The Best Nickname in Every Team's NFL History

The NFL has emerged as the elite sport in America due in large part to its famous history that has carried over to present time. Each franchise, whether new or old, has been associated with a certain nickname during the history of the organization.

However, what iconic nickname stands out the most for each franchise? Here is a look at the most prominent nickname for each NFL team.

What prominent nicknames that weren't mentioned deserve to be on the list? Add all of the honorable mentions down in the comment section.

Arizona Cardinals: "Cardiac Cardinals"

The Arizona Cardinals haven't displayed much success for a long enough period that would warrant a name that sticks with the franchise.

However, the name "Cardiac Cardinals" was associated with the franchise during 1974 and 1975, when the St. Louis Cardinals gained the nickname for their high amount of comeback wins. 

During both of those seasons, the Cardinals come from behind wins eventually led to two winning records and division crowns.

Atlanta Falcons: "Dirty Birds"

While the supporters of the Falcons may not be the biggest fans of the name, the backstory behind the formation of it is why this nickname tops the list.

The "Dirty Birds" was a reference to the 1998 team, who were known for their entertaining dances in the end zone when scoring.

The tradition was started by Jamaal Anderson, who brought energy and a cockiness to the team by starting this end-zone celebration.

Since that year, the nickname is used by opposing fans who use it as a knock against the Falcons. Nonetheless, it's quite interesting to see how this nickname was formed.

Baltimore Ravens: "Purple Pain"

The Baltimore Ravens have won two Super Bowl championships since their inception in 1996. And throughout the highs and lows of the franchise, their physical brand of football has been the identity for their success.

While there hasn't been a famous nickname involving the Ravens, the term "Purple Pain" fits the characteristic of that locker room.

Their goal has been to continually intimidate their opponents, a role that their vaunted defense has played for the majority of the last decade.

Buffalo Bills: "The Electric Company"

The Bills have endured their fair share of disappointing seasons. Yet, one of the higher times in the franchise's history was during the 1970s, when the "Electric Company" era occurred.

This era of Bills football was highlighted by the electrifying play of O.J Simpson, who won NFL MVP in 1973 after rushing for 2000 yards.

While it didn't lead to championships, this era allowed one of the game's most talented players to shine across the league.

Carolina Panthers: "Cardiac Cats"

Although the Panthers are one of the younger franchises in the NFL (they formed in 1995), their nickname is based on the Cardinals' nickname "Cardiac Cardinals" as the franchise put their fanbase through grueling losses in its short history.

This nickname was formed during their run to the Super Bowl, where they led the league in comeback wins under quarterback Jake Delhomme and head coach John Fox.

Despite the amount of close games the team played in, they were fortunate that luck fell on their side as they took advantage of the opportunity to win in the final minute.

Chicago Bears: "Da Bears"

While the nickname seems incredibly simple, the nickname "Da Bears" has been a term typically used when discussing the Chicago Bears.

How did the nickname come to life? It formed not too long after the 1985 Bears, who were known for displaying arguably the greatest defense in the history of football, captured the spotlight of the league as one of the favorites to win the title.

Ultimately, their Super Bowl victory has proven to be one of the highlights of the franchise currently, which is a factor for the creation of the famous nickname.

Cincinnati Bengals: "The Bungles"

The Bengals are a franchise that has endured many difficult years under owner Paul Brown. As a result, the most common nickname surrounding the franchise doesn't reflect a positive light.

It can refer to the problems that the Bengals have faced over the last decade, whether it's their losing seasons or a reputation for having plenty of troublemakers on their team.

With the Steelers and Ravens having the majority of the success in the AFC North, that has left the Bengals to be stuck with such a brutal nickname.

Cleveland Browns: "Kardiac Kids"

The Browns are in a similar situation as some of the teams already mentioned on this list. Their lack of success over a long period of time hasn't resulted in this franchise being labeled with a specific nickname.

However, the 1980 Browns were in a position where they were deemed the "Kardiac Kids" due to playing in a handful of close games over the course of the season.

They can be linked to both the Cardinals and Panthers, who share similar nicknames and found success along the way. In 1980, the Browns made the postseason for the first time in eight years.

Dallas Cowboys: "America's Team"

The Cowboys might not be able to boast about hoisting Super Bowl championships over the last decade, but their image as one of the more polarizing franchises has not changed.

"America's Team" has been linked to the Cowboys for quite some time, dating back to the successful days when the team was coached by Jimmy Johnson.

The combination of titles along with star players such as Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin helped create a franchise that is now the most valuable in the league today, according to Forbes.

Denver Broncos: "Orange Crush"

The Broncos have enjoyed a luxurious history as one of the NFL's model franchises. And while the nickname "Orange Crush" isn't used frequently when discussing the Broncos today, it represents one of the more dominant defenses in team history.

As Sports Illustrated notes, the nickname was derived from the 1977 defense that led the team to its first Super Bowl appearance.

With the Broncos now enjoying success with quarterback Peyton Manning at the helm, the nickname may very well fit with the franchises's current title contender.

Detroit Lions: "Silver Crush"

The Lions are one of the few franchises that rarely had any notable nicknames during any point over the last three decades. However, the one nickname that did exist for a short period of time is reflected in the team's current nickname.

At least that is the case according to head coach Jim Schwartz. Schwartz nicknamed the Lions "Silver Crush" after the nickname "Silver Rush" that represented the Lions' defensive line in the 1970s.

Detroit has relied on pressuring the quarterback as a big part of its strategy, with notable Ndamukong Suh anchoring the defensive front.

Green Bay Packers: "The Pack Attack"

The Packers, a franchise that has earned a great deal of success over the course of its history, has never had a notable nickname that stuck.

Thus, the nickname "Pack Attack" symbolizes what the Packers have been known for—great offenses with historically good quarterbacks and head coaches.

Dating back to the days of Vince Lombardi, the Packers have been a formidable offensive unit for decades and have imposed their will on opposing defenses during many eras.

Houston Texans: "Bulls on Parade"

The Houston Texans are the youngest franchise in the NFL, and fans have not yet given them a legitimate nickname as they continue to gain familiarity with the franchise.

However, the most notable nickname for the Texans to date is "Bulls on Parade," which is a reference to the rise of their top-tier defense under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

As the franchise continues to attempt to compete in the AFC and find its identity, the rise of J.J. Watt and the rest of the defense has kept it in the conversation among the conference's elite.

Indianapolis Colts: "Dolts"

The Colts, similar to their AFC South rival Texans, are a franchise that hasn't been tagged with memorable nicknames during its history.

However, the simple term "Dolts" is a reference to the down years of the franchise, most recently the 2011-12 season when the Peyton Manning-less Colts won just two games.

Opposing fans always kick the league's bottom feeders when they are down, and this nickname reflects those hard times.

Jacksonville Jaguars: "Jags"

The Jaguars are one of the NFL's younger franchises and have not established themselves as a popular team that warrants attention outside of its fanbase in Jacksonville.

Due to the organization's low-key reputation, the nickname "Jags" is a good representation of the franchise—simple and nothing special or exciting.

While the franchise has indeed had its moments, the recent struggles at quarterback combined with the multiple losing seasons has resulted in the franchise having a simple identity.

Kansas City Chiefs: "Chiefs Nation"

The Chiefs have been one of the more historical franchises in the NFL despite their lack of championships during their time in the league. Lamar Hunt founded the Chiefs and provided the fanbase with a team to root for.

Over that period of time, the most notable nickname that comes to mind is "Chiefs Nation," a term used to describe their loyal fanbase. The connection between the Chiefs players and their fans is indeed special, allowing them to both be unified and thus called "Chiefs Nation."

Miami Dolphins: "The Phins"

The Dolphins, the franchise most known for its perfect season, did have a specific nickname, "No-Name Defense," that referred to their defense's dominance during the most successful season in franchise history.

However, the term "Phins" has become an easy and simple way for fans around the league to refer to the team. It has also been used by Miami fans who probably realize that their team doesn't have a famous nickname they can follow. 

Minnesota Vikings: "Purple People Eaters"

One of the more creative and funny nicknames in the league, the Vikings have been referred to as "Purple People Eaters" since 1970.

That was the year when the nickname was given as a result of the dominant defensive front that was established, which included Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller and Gary Larsen.

Although this nickname was created nearly 40 years ago, the term still sticks around with those long-tenured fans of the NFL.

New England Patriots: "The Pats"

While the nickname is indeed as simple as they come, "the Pats" has been a common name of reference over the past decade, where the Patriots have found themselves in the spotlight.

Over this period of time, the organization has appeared in five championships and won three. As one of the more disliked teams of opposing fans around the league, the easy and uncreative name has stuck out during its time of success. 

New Orleans Saints: "The Who Dats"

The Saints, after years of losing and disappointment, have built one of the more successful franchises in the league and have both a loyal following and an interesting nickname to back it up.

In the mind of New Orleans fans, the term "Who Dat" has become a cool way to reference the team after the lyrics "who dat say they gonna beat them Saints."

The organization and the fanbase have rallied together for the last few years, whether it was the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina or their Super Bowl championship victory.

"The Who Dats" have proven their worth as a legitimate opponent, especially when they are at home.

New York Giants: "G-Men"

The New York Giants are one of the more recognizable franchises in the league, and the nickname "Big Blue" has stuck with them when mentioned by both their own fans and opposing fans.

This nickname has a lot more meaning for the franchise today, as their two Super Bowl victories over the last few years have made them the best team in a huge NFL market.

Due to their success, the Giants are viewed as the class of New York over their bitter rival from the AFC.

New York Jets: "Gang Green"

The Jets' nickname, "Gang Green," has been boasted by their own fanbase and used to distinguish themselves as the other team in New York.

Since the Rex Ryan era began, the nickname itself is fitting for a team that has been boastful under its head coach and proven to be tough and hard-nosed.

This nickname is one that is easy to remember among opposing fans, many of them who dislike the team for its ability to grab attention or for losing to it in the postseason a few years ago.

Oakland Raiders: "The Silver and Black"

The Oakland Raiders are a franchise that has dealt with a great deal of success along with a handful of losing seasons. Yet, "Silver and Black" has always stayed the prominent nickname of an organization that excelled during most of Al Davis' run as owner.

While the Raiders have been one of the league's worst teams over the past decade, the nickname brings back the memories of their three championships that spanned the 1970s and '80s.

The current state of the Raiders might be bleak, but the nickname is a reminder of their extremely loyal fanbase and the best times of the franchise.

Philadelphia Eagles: "The Iggles"

The Eagles have seen both the benefits and downfalls of playing in the city of Philadelphia with a fanbase that is passionate about the NFL.

That is where the nickname "The Iggles" emerged. While viewed by outsiders as a slang name for the football team, the fans have stuck by that name for quite some time.

Although one could argue that the name lacks creativity, it can't be denied that it is used quite frequently during both the good and bad times of the franchise.

Pittsburgh Steelers: "Blitzburgh"

The Steelers are the league's most decorated franchise with six Super Bowl championships. Throughout those years of dominance, their ability to boast top-notch defenses on a consistent basis has been remarkable.

Thus, the nickname speaks for itself. While "Black and Gold" is a name loyal fans have used during their decades of success, the nickname "Blitzburgh" sticks out as a result of their elite defenses under defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau.

The fact that the franchise has not one, but two notable nicknames speaks to how popular and successful it has been over a long period of time.

St. Louis Rams: "Greatest Show on Turf"

This famous nickname undoubtedly references one of the higher points, if not the highest point, of the franchise.

The Rams had an offense for a three-year period (1999-2001) that was the most electrifying in team history.

From quarterback Kurt Warner to running back Marshall Faulk, the offense had two stars who excelled and led that offense to new heights.

The talent didn't stop there. St. Louis also had the elite wide receiver duo in Torrey Holt and Issac Bruce, which ultimately created a potent offense that was incredibly difficult to stop when all four players were in the prime of their careers.

San Diego Chargers: "The Bolts"

The Chargers are linked to a nickname that represents the franchise's logo. "The Bolts" is a reference to the lightning bolt on the team's helmet, which has been a figure on the Chargers' uniform since playing in San Diego.

Most notably, "The Bolts" stand out when they flash their helmets with the powder-blue jerseys. Many NFL fans enjoy looking back at the past, and that famous uniform combination represents the unique creativity that dates back decades.

San Francisco 49ers: "The Gold Rush"

As one of the more successful and famous franchises in the NFL, the 49ers have a lot of nicknames that represent both the great teams in the present and from their storied past.

However, the most unique nickname of this franchise is "The Gold Rush," one which has a ton of history from the 1800s.

The nickname was created when the discovery of golden nuggets led to thousands of people traveling to California with the hope of a better life.

Granted, the 49ers' nickname doesn't directly derive from football. However, as a part of history, the name is much more creative than the simple "Niners" nickname that most fans use when referring to the team.

Seattle Seahawks: "The 12th Man"

While there isn't a specific nickname that people use as a reference to the Seahawks, their great home-field advantage has gained quite the reputation.

"The 12th Man" is a sign of respect to a fanbase that is passionate about its football team, which is the most popular in Seattle today.

The Seahawks have proven to be a more intimidating team when at CenturyLink Field, a stadium that holds a capacity crowd of nearly 67,000!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: "Pewter Pirates"

The Buccaneers are a franchise that hasn't gained a lot of national spotlight with the Glazer family as owners.

However, the "Pewter Pirates" is one of the more interesting NFL nicknames in recent memory. It was formed after the team changed both its team logo and colors in 1997.

While the nickname may be unfamiliar to the average NFL fan, it's still a term used by loyal Buccaneers fans who experienced the changes implemented by the Glazer family since it purchased the team.

Tennessee Titans: "Smash and Dash"

Since changing its name from the Oilers to the Titans, the franchise has been left without a legitimate nickname that is used by fans.

The only nickname that comes to mind is one that was created by former Titans running back Lendall White, who created the term "Smash and Dash."

This nickname was formed for the duo of White and Chris Johnson, who were among the running backs to succeed in Jeff Fisher's system.

As a result, it's possible that this nickname could be used as a reference for the many notable running backs who have excelled in Tennessee.

Washington Redskins: "The Burgundy and Gold"

The Redskins have been one of the more popular and valuable franchises under Dan Snyder despite competing with another team in the state of Maryland that has won championships in recent memory (the Ravens).

However, the colors burgundy and gold are a combination that has made this franchise stand out. With the emergence of Robert Griffin III as the franchise quarterback, the Redskins continue to grow in recognition.

From the days when Joe Gibbs coached the franchise to the growing icon in RGIII, both of these colors have been a symbol of the team and an easy nickname that is used by the fans.