Billy "White Shoes" Johnson Coloring Contest
Billy “White Shoes” Johnson is one of Delaware County, Pennsylvania’s greatest athletes. Born and raised in Marcus Hook, Delaware County, Johnson played football at Chichester High School and Widener University, located in Chester, before beginning his professional career. At Widener, Johnson scored 62 touchdowns, rushed for 3,737 yards, amassed 5,404 all-purpose yards, and twice earned All-American honors in three seasons (1971-1973), shattering nine NCAA and 12 Mid-Atlantic Conference season and career records in the process.
Johnson overcame daunting odds to flourish in pro football. At 5’9” and 170 pounds, he wasn’t considered big enough to play in the NFL and thus wasn’t drafted until the 15th round (365th overall) by the Houston Oilers in 1974. Johnson proved his doubters wrong when, less than two years later, he was selected as the Pro Bowl MVP. He then overcame a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 1978 and 1979 seasons—an injury considered career-ending by many at the time. Not satisfied with his role on the Oilers when he returned to play in 1980, Johnson left the team and starred for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League the next season before staging a remarkable NFL comeback with the Atlanta Falcons in 1982. Prior to the 2000 Super Bowl, he was named among the 100 greatest all-time NFL
In commemoration of Johnson’s achievements, the Sports Legends of Delaware County (SLDC) Museum is joining forces with the Borough of Marcus Hook in raising funds to erect a statue in his honor. To help publicize, promote, and put the finishing touches on this effort, the SLDC Museum and Marcus Hook are sponsoring a coloring contest, which is open nationally to elementary students up to and including the sixth grade. Participants will be required to color a portrait of Johnson drawn by professional pastel artist William Sweeney of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Contest outlines are available starting March 15, 2022, at the SLDC Museum and the Marcus Hook Municipal Building. Students out of the area can download the outline on the museum website’s “White Shoes” page at www.delcosportsmuseum.org, or click on the pictures included here. Submit entries to the SLDC Museum, c/o Jim Vankoski, 301 Iven Avenue Wayne, PA 19087, or the Marcus Hook Municipal Building, 1111 Market Street, Marcus Hook, PA 19061. Prizes will be given to the first, second, and third-place finishers. All entries must be submitted by September 1, 2022.
For more information, contact Jim Vankoski at (610) 909-4919 or Jim “Boog” Laird at (484) 437-3654. Or visit us online at www.delcosportsmuseum.org
