35 Unforgettable Nicknames in Sports

Charles Barkley has a big sense of humor, a big personality, and perhaps an even larger waistline. He is known as “The Round Mound of Rebound” for his dominance on the boards. The one-time MVP also has been known as “Sir Charles,” “The Chuckster,” “The Chuck Wagon,” and “The Prince of Pizza.” Barkley’s love of food is legendary. He once revealed to Jimmy Fallon that he purposely gained 20 pounds in just two days to try to avoid being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, which didn’t work.

Charlie Hickman was sometimes known as “Cheerful Charlie” due to his upbeat demeanor.

But the most enduring nickname for this early 20th century player has to be “Piano Legs.” The strange name may stem from the powerful legs he needed to run the bases at a reported 215 pounds.

Darrell “Dr. Dunkenstein” Griffith had amazing jumping ability when he played college basketball. His brother changed one letter from the Parliament song “Dr. Funkenstein” to give him his nickname. He was the Rookie of the Year in the 1980-1981 season and competed in the first ever NBA Dunk Contest in 1984.

Before David Robinson was an all-time great NBA player, he played basketball at the Naval Academy. Robinson played for the Midshipmen thanks to a waiver because he was an inch over the 6’6″ maximum height. He grew to 7’1″ by the time of his graduation. He served with the Navy from ashore for two years instead of the typically required five because he was simply too tall to serve on a ship or a plane. After completing his required service, Robinson played for the San Antonio Spurs. His commanding presence and naval service earned him the nickname “The Admiral.”

Before Dennis Rodman was an amateur North Korean diplomat of sorts, he was a talented basketball player. A five-time NBA champ and one of the best defenders ever, Rodman was known as “The Worm” for the way he wriggled around while playing pinball as a child. Rodman’s basketball skills and over-the-top personality also drew other names like “Rodzilla,” “Demolition Man,” “El Loco,” and “Dennis the Menace.”