The Top 10 NFL Nicknames of the Greatest Professional Football Players of All Time: Part 1

Any avid NFL fan does not presume that nicknames are given to any professional football player by sheer whimsical thought. The majority of NFL thrill seekers are aware that these names are earned by a players outstanding contribution in their first three or four years becoming indoctrinated into the NFL.Once an NFL player has established their self as a solidified playmaker - their nickname becomes a part of who they will be remembered as, it is like a badge of honor that the player earns - a sort of respect that cannot be embellished by any one individual player.

The top ten greatest NFL nicknames of all time began from the old school of professional football - and have been carried on unto the modern era of the NFL. Many of the nicknames that were given to these NFL greats were not all by accident or coincidence alone, it was more so a spontaneous reaction that brought about these memorable names.

There can be no denying that NFL nicknames make a player seem larger than life, but when it is all said and done - these NFL greats will be remembered for what they have contributed to the game of professional football.

#1. Reginald Howard White: The 291 pound 6-5 DE-DT was the true "Minister of Defence" - as Reggie White was a formidable force during his playing career with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, and ending his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 2000.

#2. Charles Phillip Bednarik: The 233 pound 6-3 LB-C was one of the few "Sixty Minute Man" of the NFL game, Chuck played for the Philadelphia Eagles his entire NFL career, he was one of the few players to play two positions longer and stronger with the heart of a wild lion - soaring higher than any eagle would ever achieve, a record that may never be broken.

#3. David D. Jones: The 272 pound 6-5 DE was the "Deacon" when it came to knocking out his offensive opponents; one of the most feared hitters in NFL history, Deacon ended his career with the Washington Redskins in 1974.

#4. Walter Jerry Payton: The 200 pound 5-10 RB was the complete "Sweetness" package, his running style was powerful - but yet graceful, Walter played his entire career with the Chicago Bears.

#5. Joseph Clifford Montana Jr. - The 200 pound 6-2 QB was the Mr. "Joe Cool" in the pocket, running his classic 15 to 20 second drills that shred opposing teams to scramble what would Joe do next. Joe ended his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1994.

#6. Francis Abury Tarkenton: The 190 Pound 6-0 QB was none other than "Scramblin' Fran" - it may seem obtrusive that Fran did not play his whole career with the Minnesota Vikings. Fran played with the New York Giants from 1967 to 1971, he would rejoin his former team in 1972, and would retire in 1978.

#7. Brett Lorenzo Favre: The 225 Pound 6-2 QB has occupied more than one NFL nickname in his playing career, early in his career his Green Bay teammates called him "Country" - and midway through his career he earned the name as "Gunslinger" - and if this was not enough to add to his resume, Favre is now considered "The Iron Man" professional football. Brett will probably end his career as a Minnesota Viking.

#8. Randy Gene Moss: The 215 Pound 6-5 WR has occupied his position like none other except the great Jerry Rice, "The Freak or Freak" has become one of the most feared wide receivers in NFL history. Moss began his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, and he will probably end his career with the New England Patriots.

#9. Jon Steven Young: The 215 Pound 6-2 QB was an understudy to Joe Montana, his endearing time on the bench led to his "Forever Young" playmaking and groundbreaking come from behind theatrical wins. Steve ended his career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1999.

#10. Harold Warren Moon: The 218 Pound 6-3 QB began his career with the Houston Oilers in 1984 - and as he progressed into his illustrious career he adopted the name of "Bad Moon Rising" due to his generalship and acute knowledge of the game. Moon played for four teams total during his NFL career, he ended his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000.

Statistical Resources: www.profootballreference.com