No, that is not short for America at all. It just appeared that he was far larger when he was filmed. Then to see him otherwise made it seem as if he was shorter. He also is a massive fellow so I think visually the assumption was he was taller. Well at least for me.
For me too. With hindsight... I think the camera was generally aimed up his nose, or he was sitting down... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MVonyVSQoM&feature=related"]YouTube- A-Team Intro High Quality Seriously? Same as it is here.
