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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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson (56) during the Cowboys 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII on January 21, 1979 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson (56) during the Cowboys 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII on January 21, 1979 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images) /

7. Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson

Hollywood Henderson was the Dennis Rodman of football in the 1970s. While he may not be as renowned as Rodman (whose “The Worm” nickname is one of the greatest nicknames in sports history), he was the most free spirit of his era. His interview while wearing the large sunglasses and smoking the big cigarette on the stick was proof of that.

Henderson was a big character, but he was also a good player. He was one of the feature defenders on the Cowboys defenses of the mid-1970s. He appeared in 13 of 14 games as a rookie in 1975. He was a focal point of the Cowboys’ defense over the next few seasons. He intercepted three passes in the 1978 season from his linebacker position and was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career. The Cowboys went to the Super Bowl that season before losing to the Steelers 35-31.

In an era of hard hitting and aggressive defense, Henderson wouldn’t have looked out of place in the modern game. In a league where social media and outspoken players are prevalent, the former Cowboys linebacker would fit like a glove in the NFL in 2021.

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