NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 Current Nicknames
By Erik Lambert
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) reacts against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes it’s an underappreciated part of what makes professional sports so much fun to watch, but honestly who doesn’t love a good nickname? It immediately separates the memorable from the unmemorable and goes beyond the simple reference of a name into the realm of character.
Everybody loves stories and stories can’t be good without characters. Football games can often play out like a script, and they’re made all the better by players who are known for their iconic nicknames.
The Bus.
The Diesel.
Sweetness.
Broadway Joe.
Thus the question comes up. What are the best nicknames currently going out there. Let the NFL power rankings sort out of the 10 best.
#10: Tyrann Mathieu: “The Honey Badger“
A honey badger is a creature from the weasel family known for its intelligence, fearlessness and audacity when taking on enemies or seeking food. That would explain how safety Tyrann Mathieu got the nickname coming out of LSU.
He may not be the biggest animal on the block at 5’9″, 174 lbs but don’t sell the guy short because he’s going to hit you hard, hit you often and then steal the football from you. That was his reputation in college with four interceptions and 11 forced fumbles and has since carried over into the NFL with three interceptions and a forced fumble in 17 starts.
Fans aren’t quite taking his reputation seriously just yet, but given the nature of the animal he represents, count him out at your own risk.