Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins |
Red Grange, "The Galloping Ghost"
Grange was a star college football player in the 1920s, earning All-America status for three straight years while suiting up for the University of Illinois. He then signed a contract with George Halas' Chicago Bears for a barnstorming tour; the 67-day, 19-game tour is largely credited with legitimizing pro football in the United States. Grange's famous nickname was bestowed upon him by legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice, who wrote a poetic description of Grange after one extremely outstanding game.
"Pistol" Pete Maravich
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Probably the most exciting player besides Jordan to lace them up. He was Showtime and L.A. was the only place he could've played. Sunshine, Movie Stars and "Magic"! They all went together.
Michael "Air" Jordan
I don't need to give his bio. C'mon Bruh!
Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson
Was an outside linebacker, earning All-Pro honors for the 1977 season. Lawrence Taylor, perhaps the greatest player ever at the position, said that he was inspired to wear 56 because it was Henderson’s number. Henderson earned the nickname "Hollywood" for his flamboyant play and high-visibility lifestyle. "Hollywood" was such a good athlete that the Cowboys used him to run reverses on kickoffs, and he returned one for a touchdown. He was one of the first linebackers to run a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. He helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl XII.
"Broadway" Joe Namath
Need I say more with a name like "Broadway playing in New York. The only thing that could have been better is "The King of New York".
Deion "Prime Time" Sanders
The best cover corner to ever play the game! Ya'll didn't know? This guy was the first corner to shut down half of the field and dared you to throw it. Depending on the day his nickname would change to "Neon Deion". He was swagger before it was even a word!
"Hammering" Hank Aaron
He was baseball bruh! What else can I say and the nickname was the oh so hot!
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson
Renaldo "Captain Sky" Thomas
He was probably the best player that you've never heard of on a national level. He was a member of the University of Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma that included Clyde Drexler and Hakim Olajuwon. This guy was the best basketball player to ever come out of Gary, In. and one of the best to ever play in the state. Yes I said it! He was even better than the Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson that came out of the same school, Roosevelt High. The only reason "Captain Sky" didn't make it to the NBA was because he was 6'3' and never played guard until he went to college. If he'd been 6'8'' he'd be a Hall of Famer right now. I hear you saying, "Yeah, Yeah whatever, but his nickname was the best I've ever heard because he could jump out of the gym! Do you hear me? This guy could jump and would "Yoke" on anybody on the floor. Back in the G. that's what they called dunking.
Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
Follow me on Twitter:@jaygravesreport
All are great... the Ice man.. has to be up there... The rifleman ..chuck person .. Marvelous Marvin Hagler..the Tyler Rose.. yeah.man..I loved Earl Campbell and I'm a Sooner. Of course.. Dr J. Of Virginia Squire fame.
ReplyDeleteI could go on and on. Love the topic, and this will be lunch time topic tomorrow with the fellas at work.