Fansided

30 best nicknames in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Billy Johnson (81), who was nicknamed ‘White Shoes,’ celelbrates a touchdown catch during a 24-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on September 25, 1983, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Arthur Anderson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Billy Johnson (81), who was nicknamed ‘White Shoes,’ celelbrates a touchdown catch during a 24-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on September 25, 1983, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Arthur Anderson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

2. Billy “White Shoes” Johnson

The pride of Widener University, Billy “White Shoes” Johnson is credited with having popularized the touchdown dance.

Drafted in the 15th round by the Houston Oilers in 1974, Johnson got his infamous nickname based on the white cleats he wore. Johnson was a big part of the Oilers offense and their go-to return man throughout the 1970s, which saw the team make multiple deep playoff runs. He was a Pro Bowler in 1975 after returning three punts for touchdowns, which led the NFL. He also returned one kickoff for a touchdown.

Johnson returned to the Pro Bowl in 1977, and was named All-Pro, after returning two punts and one kickoff for a touchdown. He returned to the NFL in 1982 with the Falcons after a year-long hiatus in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes. He was a Pro Bowler for the third time in 1983 after returning a punt for a touchdown.

After each score, White Shoes would simply put his hands in the air and shake his legs from side to side. His celebration is still one of the most iconic in NFL history, and he also has one of the best nicknames in sports history.

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