I have been covering sports since the beard of Santa Claus was jet black. However, during that time, I have not been a knockdown, dragged-out fan of nicknames. But after watching D.K. Metcalf and Darnell Washington at Latrobe, I stand corrected.
After a recent Steelers workout, I experienced a long-awaited epiphany. How could I create and attach a name to a few players that could create a camaraderie between multi-levels of the Black and Gold faithful?
I ran into Steelers all-world wide receiver D.K. Metcalf in the cafeteria after practice one afternoon and I asked him if he had a minute. He came over and I said, “DK, as I watched you participate in practice, the name zip code came to mind, you’re a big boy.” He said: “Yeah but it’s better if you call me area code, because Darnell (Washington) should be called zip code.”
After I thought about it, he was right. D.K. Metcalf covers a lot of area. Darnell Washington is a lot of area to cover.
Metcalf is the 411 and 911 for the Steelers. He represents a source of information and stability on the field when the going gets tough. He also creates camaraderie and inspiration with veteran players and a source of mentorship for younger players off the field.
Metcalf is a vital component of the GPS that may possibly help guide the Steelers players and fans to the promised land to compete for Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where a sweet victory by the Steelers on Valentines Day 2027 might truly end up like a box of chocolates.
However, leading up to the NFL Championship, it will be up to Metcalf and his fellow Steelers veterans to provide and utilize information and increase their production and the quality of their performance as they strive to maintain a dynamic offense during the 2026 season.
The zip code of the Pittsburgh neighborhood Mount Washington is 15211. The human equivalent of a “neighborhood” is Steelers tight end Darnell Washington, aka “Mt. Washington.” He is officially listed at 6 feet 7 inches and 264 pounds. However, Washington has publicly revealed that his actual weight is closer to 311 pounds, though he has also mentioned losing 10–15 pounds in the offseason, meaning he was nearly 330 pounds at one point. Darnell Washington is truly a mountain of a man. That is why he should justifiably be assigned his own zip code.
I am going to provide information about the near impossibility of one or two defensive players to contain or oftentimes stop Darnell Washington. Pay attention. Once “Mt. Washington” gets on a roll, a “landslide of flesh” may occur at any moment, smothering everyone and everything in his path. Trying to get past a block from him on the offensive line…well, let’s put it this way: you’d have a better chance of surviving a jog through hell sporting gasoline underwear.
If the Steelers would only open up their playbook and allow him to shine, I can almost guarantee that Darnell Washington will certainly reign as the resident NFL “terror from the red zone lagoon” in 2026. Take my word for it, ladies and gentlemen. To get the maximum value out of “Mt. Washington,” the Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy would be well advised to increase the use of his massive tight end. Don’t forget, speed and strength along with good hands generally equal touchdowns or at least first downs. The Steelers offense must stop forcing the ball to tight end Pat Friermuth and some of the Steelers other underperformers as well on fourth and one, just to hear the Steeler Nation chant: “muth, muth.”
Nicknames also have a way of oftentimes removing the formality between fans and players and serve to help create a more personal connection.
There are times when nicknames are given to players before they begin their NFL careers. Take the NFL Hall-of-Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene. Greene got his famous nickname “Mean Joe” during his college football days. Back then, he played for the North Texas State team, whose defense was known as the “Mean Green.” So his mean streak was part of his persona early in his career.
Greene’s fellow NFL Hall of Famer Donnie Shell earned the nickname, “The Torpedo,” because of his closing speed and aggressive, explosive style of play as a strong safety. The moniker reflected his ability to launch himself at opponents with the ball, often making spectacular hits and interceptions. This reputation was matched by his durability and impact on the field. Don’t believe me? Former Houston Oilers running back Earl Campbell tenderized the ribs of Shell so thoroughly, all that was missing was the grill, charcoal and charcoal starter.
L.C. Greenwood earned the nickname, “Hollywood Bags,” because he always claimed that he always kept his bags packed because he was always ready for prime time, and Hollywood whenever he was called upon to make a big play because he was always prepared to step into the spotlight. He was always ready to shine whether it was night or day.
However, this last nickname is not funny in the least. The nickname “Booger” was attached to football player and broadcaster Anthony McFarland. According to Mr. McFarland, this name goes back to his childhood. “Booger” said the nickname came from his mother, and it just stuck with him ever since he was a kid and found its way into his football career and became part of his public persona. What the heck was mom thinking? Did he have a snotty nose all the time or have boogers visibly stuck in his nose? Oh well, zip code yeah, area code yeah, Mean Joe, yep, the torpedo, uh huh. But Booger, nah, doesn’t work for me.
