Top 10 Nicknames in Sports

*I'd like to give credit for the idea for this article to my friend Zach Kern.

Nicknames are commonplace in pro sports.  All the best players—and some of the worst, too—have them.  Here are the ten best nicknames in sports.

10) Big Baby

This is Glen Davis's nickname from his college days at LSU if I'm not mistaken.  It's just funny to think that an NBA big man's nickname includes the word "baby" in it.  But I guess that's why "big" is right there with it.  Ironically funny nevertheless.

9) Nutcracker

Apparently this is what everyone on the Carolina Panthers online Charlotte Observer forum calls Panthers defensive end Tyler Brayton.  No clue why.  They just do.

8) Mr. Clutch

I don't know who has been labeled with this moniker or if this is any athlete's official nickname.  All I know is it rolls off the tongue nicely.  Sounds like it could be LA Lakers guard Kobe Bryant's nickname, though.

7) LT

San Diego Chargers star running back LaDainian Tomlinson's unofficial title.  Somehow it just sounds like a star NFL running back's nickname.

6) Moose

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad's abbreviated first name.  Whenever he makes a play, Bank of America Stadium shakes with chants of, "Moooooooose!!!"

5) TJ Who-sho'-mama

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver TJ Houshmanzadeh's nickname.  It's just so arrogant I have to include it.

4) Pacman

Sorry, Adam.  You're just gonna have to deal with me putting your old name in this list.

3) Brickwall

The official nickname for any beast of a linebacker.  BAMMMM!!!  Just pure domination.  The two players who come to mind for this nickname are middle linebackers Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears.

2) The Knockout (Panthers fans are gonna kill me for this one, and to the player targeted, I'm so sorry.  I still love you.  I just can't resist.)

Steve Smith is deserving of this nickname I just made up for him after the way he punched cornerback (and fellow teammate) Ken Lucas in training camp.  Again, I'm so sorry, Steve, but I just couldn't resist.  It was so perfect.

1) Ocho Cinco

Even though this is legally Chad Ocho Cinco's last name now, it's still the nickname us fans know him by.  Nothing tops this one.  Nothing.

Again, thanks for the idea, Zach!