William Arthur Johnson (born January 27, 1952), better known as Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) from 1974 through 1988. A 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time NFL Team selection, Johnson was one of the first players to display elaborate celebrations in the end zone.
Early life
Johnson earned the nickname "White Shoes" in high school in the Chichester School District in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, where he dyed his shoes as part of a dare. Johnson attended Division III school Widener College in Pennsylvania, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. As a 5'9", 170-pound sophomore, Johnson was named to the 1972 Associated Press College Division All-American team. Johnson was drafted by the Houston Oilers, in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL draft.
Professional career
Houston Oilers
Johnson joined the Houston Oilers as a kickoff returner, with his speed and quickness becoming an occasional part of the offense. As a rookie, he began celebrating touchdowns with a dance known as the "Funky Chicken", a dance based on a song from soul singer Rufus Thomas. It was one of the first touchdown celebrations in league history. He led the Falcons in receptions and receiving yards in 1985. Johnson was injured in 1986 and retired after the 1987 season, although he played one game for the Washington Redskins in 1988.
thumb|Johnson (left) receiving his induction into the [[Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame]]
Coaching career
Johnson is an assistant varsity football coach at Duluth High School in Duluth, Georgia.
Professional softball career
Johnson appeared in 25 games for the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Professional Slo-Pitch Softball League (APSPL) in 1978, one of several men's professional softball leagues, batting .349 with four home-runs.
Honors
In 1994, Johnson was selected as the punt returner on the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. His was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Johnson is the only man selected to the National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team who is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Johnson is one of 29 individuals to be selected to multiple All-Decade teams. On December 17, 2023, Johnson was inducted into the Tennessee Titans Ring of Honor.
Masters Track and Field
Johnson was a star sprinter, and competed in Masters Track and Field after his football career.