CHESTER, Pa. – Billy "White Shoes" Johnson of Widener Football has been selected as a finalist in the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame.
 
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, a Widener alumni and football legend made the cut once again to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Johnson reached the semifinal stage for the second year in a row. Of the list of 31 successful candidates, Johnson will be in the pool that will be shaven to 12 on July 27. The selection panel will be comprised of almost 50 voters. Final considerations for the Class of 2024 will be made on August 15.
 
Johnson became a vital part of the Pride as one of the most colorful and amazing open field runners in college football. The White Shoes Wiggle was initiated as the standard Johnson celebration during his sophomore year which brought a roar of celebration. Johnson graduated with over 20 school, game, season, and career records from 1971-73. During his time, he obliterated nine all-time NCAA marks and 12 Middle Atlantic Conference records. Throughout his collegiate career, Johnson amassed 62 career touchdowns, rushed for 3,737 yards, and was named All-American in 1972 and 1973.
 
In 1996 Johnson continued to make history by being apart of the first class to be induced to the College Football Hall of Fame. The Widener legend was inducted to the MAC All-Century Team in 2012 and the Widener Hall of Fame in 2014.
 
Following his collegiate stint, Johnson went on to play 14 years of pro ball for the Houston Oilers, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Washington Redskins. Throughout his pro career, Johnson tallied 3,317 yards in punt-returns and 2,941 yards on kickoffs. Johnson is the only member of the NFL's 75^th Anniversary Team who is not in the Hall of Fame.