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Billy
"White Shoes" Johnson is a name well known among NFL fans. After 14 years
in the NFL he retired as the league's all-time leading punt returner, and
one of only seven men to have returned four kicks for touchdowns in a single
season. Johnson enjoyed a record-breaking pro career from 1974-88, which
culminated in Johnson being named to the NFL's "75th Anniversary All-Time
team" for his exploits as a punt returner. This three-time Pro Bowler was
also an all-star in the community during his time in the League. He was
honored as the NFL Man-of-the-Year with the Houston Oilers and Falcons because
of his community endeavors. The former Houston Oiler and Atlanta Falcon
may be best known for his creation of the end zone dance. Upon scoring a
touchdown Johnson would perform a variation of the Funky Chicken that came
to be known as the White Shoes Shuffle. Since retiring, the former star
has concentrated on another talent that had occasionally gotten lost in
the Shuffle: taking care of people. For four years he coached and taught
in Atlanta, including a stint at Morehouse College, and in 1992 he became
the Director of Player Programs for the Atlanta Falcons. Billy "White Shoes"
Johnson continues his work with Falcon players on community appearances
and continuing education, family assistance, counseling, financial decision-making
and off-season job training. Johnson was honored as a member of the College
Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and it follows up an induction into the Pennsylvania
Sports Hall of Fame. Johnson displayed his speed recently by winning the
2001 National indoor title in the 60 meters in the over 30-year old category
at a meet in Boston.
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