By Chidozie Ehirim
Editor
In elite sport it is often the talent and exploits of the professionals that take part that they are remembered for.
Throughout history there have been a number of stars that have wowed us with their achievements and have captivated us for generations.
However, there are a select few that that are not just known or their sporting ability but also for something else entirely, the very names they carry.
Their monikers are strange, striking, memorable and help them stand out even more. Over the past few weeks, researchers in the Zee Media sports team have been hard at it trying to find the most epic sport star names past and present and have come up with the 10 best ones.
No. 10:
Titus Bramble - Strong name, strong player.
The former Newcastle, Wigan and Sunderland defender has always been regarded as a formidable and physical presence even if his talent was somewhat lacking.
Unfortunately for Bramble he did have reputation for his inconsistent and sometimes atrocious defending. He certainly had presence though and his first name is certainly a fitting if not intimidating one.
The 36 year old is still a player and currently plies his trade as a defender at Stowmarket Football Club in the Eastern Counties League where he is also a coach. In addition he is under 11's coach at Ipswich football Club where he began his career.
No. 9:
Kevin Boss - Always in charge.
The retired American football tight end has more than earned his way onto our list. Boss who spent most of his career professional career with the New York Giants and shorter stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders was highly regarded as an exceptional tight end, equally adept at blocking as he was receiving.
His ability was integral to the Giants winning Superbowl XLII in 2007.
Since retiring from the game in 2013, Boss now runs a strength and conditioning facility called in his hometown of Bend, Oregon in the US.
No. 8:
Linvoy Primus - Long lost brother of Optimus?
This retired Premier League centre back is the second footballer on our list and for good reason.
The ex-Portsmouth FC star was a mainstay at the heart of their defence for nine years and is somewhat of a legend at the Hampshire club. He had a reputation for his firm but fair tackling, prowess in the air and a knack for being at the right place at the right time.
His name is certainly one that carries weight and is one that is more than fitting for someone of his strength and stature.
Despite his toughness, Primus was and is still regarded for being a tremendous person and is known also for his charity work. He plays and active role in the Christian charity Faith and Football and also walked the Great Wall of China raising £100,000 in the process.
No. 7:
Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin - Triple hitter.
The hard hitting Kazakh fighter known also as "Triple G" has always been known as a devastating puncher and a one that strikes fear into his opponents.
Perhaps almost as remarkable as destructive fighting style is his name.
Like others on his list it stands out. However in this case though it is for the way his name has been put together, with all names, first, second and last, curiously all beginning with the letter "g".
There is no doubt that when the 36 year old was born all those years ago, his parents wanted a name that people would remember.
Well, they will. That is for certain.
No.6:
Jeremy Shockey - Electrifying.
The former New York Giants, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints tight end certainly entertained on the field during his career.
Well known for his intense, competitive attitude when playing, Shockey will also be remembered as a tight end that got the job done when it mattered. Dependable and tough, he was also usually charged up for the big game.
Shockey's talent was never up for debate and during his career he earned four Pro Bowl selections. The culmination of his achievements came when he finally won a Superbowl ring in 2009 for the New Orleans Saints.
No.5:
Yuriorkis Gamboa - Epic moniker.
The diminutive Cuban may be small in stature but be aware, he is not to be taken lightly. His amateur career his highly decorated and the former Olympic champion carries explosive power in both hands.
Gamboa, has always been regarded as a fighter with talent and his exploits in the professional ranks certainly reflect that.
Over the course of his career he has won and defended WBA and IBF titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
He is also a fighter with a remarkable story outside the ring having followed some of his fellow countrymen by defecting to the United States.
No.4:
Badou Jack - Cool customer, even cooler name.
The Swedish fighter has steadily gained more respect and plaudits over the course of his career.
A calm, no frills fighter, Jack is highly respected in the professional ranks by his peers.
Having managed to win titles in both the super middle and light heavy weight classes, it is clear for all to see that he knows his craft.
Jack, born in Stockholm to a Gambian father and Swedish mother, also represented his father's country during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and carried the flag during the opening ceremony.
No.3:
Curtis Blaydes - Slicing and dicing.
This rising UFC star is also known by his nickname "Razor" and for good reason.
Blaydes at 6'4" tall and weighing 18 stones is more than a match for his opponents and his imposing figure certainly is certainly one fitting of someone with a surname like his.
The talented fighter, currently competes in the heavyweight division and is keen to eventually win a heavyweight title.
Blaydes is a fighter determined on reaching his goal quickly having already fought three times in the last 8 months.
He is also going after the legendary big names in his division and wants to get to the top as quickly as possible.
No.2:
Golden Tate - A first name that glitters.
Golden H. Tate III has always been highly regarded as a highly talented wide receiver and punt returner and his exploits on the field have earned him plaudits by his fellow players.
In 2015, he was ranked 85th in the top 100 players list by his peers and although his form has dropped off slightly since then he remains a player that does a tremendous job in both his wide receiver and punt returner roles.
His first name has been passed down the generations having been named after his grandfather. Football also is a big part of is family - his father was former wide receiver at Tennessee State and the Indianapolis Colts while his brother Wesley was a running back at Vanderbilt University.
No.1:
Tyson Fury - Furious by name, furious by nature.
The former heavyweight champion is on the comeback trail to retain his titles. Having beaten Vladimir Klitschko in 2015 to claim the unified WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles he was subsequently stripped of the IBF soon after failing to grant a fight to a mandatory challenger.
Following a number of out of the ring issues, he later vacated the WBA, WBO and IBO titles. Despite this he has more than shown his determination to get back into fighting shape.
Fury shed a staggering 8 stones during his last training camp and proved many of his doubters wrong in the process.
The heavyweight star, named by his father after former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, is an imposing but highly cerebral and clever boxer whose skill and ability certainly came to the fore after his shock win against Vladimir Klitschko.
Honourable mentions:
These three stars were close but in the end did not make the final list. However, we have mentioned them.
If you feel we have missed any out from the main or honorable mention list please let us know!
No.5
Jerricho Cotchery
No.4
Claudio Bravo
No.3
Richie Incognito
No.2
Usain Bolt
No.1
J.R. Sweezy
Editor
In elite sport it is often the talent and exploits of the professionals that take part that they are remembered for.
Throughout history there have been a number of stars that have wowed us with their achievements and have captivated us for generations.
However, there are a select few that that are not just known or their sporting ability but also for something else entirely, the very names they carry.
Their monikers are strange, striking, memorable and help them stand out even more. Over the past few weeks, researchers in the Zee Media sports team have been hard at it trying to find the most epic sport star names past and present and have come up with the 10 best ones.
No. 10:
Titus Bramble - Strong name, strong player.
The former Newcastle, Wigan and Sunderland defender has always been regarded as a formidable and physical presence even if his talent was somewhat lacking.Unfortunately for Bramble he did have reputation for his inconsistent and sometimes atrocious defending. He certainly had presence though and his first name is certainly a fitting if not intimidating one.
The 36 year old is still a player and currently plies his trade as a defender at Stowmarket Football Club in the Eastern Counties League where he is also a coach. In addition he is under 11's coach at Ipswich football Club where he began his career.
No. 9:
Kevin Boss - Always in charge.
The retired American football tight end has more than earned his way onto our list. Boss who spent most of his career professional career with the New York Giants and shorter stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders was highly regarded as an exceptional tight end, equally adept at blocking as he was receiving.His ability was integral to the Giants winning Superbowl XLII in 2007.
Since retiring from the game in 2013, Boss now runs a strength and conditioning facility called in his hometown of Bend, Oregon in the US.
No. 8:
Linvoy Primus - Long lost brother of Optimus?
This retired Premier League centre back is the second footballer on our list and for good reason.
The ex-Portsmouth FC star was a mainstay at the heart of their defence for nine years and is somewhat of a legend at the Hampshire club. He had a reputation for his firm but fair tackling, prowess in the air and a knack for being at the right place at the right time.His name is certainly one that carries weight and is one that is more than fitting for someone of his strength and stature.
Despite his toughness, Primus was and is still regarded for being a tremendous person and is known also for his charity work. He plays and active role in the Christian charity Faith and Football and also walked the Great Wall of China raising £100,000 in the process.
No. 7:
Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin - Triple hitter.
The hard hitting Kazakh fighter known also as "Triple G" has always been known as a devastating puncher and a one that strikes fear into his opponents.
Perhaps almost as remarkable as destructive fighting style is his name.
Like others on his list it stands out. However in this case though it is for the way his name has been put together, with all names, first, second and last, curiously all beginning with the letter "g".
There is no doubt that when the 36 year old was born all those years ago, his parents wanted a name that people would remember.Well, they will. That is for certain.
No.6:
Jeremy Shockey - Electrifying.
The former New York Giants, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints tight end certainly entertained on the field during his career.
Well known for his intense, competitive attitude when playing, Shockey will also be remembered as a tight end that got the job done when it mattered. Dependable and tough, he was also usually charged up for the big game.
Shockey's talent was never up for debate and during his career he earned four Pro Bowl selections. The culmination of his achievements came when he finally won a Superbowl ring in 2009 for the New Orleans Saints.
No.5:
Yuriorkis Gamboa - Epic moniker.
The diminutive Cuban may be small in stature but be aware, he is not to be taken lightly. His amateur career his highly decorated and the former Olympic champion carries explosive power in both hands.
Gamboa, has always been regarded as a fighter with talent and his exploits in the professional ranks certainly reflect that.Over the course of his career he has won and defended WBA and IBF titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
He is also a fighter with a remarkable story outside the ring having followed some of his fellow countrymen by defecting to the United States.
No.4:
Badou Jack - Cool customer, even cooler name.
The Swedish fighter has steadily gained more respect and plaudits over the course of his career.
A calm, no frills fighter, Jack is highly respected in the professional ranks by his peers.
Having managed to win titles in both the super middle and light heavy weight classes, it is clear for all to see that he knows his craft.
Jack, born in Stockholm to a Gambian father and Swedish mother, also represented his father's country during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and carried the flag during the opening ceremony.No.3:
Curtis Blaydes - Slicing and dicing.
This rising UFC star is also known by his nickname "Razor" and for good reason.
Blaydes at 6'4" tall and weighing 18 stones is more than a match for his opponents and his imposing figure certainly is certainly one fitting of someone with a surname like his.
The talented fighter, currently competes in the heavyweight division and is keen to eventually win a heavyweight title.Blaydes is a fighter determined on reaching his goal quickly having already fought three times in the last 8 months.
He is also going after the legendary big names in his division and wants to get to the top as quickly as possible.
No.2:
Golden Tate - A first name that glitters.
Golden H. Tate III has always been highly regarded as a highly talented wide receiver and punt returner and his exploits on the field have earned him plaudits by his fellow players.
In 2015, he was ranked 85th in the top 100 players list by his peers and although his form has dropped off slightly since then he remains a player that does a tremendous job in both his wide receiver and punt returner roles.His first name has been passed down the generations having been named after his grandfather. Football also is a big part of is family - his father was former wide receiver at Tennessee State and the Indianapolis Colts while his brother Wesley was a running back at Vanderbilt University.
No.1:
Tyson Fury - Furious by name, furious by nature.
The former heavyweight champion is on the comeback trail to retain his titles. Having beaten Vladimir Klitschko in 2015 to claim the unified WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles he was subsequently stripped of the IBF soon after failing to grant a fight to a mandatory challenger.
Following a number of out of the ring issues, he later vacated the WBA, WBO and IBO titles. Despite this he has more than shown his determination to get back into fighting shape.Fury shed a staggering 8 stones during his last training camp and proved many of his doubters wrong in the process.
The heavyweight star, named by his father after former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, is an imposing but highly cerebral and clever boxer whose skill and ability certainly came to the fore after his shock win against Vladimir Klitschko.
Honourable mentions:
These three stars were close but in the end did not make the final list. However, we have mentioned them.
If you feel we have missed any out from the main or honorable mention list please let us know!
No.5
Jerricho Cotchery
No.4
Claudio Bravo
No.3
Richie Incognito
No.2
Usain Bolt
J.R. Sweezy
Dude I'm loving reading your stuff your writing is awesome!
ReplyDeleteMany Thanks :)
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