Jones owes his alias to his family, who constantly told him he was "A chip-off-the-old-block," in reference to his father. One look at the high-flying X-Games star, and it's easy to see why he is called "The Flying Tomato.". Is it still cool to diss her or is it too far gone now? Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports | Stadium Talk 31.April (Latin origin) meaning "open". 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. No joke here, just a great player and an exceptional man. Gender: Male. But those come from the big four traditional sports: baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Sometimes, the new moniker comes from an inside joke with . The Pro Football Hall of Famer has 16,726 career yards, along with 110 TDs on the ground. He pitched parts of 11 seasons with theMinnesota Twins(1990,1993),Florida Marlins(1995),Chicago Cubs(1995) andBoston Red Sox(1996-2002). Aaron's nickname epitomizes his performance at the plate. Top 10 Runners in the World - SportsRec This nickname isn't creative at all, but is so synonymous with the Yankees third baseman it deserves a mention on the countdown. 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. The Top 10 Athlete Nicknames - Sports Networker But when the band was told they couldn't use his name as their band moniker, they adopted his other nickname and became known as "Pearl Jam," a name that also has rumors to its origins. Sometimes just called Michael "Air" Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever live has been called many other things as well. Payton's defense is the stuff of NBA legend. The wily pitcher was a fan favorite despite his volatile personality, and his moniker is indicative of his aggressive pitching style. The number is currently vacant at the club, just waiting for the next legend to don the famous #7. The best player on the greatest dynasty in professional sports was Bill Russell. The best players to wear 18 as their jersey numbers are sprinkled across all major sports. Wayne Gretzky might be the sport's greatest player, but Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, in many respects, was its most popular. It has been said that Floyd actually fell asleep several times during games in his career, and his hooded eyelids certainly didn't help refute the claims. Pro Football Hall of Famers by Jersey Numbers Class of 2004 inductee Bob Brown wore #76 with the Eagles, Rams, and Raiders. Every year, LeBron James earns around $25 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers and roughly $55 million from endorsements. Famous # 32's | More Sports - TigerDroppings Birth Country: United States. We even remember his name, as "Babe" Ruth, instead of George Ruth. From 00 to 99: Picking the top pro athletes to wear each uniform number New York Mets fans began referring to Dykstra for his "tough-as-nails" approach to the game, and it was later shortened to just "Nails.". Although he personally disliked the nickname, Wooden became known as the "Wizard of Westwood" during his days as UCLA basketball head coach, where he was noted for turning troubled athletes into upstanding stars. Newton was the prime example of how munchies can have devastating effects on your weight and physical appearance. 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.". The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day. How do you rank the best nicknames of all time? Jeter was named to fourteen All-Star teams and won the World Series five times during his career with the Bronx Bombers. 23 Greatest Athletes to Wear No. 23 Quiz Stats - By schredder - Sporcle Usain Bolt (11%) and Pel (11%) then completed the Top 5. . . 13 Most Popular Number In Sports [2023 Update] - Players Bio As time passes, these athletes will be remembered for the accomplishments achieved while wearing their preferred numbers. "Three Fingers" Brown was able to throw many pitches that could not be achieved by a man with a full hand. No list of the best athletes is complete without "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali. 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. ", The NBA Hall of Fame member and current TNT studio analyst is also known as"Sir Charles.". He won both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters in the 2012 London Olympics. 79, which is kind of interesting, but a few football players have. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star, was the NBA scoring champion in 1986 and won two dunk contests (1985, 1990). It was Mike Bratz, a point guard who played 15 games in the 1982-83 season). 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. Grange was drafted by, and finished his career with, the Chicago Bears. After becoming a standout at Arizona State University, Jake Plummer was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and would go on to play for the Denver Broncos. Glen Davis was a big kid. Robinson broke Major Leagues Baseball color barrier, becoming the first black man to play in the league since the 1880s. Robinson possessed tremendous self-control, enduring racial slurs, death threats, and hostile fans around the country. Can you imagine trying to pass through airport security with his full name on a passport? 5 - Joe DiMaggio. "The Mailman always delivers" was the phrase that followed Malone from his college days until the end of his career and beyond. 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. 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). Salley was also a co-host for "Best Damn Sports Show Period," alongside Tom Arnold and Chris Rose. In the postseason, no one is more dominant in baseball than Jeter. John Cena is number 9 in our list of the top 10 most famous athletes in the world. The Team clue is for the team that that athlete is most notable for while wearing the #23, not their current teams. Also called "Golden Joe"and "Comeback Joe," Joe Montana earned his nickname for his ability to stay calm under pressure and come through in the clutch with key passes and throwing accuracy. Manager Alfred Lawson chose to put numbers on his teams jerseys in order for fans to easily identify each of the players. "While doing the research on why someone would name their child "Eldrick," it was discovered the nickname "Tiger" was given to him by his father. 10 Tiger Woods Image Credit- PGA Tour. As of 1999 . 6 also crosses over to baseball. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. When the Bears needed a short yardage gain, there was "The Fridge," banging through the line and stumbling into the end zone. John G. Zimmerman/SI. One of the greatest athletes ever, Usain Bolt is popular by the nickname 'Lightning Bolt'. 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. 32 and 34 for the first 17 of his 19 NBA seasons, before adopting No. If the Cuban pitcher ever wanted to sue the founder of Pilates, he may have a solid case. Childhood friend and neighbor, Wilber Hines, said he gave Paige the nickname after he was caught trying to steal a bag. 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. However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. "The Great Bambino," "The Sultan of Swat," "The Colossus of Clout," and simply "The Babe," are all references to baseball's greatest legend. Best Athletes by Number: 66-99 - Sports Illustrated Wagner recorded over 3,400 hits in his career with theLouisville Colonels(18971899), andPittsburgh Pirates(19001917), in a time known as the "Dead Ball" era when pitchers reigned supreme. "Joltin' " refers to his speed and ability to get a jump on the ball off the bat in the outfield and his smart baserunning abilities. Thomas was a dominant hitter and an icon during his playing days with the Chicago White Sox. Nash led the league in assists five times. Brown has inspired generations of running backs to wear #32 in his honor including Marcus Allen and OJ Simpson. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. No. In less than a decade, both MLB catchers will be Hall of Fame members. The moniker became the genesis of a shoe deal Iverson signed with Reebok and became almost an alter-ego for the prolific scoring guard. Name: Jesse Owens. At every turn, Ronaldo has succeeded and proved to be the best. Bettis is certainly a large man, weighing 252lbs while standing only 5'11" tall. Michael Jordan's #23 is the most iconic number in the history of sports. The Hall of Famer battled through segregation to become one of the greatest left-handed hitters in Major League Baseball history. "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. The ability to play both QB and WR gave Stewart the nickname "Slash," as in quarterback/(slash)receiver. (A special thanks to The Sandlot for assisting with this slide), 8Pro Bowlselection (1981,1983,1984,1985,1987,1989,1990,1993), 3 First TeamAll-Proselection (1987,1989,1990), 3 Second Team All-Pro selection (1981,1983,1984), 4Super Bowlchampion (XVI,XIX,XXIII,XXIV). Triskaidekaphobic football fans dreaded the Sundays when Marino and the Miami Dolphins rolled into town, because it usually meant their defense was in for a long day. He overcame an HIV diagnosis and has continued his success off the court in the business world. Wilkins played 11 seasons of NBA basketball with the Atlanta Hawks and was a nine-time NBA All-Star. He is the most dominating boxer in the history of the sport and is synonymous with boxing legend. The nickname stuck throughout his career and separated his fairly common name from the rest of the herd. Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports. The Galloping Ghost was also a film star, appearing in two silent films in the mid-'20s. A sporty name from a Paralympic athlete can remind children to never give up. Top 100 Athletic Girl Names For Your Future Champion | Kidadl Jeter is an iconic figure from a club renowned for outstanding players and has stood out among the games all-time greats. Birth Year: 1913. While his nickname is creative, it is also a prime example of racial prejudice and bigotry. The iconic hitter earned the nickname "The Flying Dutchman" in his playing days for his speed and nationality. 28) on his jersey, the same number that Vaughn wore in the film. The running back/receiver was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019. "The Snake" was a nickname given to him after the likeness of professional wrestler, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. LINK Famous athletes who wore the number 32: 1. Ivan Rodriguez also got his moniker for the same reason. 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. In 87 career fights, Camacho has 79 wins (including 38 knockouts) and just five losses with three draws. Gordie Howe is considered one of the best hockey players in history but is also known for his friendly personality, kind demeanor, longevity as a player and prolific goal-scoring. A lot of these athletes have worn other numbers as well. 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. ), "The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Inductees". 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. Cristiano Ronaldos image is inseparable from his favored #7. Why he's here: When you start to look through MLB records for switch-hitters, you begin to put Beltran's stellar career in perspective. NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 23 Douglas, standing at 5' 2", also won . He has been inducted into the Pro and College Football Hall of Fames as well as the Atlanta Falcons ring of honor. Top 25 Famous Athletes of India who Transformed Indian Sports William Wilson received the nickname "Mookie" as a child, when his mother noticed he was having trouble asking her for more "milk.". 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. The Rams and Jets QB also did several endorsement commercials during his playing days, including this one for pantyhose, no joke. 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. 3 He was known as the 'Splendid Splinter' and is considered one of baseball's greatest hitters. 13, is right above him at the No. 2 2. Birth date: September 12, 1913. Hardaway was a four-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA first team selection and NBA All-Rookie first team selection (1994). 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. famous athletes number 23 nicknamemeat carving knife blank. Hirsch made his NFL debut for the Chicago Rockets before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Rams. He was also the second most prolific passer in NFL history, with 51,475 career passing yards, despite only leading the NFL in passing yardage once. In modern sports, athletes are valuable assets that are the centerpiece of advertising campaigns and the faces of their organizations. Smith spent 11 years in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings (19871990),Atlanta Hawks(1990),Houston Rockets(19901996),Detroit Pistons(1996),Orlando Magic(19961997) andDenver Nuggets(1997). August 10, 2021 9:00 am. He stood 6'-and-a-half inches tall and weighed 225 lbs, a very large size in his time. Oh yeah, he also played basketball for five NBA teams in 15 years and won four NBA championships with three different teams. Pel - Wikipedia