Nicknames are always a fun part of sports. They give us insight into a player’s personality, history and perhaps even their sense of humor. They humanize the players we see on the field in some way and help us understand them a little bit better and identify with them even more.
Historically, nicknames have been simple like calling a red-headed player, “Red” or ironic like nicknaming a bald player “Curly.” Now, they do tend to be a little more advanced than that and often date back to a player’s childhood or high school days.
Here is a look at 10 current Packers players and their nicknames. When possible, I discuss the origin of the nickname.
Have fun with these and feel free to add more current nicknames in the comments if you know them and their origins.
- Adrian Amos, “Smash”
The Packers veteran safety earned the nickname originally because he loves “The Incredible Hulk” but his ability to deliver hard-hitting tackles just reinforces the nickname.
In fact, it’s part of his Twitter handle which is @_SmashAmos31.
The 29-year-old former Penn State star is entering his fourth season with the Packers and has provided the team with steady and consistent play and leadership in the secondary.
- Jaire Alexander, “Ja’Money”
The man they call “Ja’Money” got his money this offseason when he signed a new deal with the Packers that made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
Alexander missed 13 games last season due to a shoulder injury but should be back and ready to play in 2021. He even returned to action during the Packers playoff game last season although he only appeared in eight defensive plays.
In 2020, Alexander earned Pro Bowl honors while making only one interception because of his outstanding cover skills.
His return gives the Packers three strong starting corners with Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas rounding out the trio.
- Kingsley Enagbare, “J.J.”
The Packers fifth-round pick in this year’s draft was selected to add depth as an edge rusher. His nickname is J.J. because he liked the cartoon “J.J. the Jet Plane” as a kid and he had non-stop energy like that character when he was growing up.
J.J. is set to begin his rookie year and to add to the Packers pass rush and special teams.
- A.J. Dillon “The Sauce”
The Packers running back is nicknamed “The Sauce” as his Twitter handle indicates, but his huge quads, which are among the biggest of any running back in the league, each have their own nicknames. One is called “The Quadfather” while the other is nicknamed “Quadzilla”.
You have to feel for any defensive back who tries to tackle Dillon one on one.
Dillon is entering his third season in the league and is looking to rush for 1,000 or more yards for the first time in his NFL career. He gained 803 yards despite starting only two games and splitting playing time with Aaron Jones.
- Mason Crosby, “The Penguin” or “Mr. Magic Leg”
The Packers all-time leading scorer has two nicknames. One is pretty straightforward for a kicker, “Mr. Magic Leg.” For a clutch kicker like Crosby, the nickname makes sense.
His other nickname is “The Penguin.” The origin of that one is less clear.
Either way, Crosby is hoping for a bounce back season after struggling in 2021 with a subpar special teams unit.
- Elgton Jenkins, “Big E”
It’s logical for a 6’5”, 311-pound offensive lineman to have a nickname like “Big E.” It also helps that this particular player is mobile and athletic on top of his size.
Jenkins hopes to return from a season-ending knee injury that he suffered last November. He can play all five positions along of the offensive line and play them well.
In 2020, Jenkins made the Pro Bowl at left guard. Last year he moved to left tackle and played well there after David Bakhtiari was out with a knee injury.
- Aaron Jones, “Showtyme”
A big-play running back like Aaron Jones has earned the nickname “Showtyme.” Jones is a threat to score any time he gets his hands on the ball and he had back-to-back 1,000-plus yard seasons rushing the ball in 2019 and 2020.
Expect Jones to get more opportunities in the passing game this season with the departure of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
The former UTEP star can move all the way to third place on the Packers all-time leading rushing chart with another 1,000-yard season in 2022.
- Allen Lazard, “The Goon” or “Alien Lizard”
When he first came to the Packers, the free agent wide receiver earned the nickname “The Goon” for his willingness to block and get his nose dirty on special teams. Davante Adams said the play he blocked so well on was called 11-goon and that was the origin of the nickname.
Alien Lizard came into play because auto correct settings on most cell phones changed Allen Lazard to alien lizard and the name just stuck on social media.
- Marcedes Lewis, “Big Dog”
The veteran tight end earned the moniker of “Big Dog” for his 6’6”, 267-pound size and his veteran presence. Teammates all look up to “Big Dog” both on and off the field.
The former UCLA star remains a steadfast blocker and is entering his 17th season in the NFL and his fifth with the Packers.
- Sammy Watkins, “Playoff Sammy”
The Packers free agent addition earned the nickname “Playoff Sammy” for his clutch performances in the postseason. Watkins had 14 catches for 288 yards and a touchdown during the Chiefs run to a Super Bowl title in 2019 and has 26 catches for 500 yards in just seven career playoff contests.
Of course, the Packers need him to be “Healthy Sammy” this season as the former first-round pick out of Clemson fights to re-establish himself as a top-ranked target in the NFL.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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