Billy "White Shoes" Johnson was a professional football player who played primarily as a wide receiver and return specialist. He played for several teams during his career, including the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons, and Montreal Alouettes.
Johnson began his football career at Widener University, where he played both offense and defense. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL Draft and quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic return specialist. He was known for his flashy style on the field, including his signature touchdown celebration dance, the "Funky Chicken."
In addition to his return skills, Johnson was also a talented receiver. He had his best season in 1980 with the Falcons, when he caught 61 passes for 1,048 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl that year and was also named First-Team All-Pro.
Johnson's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered a serious knee injury in 1983 that forced him to miss most of the season. He was also released by the Falcons in 1986 after a dispute with the team's management.
Despite these setbacks, Johnson continued to play at a high level. He spent the 1987 season with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, where he was named a CFL All-Star. He returned to the NFL in 1988, playing for the Washington Redskins before retiring at the end of the season.
Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his electrifying play on the field and his colorful personality off the field. He was a fan favorite wherever he played, and his impact on the game of football is still felt today. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
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