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104. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson

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A 15th Round Pick from Widener, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson would become one of the most exciting players in the National Football League almost as soon as he arrived.  Chosen by the Houston Oilers, Johnson played at Wide Receiver (accumulating 4,211 Yards with 25 Touchdowns over his career), but it was as a returner that he excelled and made magic happen. 

As a rookie (1974), he would lead the NFL in Return Yards (1,194), and he would finish in the top five in that stat the next three years.  Johnson would become known for his touchdown dances (he is believed to have been the first to do that) and bright white shoes (hence the nickname).

After his run with the Oilers ended in 1980, he played a season in the Canadian Football League, then returned to play five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and another with the Washington Redskins.  Johnson would go to three Pro Bowls (two with Houston and one with Atlanta) and had 10,785 All-Purpose Yards over his career.

Johnson would be named to both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Team.  How many Hall of Famers can say that they have been selected to two of them?

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1994
  • Position: Punt Returner, Wide Receiver
  • Games Played: 143
  • Notable Statistics: 51 Games Started
    337 Receptions
    4,211 Receiving Yards
    25 Receiving Touchdowns
    56 Rushing Attempts
    316 Rushing Yards
    2 Rushing Touchdowns
    282 Punt Returns
    3,817 Punt Return Yards
    6 Punt Return Touchdowns
    123 Kick Returns
    2,941 Kick Return Yards
    2 Kick Return Touchdowns
    0 Pass Completions
    1 Pass Attempt
    54 Approximate Value

    2 Playoff Games
    1 Reception
    11 Receiving Yards
    1 Punt Return
    0 Punt Return Yards
  • Played For: Atlanta Falcons, Houston Oilers, Washington Redskins
  • College: Widener
  • Drafted: 15th Round, 365th Overall in 1974
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Super Bowl Rings (None)
    NFL 100th Anniversary Team
    NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
    NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1977)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1983)
    Pro Bowl Selection (4) (1975, 1977 & 1983)
    Yards per Punt Return (2) (1975 & 1977)
    Punt Return Yards (1) (1974)
  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
    Top Ten Finishes: Kick Returns (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
    Top Ten Finishes: Kick Return Yards (3) (1974, 1975 & 1977)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Kick Return (2) (1974 & 1977)
    Top Ten Finishes: Punt Returns (6) (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982 & 1983)
    Top Ten Finishes: Punt Return Yards (6) (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982 & 1983)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Punt Return (6) (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982 & 1983)
    Top Ten Finishes: Returns (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
    Top Ten Finishes: Return Yards (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 7. Punt Return Yards: 3,317
    9. Yards per Punt Return: 11.8
    13. Punt Returns: 282
    29. Returns: 405
    39. Return Yards: 6,258
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Billy "White Shoes" johnson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 94.1%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Saturday, 19 September 2026 23:43
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