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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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 9: Christian Okoye #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game September 9, 1990 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Okoye played for the Chiefs from 1987-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 9: Christian Okoye #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game September 9, 1990 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Okoye played for the Chiefs from 1987-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

13. “The Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye

This one feels like Michael Buffer should be announcing it as he introduces the main event of a UFC card. “The Nigerian Nightmare” is an absolutely rad nickname, and it is incredibly fitting for the man it was given to.

Christiain Okoye looked horrifying on a football field. He stood 6-foot-1 inches tall, and weighed 253 in his playing days. That’s already huge for a running back, but throw on those big shoulder pads that he wore and Okoye looked like the final boss of a football-Mortal Kombat crossover video game.

While many people remember Okoye for a hit he received rather than the hits he dished out (thanks for that, Steve Atwater), he was a menace to bring down. In 1989, he led the NFL with 1,480 yards on 370 carries, which also led the league, and 12 touchdowns. Okoye’s peak was short-lived, but he is one of the scariest runners in the history of football. He left many a tackler in his path of destruction as he rumbled for another big gain or powered into the end zone while inside the red zone. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and was named All-Pro once in his time with the Chiefs.

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