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Billy Johnson enters his second season as the Falcons Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and will work with Evan Marcus, the Falcons' newly appointed Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.
"White Shoes" had previously spent 12 years spear-heading the Falcons player programs and player development department, dating back to 1994. Upon taking on his new role last year, Johnson assisted with the club's comprehensive season-long strength and conditioning program.
A former Pro Bowl player, Johnson was duly qualified for the new responsibilities because of his own personal life-long commitment to physical fitness, as well as his involvement with the Falcons' strength and conditioning program in recent years.
The former 15th round draft choice in 1974 by the old Houston Oilers out of tiny Widener College, Johnson enjoyed a record breaking career as a wide receiver and punt returner for 14 years in the NFL (and an additional season in the CFL) through 143 games played. He played seven seasons for the Oilers and left his name in the club record books seven times. After going to the CFL and having a 1,000-yard receiving season in 1981, Johnson signed with the Falcons in 1982 and established four more records before moving on to the Washington Redskins for his final season in 1988. His time in Atlanta was highlighted by numerous big plays and it was in a Falcons uniform that he set the NFL record for career punt returns and punt return yardage (that has since been broken).
A three-time Pro Bowler (in 1975, 1977 and 1983), he established three NFL all-star game records and was named the game's Most Valuable Player in 1975. Johnson was one the most popular players in the League during his days as a pro for his penchant for exciting plays and an end zone dance that is still talked about today. He was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time team as a punt returner. Johnson's popularity was also enhanced because of his many charitable acts off the field. "White Shoes was honored as the NFL Man of the Year with both the Oilers and Falcons because of his countless community endeavors.
Looking as fit and trim as if he just stepped onto his first NFL field, Johnson has competed in various national short distance races since hanging up his cleats and has been a past fixture at the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia, PA. Johnson is a two-time winner of the National indoor title in the 60 meters.
Billy has been recognized as a member of the College Football Hall of Fame (in 2000) and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
He and his wife, Barbara, reside in Duluth, Georgia. and have four children; Marcy, Kendra, Jared and Jazmyn. | 