With that said, let's get this going...
#10. Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas
Maybe "Secret Agent Zero" should be Gilbert's actual nickname after leaving whatever undercover mission he is on to play in a total of 15 games over the last 2 seasons. When he's not devastated by injuries, Arenas puts up monster numbers and makes the mediocre players around him in Washington more effective mediocre players. Plus, anytime you get a non-racially charged shout-out from Kramer, you've got a great nickname.
#9. Alexander "the Great" Ovechkin
Simple, but absolutely perfect for the NHL's one man highlight reel. Ovie's mere presence on the ice restored a floundering Capitals franchise and has built them into a team that will compete for the Stanley Cup every year. Considering he's only 23, we'll have the priveledge of watching Ovechkin fill up Top 10 lists for many seasons to come.
#8. Pablo "Kung Fu Panda" Sandoval
If the "Panda" can keep putting up numbers like he has in his first 1-1/2 seasons, he's going to shoot right to the top of this list just on how fitting the nickname is. At 5-11, 246 lbs. (how he's listed, believe what you want), Sandoval is built like a tank and has about the same level of firepower, putting up 21 home runs and a .326 average this season. Here's to hoping that he and Prince Fielder end up on the same team at some point so I can make my millions selling reinforced astroturf to whatever franchise they end up on.
#7. Calvin "Megatron" Johnson
If you're like me, you simultaneously shook your head and laughed when the Detroit Lions announced Calvin Johnson as their #1 pick in 2007, their 4th wide receiver selected with their first round pick in 5 years. Maybe they knew what they were doing after all. Johnson has emerged as a undeniable force catching the ball, demanding double, or even triple, coverage. If the Lions can transform into something other than the NFL's running joke, it's more than likely going to be on the more than capable shoulders of "Megatron".
#6. Allen "The Answer" Iverson
In the late 90's/early 2000's, Allen Iverson was the most electrifying player in the NBA. During his peak years there wasn't a question that he wasn't "the Answer" to, including "who can cross Michael Jordan"? The new question is will A.I. be the answer to problems that have plauged the Memphis Grizzlies franchise recently. Just don't ask him about practice, I hear he is none too fond of it.
#5 (tie) "Superman" Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard
Don't tell Shaq, but he's going to have to share the "Superman" nickname with Howard. For years, the "Diesel" has held the title with no challengers to the throne. Dwight's performance at the All-Star game in 2008 has launched the Magic's center to the top of the heap as the "Superman" torch bearer. With both playing in the Eastern Conference this coming season, we may just get to see Howard usurp the crown that has sat upon Shaq's head for so long.
#4. Anderson "The Spider" Silva
"The Black Widow" might be more appropriate, but it doesn't flow quite as well "The Spider" for the UFC's middleweight champion/executioner. Since coming over to the UFC in 2006, Silva racked up 10 straight wins and 6 consecutive defenses of his middleweight title. His level of striking and ability to make his opponents look foolish conjures up images of Pernell Whitaker and Ali from the boxing world. He's lankey, he's precise and he's deadly if he gets his hands on you. One only needs to see his performance against Forrest Griffin to see why "the Spider" fits Silva almost as well as that middleweight belt.
#3. "All Day" Adrian Peterson
Freak. Monster. Terror. All could be attributed to the premire running back in the NFL today. But do any two words describe A.P better than "All Day"? Give this man the ball and watch him work his magic. Up the gut, outside the tackles, out of the backfield, in the open field; Peterson can burn you for 6 anytime he touches the ball. If he can keep this up for future seasons we may be giving "All Day" a new tag like "All-Pro" or "All-Time great".
#2. (double shot) "Pretty Boy" Floyd/"Money" Mayweather
The controversial figure and undisputed pound-for-pound #1 boxer in the world (before his short lived retirement) will be the first to tell you that he is one of the all-time greats of the sport. Having never tasted defeat up to this point in his career, the "Pretty Boy" has kept his looks intact with a deadly combination of blinding speed, knockout power and slick defense. As for the "Money" part, I suppose anyone who makes it rain at WrestleMania can call himself whatever he wants. Making $25 million a fight might be a good reason to call yourself "Money" too I guess.
#1. "Tiger" Woods
Quick, without using Google, what is Tiger's real name? Give up?; well I'll put it at the end here. It's hard not to put Mr. Woods at the top of this list considering what he has done in his PGA career. 70 wins on tour including 14 major titles has Tiger in position to be considered the greatest ever to hit the links. What better nickname could you give a man who ruthlessly pursues his prey before overtaking it and letting out a victorious roar when he has reached the top? His impact on the game of golf will continue long after he has Stevey put down the bag and hangs up his cleats. Tiger has bestowed a new energy to a sport that has long been considered to only be for the old and elite. The top of this list is Tiger's as long as he wants it.
P.S., his real name is Eldrick
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