According to this tweet from Ross Tucker, Matt Ryan’s nickname “Matty Ice” was not from staying cool under pressure and having ice in his veins during fourth quarter comebacks and game-winning drives. Instead, Tucker’s source hinted that Matt’s nickname derives from his favorite beer in high school: Natural Ice aka Natty Ice.

However, Boston College alums claim Ryan got the tag while at BC as an homage to the brew. Ryan hasn’t missed a start since December 2009 and is the franchise’s all-time passing leader and is second only to LT Mike Kenn as the Atlanta’s most valuable player. Matt’s led the league in fourth quarter comebacks three times (2010, 2012, 2015), and game-winning drives twice (‘10, ‘12).

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) reacts during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) reacts during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

#18. “Pot Roast” Terrance Knighton

The former third round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009 got his nickname when former Jags linebacker Clint Ingram woke up to Terrance ordering a pot roast on a team flight. Turns out Knighton has only eaten pot roast twice in his life! As he mentioned in the linked interview, Pot Roast is actually a steak guy. After four years with Jacksonville, he spent two seasons with Denver before going to Washington last season. This season, he’ll be suiting up with the New England Patriots. If you’re ever wondering who the big dude is in those Bridgestone commercials, it’s Pot Roast. He’s also been called, “Mutton Chop”.

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