NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Texans (7-6) AFC South showdown with Tennessee (5-8) in Nashville Sunday will be a tough test for a Houston squad that will be playing without rookie sensation CJ Stroud. The Texans will also be without Will Anderson and Blake Cashman on defense and possibly wide receiver Nico Collins on offense.
The game may also be hard for Houston sports fans to take. There are a few reasons for that.
First off, the Tennessee Titans will be wearing their throwback uniforms. You know the ones – the old Houston Oilers Columbia Blue color scheme with an oil derrick on the helmet. It will be the second time the team has worn them this season. The first time was in a win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Next, if Tennessee beats Houston, it’ll give the Titans 117 wins at Nissan Stadium. That’s one more than the Oilers managed in their history at the Astrodome, according to the Associated Press and Pro Football Reference.
And finally, while hosting the Texans, the Titans will be inducting one of the all-time great NFL kick returners into their Ring of Honor. The honor will go to old Houston Oilers star Billie “White Shoes” Johnson.
Who is Billy “White Shoes” Johnson?
Johnson played for the Oilers from 1974 to 1980 before going to play for Atlanta and finishing his career with one season in Washington in 1988. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the top kick returners in league history. He had 282 punt returns for 3,317 yards and six touchdowns and 123 kickoff returns for 2,941 yards and a couple of scores.
He was famous for his end zone dance after touchdowns and his white shoes. He told the Atlanta Journal Constitution back in 2015 that the nickname came after he decided to dye his shoes white in high school in Pennsylvania. After his coach initially questioned it, Johnson said he had a great practice and then a game in which he scored multiple touchdowns. After that game, a sports writer gave him the “White Shoes” nickname and it stuck.
Pushing for the playoffs, Texans turn to Keenum
At 7-6, the Texans are making a push for the playoffs, something they haven't accomplished since 2019. A win Sunday against Tennessee would help their cause. With Stroud out, Houston will reportedly turn to veteran Case Keenum over Davis Mills at quarterback. That's according to ESPN and NFL.com. While Mills has been Stroud's backup all season, Keenum has the big-game experience....something the Texans will need if they hope to stay in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
