Billy “White Shoes” Johnson '75 is one step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Johnson, a Chichester native, was among the 31 named as semifinalists for the Class of 2024. The selection committee will announce the inductees later this summer.

Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl and three-time first-team All-Pro selection during his NFL career with the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. He was named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th anniversary teams. Johnson was one of the top return specialists during his career and still ranks seventh in NFL history in punt return yardage (3,317). He also is credited as one of the first players to display elaborate touchdown celebrations with his “Funky Chicken” dance in the end zone.