150 Football Dog Names for the Win

Football dog names are a barking good way to flaunt your enthusiasm for thrilling touchdowns and gripping tackles of American football.

Published January 18, 2024
Dog catching ball at back yard

Football, with its dazzling lights and inspiring spirit, has long stood as a symbol of America's deep-rooted love and passion for sports, uniting diverse fans into one cohesive community. By drawing inspiration from this beloved sport for your dog's name, you not only celebrate your adoration for football but also bring a piece of its unifying spirit into your home. Football dog names are a sure-fire touchdown. 

Football MVP Names for Dogs

The title of MVP, short for Most Valuable Player, has been a prestigious accolade in the football world since 1938, crowning the crème de la crème of gridiron greatness. If you're on the hunt for a name that carries a legacy, why not dive into the roster of past MVPs?

  • Adrian: Adrian Peterson from Minnesota Vikings; MVP Quarterback in 2012
  • Boomer: Boomer Esiason from Cincinnati Bengals: MVP Quarterback in 1988
  • Brady: Tom Brady from New England Patriots; MVP Quarterback in 2018
  • Elway: John Elway from Denver Broncos: MVP Quarterback in 1987
  • Emmitt: Emmitt Smith from Dallas Cowboys; MVP Running Back in 1993
  • Faulk: Marshall Faulk from St. Louis Rams; MVP Running Back in 2000
  • Favre: Brett Favre from Green Bay Packers; MVP Quarterback in 1996
  • Fran: Fran Tarkenton from Minnesota Vikings; MVP Quarterback in 1975
  • Gannon: Rich Gannon from Oakland Raiders; MVP Quarterback in 2002
  • LaDainian: LaDanian Tomlinson from San Diego Chargers; MVP Running Back in 2006
  • Lamar: Lamar Jackson from Baltimore Ravens; MVP Quarterback in 2019
  • Mahomes: Patrick Mahomes from Kansas City Chiefs; MVP Quarterback in 2022
  • Marino: Dan Marino from Miami Dolphins; MVP Quarterback in 1984
  • McNair: Steve McNair from Tennessee Titans; MVP Quarterback in 2003
  • Newton: Cam Newton from Carolina Panthers; MVP Quarterback in 2015
  • Peyton: Peyton Manning from Denver Broncos; MVP Quarterback in 2013
  • Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay Packers; MVP Quarterback in 2021
  • Terrell: Terrell Davis from Denver Broncos; MVP Running Back in 1998
  • Thurman: Thurman Thomas from Buffalo Bills; MVP Running Back in 1991

Dog Names From the 2024 Super Bowl

Dachshund play the football

The 2024 Super Bowl, set to show off in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an awesome place to look for inspiration. Imagine the dazzle of Vegas and the thrill of the Super Bowl merging into one — now that's a playbook of possibilities!

  • Allegiant: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the 2024 Super Bowl will take place
  • City: Kansas City Chiefs are playing in the 2024 Super Bowl
  • Mahomes: Super Bowl 2024 will be Patrick Mahomes first road playoff game
  • Nantz: Jim Nantz as commentary for 2024
  • Pat: Patrick Mahomes will play in the 2024 Super Bowl
  • Usher: The entertainer for 2024
  • Raiders: Allegiant Stadium is the home of the Las Vegas Raiders
  • Romo: Tony Romo as commentary for 2024
  • Sunday: Super Bowl Sunday
  • Vegas: Where Super Bowl 2024 will be held

Superbowl Winners of the Past

If this year's teams aren't your favorites or your favorite squad isn't in the spotlight, why not tip your hat to past champions? Naming your dog after a previous victor is a fun and clever nod to the legends of the game, keeping the spirit of triumph alive in your four-legged friend.

  • Brees: Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in 2009
  • Buccaneer: Tampa Bay Buccaneers; the winner in 2012
  • Chief: Kansas City Chiefs; the winner in 2023
  • Eagle: Philadelphia Eagles; the winner in 2018
  • Hawk: Seattle Seahawks; prior winner of the Super Bowl 
  • Lombardi: Vince Lombardi from Green Bay Packers; won the first two Super Bowls
  • Patriot: New England Patriots; the winner in 2017
  • Ram: Los Angeles Rams; the winner in 2022
  • Seahawk: Seattle Seahawks; the winner in 2014

Best Defensive Lineman for Defensive Doggos

If you have a dog that's always on your side or a great guard dog, why not honor your favorite football squad by naming your four-legged friend after the team's star defensive lineman? With a roster of legendary players to pick from across the years, you're sure to find a name that's as tough and tenacious as your loyal pup.

  • Bosa: Nick Bosa from San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Player of the Year in 2022
  • Deion: Deion Sanders from San Francisco 49ers,  Defensive Player of the Year in 1994
  • Donald: Aaron Donald from Los Angeles Rams, three-time Defensive Player of the Year
  • Gilmore: Stephon Gilmore, winner of  Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 
  • Hargrave: Javon Hargrave from San Francisco 49ers, known to be one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL
  • Jones: Chris Jones from Kansas City Chiefs, nominee for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022
  • Khalil: Khalil Mack from Oakloand Raiders,  Defensive Player of the Year in 2016
  • Micah: Micah Parsons from Dallas Cowboys, nominee for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022
  • Millard: Keith Millard from Minnesota Vikings, Defensive Player of the Year in 1989
  • Quinnen: Quinnen Williams from New York Jets, signed a $96 million contract for the 2023 season to keep him on as defensive tackle to his skills on the field
  • Reed: Ed Reed from Baltimore Ravens,  Defensive Player of the Year in 2004
  • Reggie: Reggie White from Green Bay Packers,  Defensive Player of the Year in 1998
  • Strahan: Michael Strahan from New York Giants,  Defensive Player of the Year in 2001
  • Stubblefield: Dana Stubblefield from San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Player of the Year in 1997
  • Swilling: Pat Swilling from New Orleans Saints,  Defensive Player of the Year in 1991
  • Troy: Troy Polamalu from Pittsburgh Steelers,  Defensive Player of the Year in 2010
  • Watt: T.J. Watt from Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive Player of the Year nominee in 2021
  • Xavien: Xavien Howard from Miami Dolphins, nominee for Defensive Player of the Year in 2020

Related: 10 of the Most Loyal, True-Blue Dog Breeds

Most-Heard Names in Football

While a few names might have missed the roster for the 2024 Super Bowl showdown, the football world is still brimming with celebrated superstars making waves on the field. These might be just the thing for your celebrity dog. This just goes to show that the arena of football is always teeming with talent, beyond even the bright lights of the Super Bowl stage.

  • Allen: Josh Allen from the Bills
  • Bitonio: Joel Bitonio from Cleveland Browns
  • Brock: Brock Purdy from the 49ers
  • Burrow: Joe Burrow from Cincinatti Bengals
  • Chase: Ja'Marr Chase from Cincinatti Bengals
  • Cooper: Cooper Kupp from Los Angeles Rams
  • Creed: Creed Humphrey from Kansas City Chiefs
  • Dak: Dak Prescott from the Cowboys
  • Deebo: Deebo Samuel from San Francisco 49ers
  • Devante: Devante Adams from Las Vegas Raiders
  • Dexter: Dexter Lawrence II from New York Giants
  • Elway: John Elway, one of the most successful players in NFL history
  • Heyward: Cameron Heyward from Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Jaire: Jaire Alexander from Green Bay Packers
  • Kelce: Travis Kelce from Kansas City Chiefs
  • Kittle: George Kittle from San Francisco 49ers
  • Lamar: Lamar Jackson from the Baltimore Ravens
  • Lane: Lane Johnson from Philadelphia Eagles
  • McCaffrey: Christian McCaffrey from the 49ers
  • Minkah: Minkah Fitzpatrick from Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Myles: Myles Garrett from Cleveland Browns
  • Namath: Joe Namath, NFL player found in both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • Ramsey: Jalen Ramsey from Miami Dolphins
  • Taylor: Lawrence Taylor from the New York Giants
  • Trent: Trent Williams from Dan Francisco 49ers
  • Tua: Tua Tagovailoa from the Dolphins
  • Tunsil: Laremy Alexander Tunsil from Houston Texans
  • Tyreek: Tyreek Hill from the Dolphins
  • Vince: Vince Lombardi, led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL Championships between 1959-67
  • Unitas: Johnny Unitas from the Baltimore Colts
  • Wirfs: Tristan Wirfs from Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Related: 12 Famous Dogs in History

Dog Names Inspired by Football Teams

Puppy takes a break from her football

You've got a whole league of football team names to pick from for your dog's moniker, turning your pet into a football icon in your heart. It's a playful way to score a touchdown in naming.

  • Bear: Chicago Bears
  • Bronc: Denver Broncos
  • Bucko: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Bucky: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Buffy: Buffalo Bills
  • Cardin: Arizona Cardinals
  • Charge: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Colt: Indianapolis Colts
  • Command: Washington Commanders
  • Cowboy: Dallas Cowboys
  • Dallas: Dallas Cowboys
  • Falcon: Atlanta Falcons
  • Jag: Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Kansas: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Miami: Miami Dolphins
  • Orleans: New Orleans Saints
  • Panther: Carolina Panthers
  • Raider: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Ram: Los Angeles Rams
  • Ramie: Los Angeles Rams
  • Rave: Baltimore Ravens
  • Raven: Baltimore Ravens
  • Saint: New Orleans Saints
  • Titan: Tennessee Titans

Dog Names From Football Lingo

Choosing a name for your pup from football terminology is not only clever, but it also playfully showcases your enthusiasm for the game. It's a fun way to merge your love for your furry friend with your passion for touchdowns and tackles.

  • Audible: A play called by the quarterback at the line instead of the scrimmage.
  • Blitz: A defensive play where one or more linebackers charge the opponent's backfield to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
  • Block: When one player blocks another.
  • Bootleg: When a quarterback fakes a handoff to the running back.
  • Brace: When a player scores two goals in one game.
  • Draw: When a quarterback seems to be passing the ball but instead hands it off or keeps it. 

  • Fumble: When the football is dropped.

  • Hoof: Powerfully kicking the ball toward the opposite goal.

  • Howler: A costly mistake by a player they can't explain.

  • Hail Mary: When the ball is thrown as far as possible in a desperate attempt to score a touchdown.

  • Kicker: The player who kicks field goals.

  • Line-o: A nickname for the assistant ref on the sidelines.

  • Muff: When a player touches the ball without holding it.

  • Squib: A kicked ball that has a low flight path

  • Tackle: Offensive and defensive tackle.

  • QB: Abbreviation for quarterback.

  • Wildcat: An unusual offensive formation.

Football Names From the Movies

Football movies pack a punch with their inspiring stories and thrilling action scenes. By picking your pup's name from one of these cinematic gems, you're not only giving a nod to your favorite on-screen moments but also playfully broadcasting your deep-rooted love for the sport.

  • Boone: Coach Herman Boone from Remember the Titans
  • Bosley: Alan Bosley from Remember the Titans
  • Boucher: Robert Boucher, Jr. from The Waterboy
  • Burlsworth: Brandon Burlsworth from Greater
  • Cantrell: Annie Cantrell from We Are Marshall
  • Dawson: Red Dawson from We Are Marshall
  • Draper: Lucy Draper from Necessary Roughness
  • Fortune: Fortune from Rudy
  • Hazen: Warden Hazen from The Longest Yard
  • Jack: Jack Lengyel from We Are Marshall
  • Kingman: Joe Kingman from The Game Plan
  • Mack: Vontae Mack from Draft Day
  • Ruffin: Nate Ruffin from We Are Marshall
  • Stella: Stella Peck from The Game Plan
  • Tug: Tug Kowalski from Any Given Sunday
  • Tuohy: Leigh Anne Tuohy from The Blind Side
  • Turley: Turley from The Longest Yard
  • Vermeil: Dick Vermeil from Invincible
  • Vontae: Vontae Mack from Draft Day
  • Weaver: Sonny Weaver, Jr. from Draft Day

Show Off Your Passion for Football

Every one of these names is imbued with a distinct sense of character and legacy drawn from the football world. They present a creative and fun approach to naming your dog that also highlights your passion for the sport.

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150 Football Dog Names for the Win