Fansided

30 best nicknames in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 15: Deion Sanders #21 of the Atlanta Falcons returns a lateral from an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL game at the Fulton County Stadium on December 15, 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 26-13. (Photo by Gin Ellis/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 15: Deion Sanders #21 of the Atlanta Falcons returns a lateral from an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL game at the Fulton County Stadium on December 15, 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 26-13. (Photo by Gin Ellis/Getty Images) /

10. Deion “Prime Time” Sanders

If there is any nickname on this list that perfectly encapsulates its player, it is Prime Time. No matter what team Deion Sanders was [laying for, he made them better, and they instantly became must-see TV.

Drafted No. 5 overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Sanders instantly became one of the most fun players to watch in the league. He intercepted five passes in his rookie season, and also forced two fumbles. He was also Atlanta’s go-to return man on punts and kicks. He returned a punt for a touchdown in his rookie year, as well.

Sanders established himself as the best cornerback in football from 1991-94. He made his first Pro Bowl in 1991. He intercepted six passes that season, returning one for a touchdown. He was named All-Pro in 1992 as teams began looking his way less and less. He still intercepted three passes. In 1994 with the 49ers, Sanders intercepted six passes and returned three of them for touchdowns as San Francisco went on to win the Super Bowl.

Sanders is arguably the best cornerback of all time, and also one of the flashiest and most outspoken. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

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