The thesis:
NFL players whose names set them up for failure
Grow up, Johnny Unitas.
Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.
Guys like Manziel and Clausen set themselves up for failure by not going by John and Jim, respectively. Time to grow up, its the NFL.
— Sean Kane (@SKaneCSN) December 18, 2014 @MikeSielski My rule only applies to the Super Bowl Era. Great job finding the one example from 60 years ago.
— Sean Kane (@SKaneCSN) December 18, 2014 It wasnt Johnny Elway or Joey Montana. Its not Andy Luck or Tommy Brady. Joey Harrington, another prime example.
— Sean Kane (@SKaneCSN) December 18, 2014 The counterpoint:
- Reggie White
- Ronnie Lott
- Willie Lanier
- Sammy Baugh
- Ricky Waters
- Reggie Wayne
- Rickey Jackson
- Ricky Williams
- Champ Bailey
- Danny Wuerffel
- Vinny Testaverde
- Willie Roaf
- Sonny Jurgenson
- Boomer Esiason
- Peanut Tillman
- Bobby Bell
- Jackie Slater
- Billy Kilmer
- Flipper Anderson
- Torry Holt
- Ickey Woods
- Larry Csonka
- Tony Dorsett
- Eddie George
- Bronko Nagurski
- Chuck Bednarik
- Tony Gonzalez
- Joey Galloway
- Randy White
- Jackie Slater
- Bobby Bell
- Dick Anderson
- Beanie Wells
- Lenny Moore
- Herm Edwards
- Charlie Joiner
- Tony Romo
- Archie Manning
- Harry Carson
- Benny Friedman
- Bo Jackson
- Howie Long
- Willie Davis
- Larry Wilson
- Curly Lambeau
- Greasy Neale
And how about some Pro Bowl Johnnys and Jimmys?
- Johnny Bailey
- Johnny Blood
- Johnny Drake
- Johnny Gildea
- Johnny Hekker
- Johnny Johnson
- Johnny Knox
- Johnny Lujack
- Johnny Morris
- Johnny Olszewski
- Johnny Rembert
- Johnny Robinson
- Johnny Roland
- Johnny Strzykalski
- Jimmy Conzelman
- Jimmy Graham
- Jimmy Hill
- Jimmy Johnson
- Jimmy Lawrence
- Jimmy Orr
- Jimmy Patton
- Jimmy Smith
- Jimmy Warren
Got more? Add them in the comments below!
