The Minnesota Vikings Nickname Tracker: 2023 Edition

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Sports are supposed to be fun. Admittedly, there’s a limit to how much fun the average Vikings fan experiences since the team so regularly gets in bed with heartbreak, but let’s not travel too far down that path.

Yes, the Vikings nickname tracker is meant to be about positive feelings only. Cast aside your Super Bowl misgivings and journey with us into the depths of Vikings nickname options. After all, we’re talking about a team that rose to prominence largely due to the Purple People Eaters.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) celebrates his rushing touchdown during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

During the most recent season, Matt Daniels found himself in the headlines due to his proficiency for nicknaming his players. The special teams coordinator – who is always charming and engaging in press conferences – revealed that he’s been hard at work developing excellent monikers for his players. Dan Chisena, who is no longer with the team, was given the title Hot Sauce. Players like long snapper Andrew DePaola, Greg Joseph, Ryan Wright, and Josh Metellus (all listed below) received similarly stellar nicknames from the coach.

Aug 21, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates with long snapper Andrew DePaola (42) during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In some instances, the nicknames are very obvious. My expectation is most Vikings will know about the Kirko Chainz phenomenon, so no further explanation is needed. In other instances, I learned about the nickname directly from the player or coach. I also reached out to the managing editor for Vikings Territory – Dustin Baker – and managing editor for PurplePTSD – Josh Frey – for help. Each provided insight that helped form the list.

Finally, I did some online searching. At various points, I learned about nicknames that I didn’t know existed. In those moments, I toss in a link behind the player’s nickname.

Of course, I’ll mention what I always do in these pieces: I’m a mere mortal who is prone to mistakes. If you spot an obvious miss or something that’s wrong, let me know on Twitter.

The Vikings Nickname Tracker

Addison, Jordan – 2-Car

Booth Jr., Andrew – Smooth (source)

Bullard, Jonathan – Bull

Bynum, Camryn – Beezy

Cousins, Kirk – Captain Kirk, Kirko Chainz, Killer Cuzzo (source)

Darrisaw, Christian – CD, Crime Dog

DePaola, Andrew – Sir Po, All Pro Po (source)

Dobbs, Josh — The Passtronaut (source)

Flores, Brian – B-Flo

Ham, C.J. – Hammer Time (source)

Hicks, Jordan – Simba (source)

Hockenson, T.J. – The Logo

Hunter, Danielle – Gumby, Super Hero, Create a Player (source)

Jefferson, Justin – JJets

Joseph, Greg – G-Money

Lowry, Dean – Juggernaut (source)

Mattison, Alexander – Deuce (source)

McBride, DeWayne – Debo (source)

Metellus, Josh – Mr. Everything, 4-4 Bulldog (source)

Mundt, Johnny – The Bear Killer, Strong Hands Mundt (source)

Nailor, Jalen – Speedy

Nwangwu, Kene – Little Dougie (source)

O’Connell, Kevin – K/O

Oliver, Josh – The Sears Tower

Osborn, K.J. – Mr. Clutch (source)

Phillips, Harrison – Horrible Harry

Powell, Brandon – Mighty Mouse (source)

Smith, Harrison – The Hitman, The Matrix (source)

Thompson, NaJee – Flash Thompson (source)

Udoh, Oli – Oli from Elon

Wright, Ryan – Mr. Wright, The Stallion

BONUS: All-Time Vikings Greats and Their Nicknames

Burns, Jerry – Burnsie (source)

Eller, Carl – Moose (source)

Foreman, Chuck – The Spin Doctor

Grant, Bud – … Bud (his real name is Harry Peter Grant Jr.; originally, the nickname was Buddy Boy)

Moss, Randy – The Freak

Peterson, Adrian – AP, All Day

Spielman, Rick – Slick Rick

Stringer, Korey – Big K (source)

Studwell, Scott – Stud (source)

Tarkenton, Fran – The Scrambler (source)

Williams, Kevin & Pat – The Williams Wall


The Minnesota Vikings Nickname Tracker is simply the latest instalment on the PurplePTSD Section 121. The other entries feature comprehensive discussions of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s trades, the team’s draft pick outlook, recent draft history, and the roster tug of war between Rick Spielman and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. If you see a name missing from the list, let the author know on Twitter.

Last updated on Friday, February 9th, 2024.