‘White Shoes’ dances into Philly’s sports hall
PHILADELPHIA >> Since he calls Atlanta home these days, and has for many years, former Chichester High and Widener great Billy “White Shoes” Johnson doesn’t get back to his real hometown as often as he’d like. When the opportunity arises, however, the
Football Player of the Millennium jumps at it.
This visit, though, was special because it was more than just a chance to catch up with family and friends. Johnson, a Marcus Hook favored son, was one of 15 individuals and one team inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Thursday night at Sugarhouse Casino.
“It feels good to be recognized for what you do,” Johnson said. “You don’t think about it when you’re playing, but it means a lot when it happens. It’s nice.”
Johnson was one of five people with Delco connections in the Class of 2018. Chester native Danny Murtaugh, who managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to a pair of World Series titles, also went in. So did former Archbishop Carroll coach Muffet McGraw, who has led Notre Dame to a pair of women’s national basketball titles, including the 2018 NCAA championship.
Ex-Villanova great and former Eagle Brian Westbrook also was part of the class, as was former Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer, who starred under Springfield native George Bennett at Saint Joseph’s University.
The impressive class also included Hall of Famer and ex-Sixer Allen Iverson, former Flyer Reggie Leach, boxer Benny Bass, swimmer David Berkoff, track athlete Donal Lippincott, former Phillie Gavvy Cravath, rower Joanne Iverson, baseball Hall of Famer and Negro Leagues standout Louis Santop, and sport writers Claire Smith and Mel Greenburg. The 1948 and 1949 NFL champion Eagles were inducted as a team.
The Super Bowl champion Eagles and NCAA men’s basketball champion Villanova Wildcats received the Pride of Philadelphia Awards.
“You look at the names in this class and it’s unbelievable,” Johnson said.
And yes, Johnson did wear white shoes for the occasion, which was only fitting since he is credited as being one of the first players in NFL history to do an end zone celebration, commonplace in today’s pro game.
What does he think of today extravagant celebrations that appear to be more orchestrated than spontaneous?
“I look at it as entertainment for the home team,” Johnson said. “It’s part of the 12thman syndrome. People see that and the fans get excited. Some do it for the marketing value, but I think it’s good up to a point. I didn’t do it to show up anyone. I did it to celebrate. (Widener) Coach (Bill) Manlove wanted us to play hard, play with emotion and have fun, so I did it to keep my teammates happy and myself happy at the same time. There’s no harm it in it as long as it’s not at the expense of somebody else.”
Johnson had plenty of opportunities to show off his moves after an All-American career at Widener that eventually led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996. A 15th-round draft pick in 1974, No. 365 overall, Johnson went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL with the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. He earned Pro Bowl honors three times, and was the game’s MVP in 1975.
Johnson also was a two-time All-Pro and a three time first-team All-NFL selection, and was named to the NFL’s 75th anniversary team in 1994. He also won the Comeback Player of the Year award from The Associated Press in 1983.
Johnson scored eight touchdowns as a return specialist and 25 as a wide receiver. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 3,317 career punt return yards.
He was just as active off the field as on it, as Bob Hyde can attest. Hyde spent 27 years in media and community relations with the Oilers and Tennessee Titans and developed a strong friendship with Johnson.
“Back when Billy played there was no direct deposit,” said Hyde, who made the trip to see his good friend inducted into the Hall of Fame. “Most players ran right to the bank. When Billy got his check, he came right to my office and asked if there was a school or visit or a program he could get involved with. So when someone called for an advertising opportunity, Billy was the one who got the call. He was a one-man communications department for a team that really didn’t have one. He was the best.”
These days, Johnson is retired and spends his time doting on his seven grandchildren.
“I’m just trying to live life the best I can,” Johnson said.