NASHVILLE – Until Sunday, Titans receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine had only known of Billy "White Shoes" Johnson from afar.
He'd watched highlights of the former Houston Oilers receiver/return man, and he even broke out the "Funky Chicken" dance Johnson made famous in the past.
On Sunday, after his 33-yard touchdown catch from rookie quarterback Will Levis, Westbrook-Ikhine celebrated with the dance once again.
Then, in the locker room after the game, he crossed paths with Johnson, who was in town for Alumni Weekend, and as the franchise's "Legend of the Game." Johnson will be inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor in December.
"He was in there dapping guys up, and saying congrats," Westbrook-Ikhine said with a smile on Tuesday. "It was the first time meeting him, and it was awesome. It was so cool to meet him."
So, what did Johnson think of Westbrook-Ikhine's version of his dance?
"He gave me tips on how to do the dance better, but that's his own thing," Westbrook-Ikhine said, smiling bigger. "I don't think I could ever recreate it as good as he did. He's a legend, and it was awesome to have him at the game. Hopefully he comes some more, because there's a trend."
During his 14-year NFL career (Houston Oilers, 1974-1980; Atlanta Falcons, 1982-87; Washington Redskins, 1988), Johnson was named to three Pro Bowls. Johnson is regarded as one of the best returners in the history of the NFL, and he also posted some pretty good numbers as a receiver as well.
"He was electric," Westbrook-Ikhine said of Johnson, whose career stats include 337 receptions for 4,211 yards and 25 touchdowns, 282 punt returns for 3,317 yards and six touchdowns, and 123 kickoff returns for 2,941 yards and two touchdowns..
Westbrook-Ikhine said he loved wearing the Oilers uniforms, and having so many former Oilers and Titans at the game on Sunday.
"It was awesome – those were probably my favorite uniforms I've worn so far," Westbrook-Ikhine said. "It was awesome seeing (Billy "White Shoes" Johnson) and being around all the history, seeing the greats."
